Bangladesh is set to hold its 13th National Parliamentary Election on Thursday, hailed as one of the most significant democratic exercises in the country’s history.
With voters hoping for a fair and competitive election that could restore true democracy, the election will determine the country’s leaders for the next five years and grant them a strong mandate to reform long-criticised systems.
Polling will take place from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm across 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies, with nearly one million security personnel and another one million polling staff ensuring security and smooth operations. The election for the Sherpur-3 constituency has been cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate.
A total of 299 public representatives will be elected from 2,028 candidates, including nominees from 50 political parties and independent contenders. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, in a brief televised address on Wednesday, called on the nation to maintain harmony and cooperation for a free, fair, and peaceful election.
A total of 127,298,522 voters from 299 constituencies are eligible to cast their votes, with 64,620,077 male voters, 62,677,232 female voters, and 1,213 third-gender voters. The total voter count in all 300 constituencies stands at 127,711,899.
Two major political parties—BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami—are competing in the election for the first time in decades, while the Awami League is not participating after boycotting the February 15, 1996 election.
CEC Nasir Uddin reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and participatory election. He also highlighted transparency in voting and counting, as well as measures to ensure voter identification and secrecy during voting. Around 330 international observers and 160 foreign journalists will independently cover the elections.
The introduction of a postal balloting system for Bangladesh’s expatriates, including 0.8 million voters who registered, marks a significant step in this election. In-country postal voting has also been undertaken for eligible voters, including government employees, polling officials, and prisoners.
The polling process will involve presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers, with candidates or their authorised agents, as well as accredited observers and journalists, present at the polling stations. Vote counting will take place at the stations after polling closes, with results announced and compiled by returning officers.
Candidates and Election Features
Out of 59 registered political parties, 50 are contesting the election, with 2,028 candidates competing for the 299 constituencies. Only 81 women are contesting, as several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, did not field female candidates. The highest number of candidates, 291, are from BNP, followed by 253 from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, 192 from Jatiya Party, 90 from Ganoodhikar Parishad, and 32 from the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP).
Thursday’s election will be unique with the introduction of a referendum, the fourth in the country’s history, held alongside the national election. A hybrid postal balloting system, combining digital registration and postal ballots, is being used for the first time. In-person voting hours have been extended to nine hours, and army personnel with magistracy powers have been deployed.
Security Personnel and Law Enforcement
Nearly 958,000 security personnel, including 100,000 army members, 5,000 navy personnel, 3,730 air force members, and 187,603 police officers, are on election duty across the country. The law enforcement agencies will ensure peace and order during the election, with police and Ansar members stationed at polling stations, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah confirmed that approximately 850 weapons have been recovered since December 13, suspected to be intended for misuse during the elections. However, he assured that the law and order situation is better than at any previous election.
Vehicle Movement and Voting Procedures
On election day, the movement of motorcycles, trucks, microbuses, taxis, and motorcycles will be restricted. The restriction on motorcycles will remain in place from midnight on 10 February until midnight on 13 February.
Polling Stations and Results
Polling will be held at 42,659 polling stations, with 50% marked as general centres and 50% as vulnerable stations. Results will be announced in phases, with most results expected by midnight, except for those from remote areas. Voting will be conducted at 42,959 polling stations, including those for postal ballots. The Election Commission has set up a system to ensure the transparency of the voting and counting process, aiming for a credible and participatory election.
