Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker has declared that the Election Commission (EC) has finalised all arrangements for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum on 12 February.
Speaking in an interview with BSS, Anwarul Sarker affirmed the state of readiness. “Now there is no preparation left except for the voters to go to the polling centres and exercise their right to vote,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while ballot papers are still in transit to some constituencies, the commission will complete the entire distribution process within the coming few days, ensuring all materials are in place before the election day.
On security measures, the Commissioner said the highest number of law enforcement personnel in the country’s history has been deployed to ensure peaceful elections.
“Such a large-scale deployment has never been seen before,” he added, while confirming that no major problems have been reported so far.
According to EC sources, ballot papers for the elections and referendum have already reached 116 constituencies, with the remaining to be covered by 7 February.
EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed explained that ballots had to be reprinted in some constituencies following last-minute court orders reinstating candidates, causing minor delays. He expressed confidence that all ballots would reach their destinations on time.
As part of the security plan, the army will be remain in the field for seven days before and after the election, while Ansar members will be on duty for eight days. Police forces are already deployed, with partial army presence in place.
In addition, 1,050 executive magistrates will be on duty from 8 to 14 February to operate mobile courts, while judicial magistrates will also serve during the same period.
EC has confirmed that 12,77,11,793 voters are registered for the election and referendum, including 6,48,25,361 men, 6,28,85,200 women, and 1,232 transgender voters.
Jhalakati-1 constituency has the lowest number of voters at 2,28,431, while Gazipur-2 has the highest at 8,43,333.
A total of 2,034 candidates are contesting across 300 constituencies, though voting in Sherpur-3 has been canceled following the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate.
Fifty-one political parties are participating, with BNP fielding the highest number of candidates at 288. Nine registered parties have not fielded any candidates, while more than 250 independents are in the race.
Voting will take place in 42,779 polling centres nationwide, comprising 2,47,482 individual booths. Dhaka-12 has the highest number of candidates at 15, while Pirojpur-1 has the lowest with just 2.
About 800,000 officials will be engaged in election duties, supported by 900,000 law enforcement personnel.
Observer participation will also be significant, with 55,454 observers from 81 domestic organisations and around 500 foreign observers monitoring the election.
Meanwhile, 15,33,684 voters have registered for postal voting, including 7,72,546 expatriates and 7,61,138 voters residing inside the country. Of them, 4,80,416 expatriates have already completed voting.
