Dhaka: The 13th national elections and referendum-2026 are scheduled to take place tomorrow, with voting occurring simultaneously in 299 parliamentary constituencies throughout the country from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any breaks. Following the death of a candidate, the Election Commission (EC) has canceled voting in the Sherpur-3 constituency, thus the elections will proceed in 299 out of 300 constituencies.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud has confirmed that comprehensive preparations and extensive security measures have been implemented to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. Nearly 900,000 law enforcement personnel have been deployed nationwide to maintain security during the election, including over 100,000 army personnel.
Commissioner Machud emphasized the importance of a peaceful electoral process, urging voters to attend polling centers in groups and exercise their voting rights in a festive atmosphere. He expressed optimism about the election, noting that many citizens have not had the opportunity to vote for an extended period. He also encouraged young voters to participate actively in the democratic process.
Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated that the Commission has completed all necessary preparations for both the national elections and the referendum. Administrative, technical, and security measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth voting process. Sarkar highlighted the deployment of the highest number of law enforcement personnel in Bangladesh's history to ensure overall security, with no major incidents reported so far.
The elections will involve 42,779 polling centers and 247,482 polling rooms. A total of 50 political parties are participating, with 2,028 candidates contesting, including 1,755 party-affiliated and 273 independent candidates. Among these, 83 are female candidates, with the BNP fielding the highest number of candidates at 291.
Around 12,77,11,893 voters are expected to cast their votes, comprising 6,48,25,36 male voters, 6,28,85,200 female voters, and 1,232 third-gender voters. Approximately 800,000 officials will oversee the election, including 69 Returning Officers and 598 Assistant Returning Officers.
Security measures include the deployment of 9,58,000 law enforcement members, including army, air force, navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel. Additional security includes UAVs, drones, and body-worn cameras for the first time.
The EC has appointed 2,098 executive magistrates and 657 judicial magistrates to oversee election duties. Furthermore, 81 local organizations will provide 55,454 observers, along with 394 international election observers and 197 foreign journalists monitoring the process.
Fifty-one international observers will represent organizations such as Voice for Justice and Democracy International. Additionally, the Postal Vote BD mobile app registered 15,33,684 voters for the election.