The country is edging closer to its next national election, with the Election Commission (EC) expected to declare the schedule for the 13th parliamentary polls on 11 December, setting in motion a crucial political countdown.
The commission—constitutionally tasked with organising national elections—is preparing to meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin before announcing both the election and referendum schedules, in line with longstanding practice.
An election commissioner, speaking to a select group of reporters at the EC Secretariat on Thursday, confirmed that the five-member commission led by AMM Nasir Uddin will meet the president on 10 December at 12:00pm at Bangabhaban.
“The schedule for the election and referendum may be announced within one or two days after that,” the commissioner said, requesting anonymity.
Earlier in the day, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said Bangabhaban had been approached for available time slots on 10 and 11 December for the statutory meeting.
Traditionally, EC declares the schedule only after consulting the president. The previous Kazi Habibul Awal Commission met the president on 9 November 2023, announcing the schedule for the 12th parliamentary elections on 15 November.
Alongside the president, the current commission is also considering a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus ahead of the announcement.
According to EC officials, since the meeting with the president is fixed for 10 December, the schedule is most likely to be unveiled on 11 December. The commission will reconvene on Sunday at 10:30am to discuss the final schedule.
“The issue has been included in the agenda, and the schedule will be finalised that day,” an official said, adding that the meeting will also decide whether to increase the number of polling centres or rooms, and whether voting hours should be extended.
Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker reiterated that the schedule would be announced in the second week of December, adding that both the general election and the referendum will be held in the second week of February.
Historical records highlight the likely window. The sixth parliamentary elections, held on 15 February 1996—a Thursday—took place 55 days after the schedule announcement. This time, with the schedule expected between 8 and 11 December, polling in the second week of February suggests a voting day between Sunday and Thursday.
Bangladesh’s electoral history shows voting days have varied across the week. Among the previous 12 elections, the 2nd, 10th, 11th, and 12th were held on Sundays; the 8th and 9th on Mondays; the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th on Wednesdays; and the 4th and 6th on Thursdays.
For the 12th parliamentary elections, the schedule was declared on 15 November 2023, with voting held on 7 January—a gap of 53 days. Candidates then had 14 days to submit nomination papers, 4 days for scrutiny, and 13 days for withdrawal, including time for appeals and disposal. After receiving electoral symbols, candidates were allotted 19 days for campaigning, with voting conducted from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
