Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) is actively advancing its preparations to conduct the 13th parliamentary elections on schedule. This follows the announcement by the Interim Government’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, indicating that the elections could take place anytime between December 2025 and June 2026. The EC has been instructed to expedite essential tasks to remain ready for this timeline.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “No matter what the election time may be, the EC has to be ready. We are now focusing on our preparations.” The election preparations include updating voter lists, redrawing constituency boundaries, renovating polling stations, procuring voting equipment, registering new political parties, amending election laws, and training election officials.
The EC’s strategy also involves stakeholder dialogues and revisions to laws and regulations, such as the RPO, to ensure smooth conduct of the elections. EC officials are awaiting directives from the Electoral Reforms Commission and the National Consensus Commission to finalize these efforts.
CEC Nasir Uddin assured that the election date and schedule would be announced on time. Though continuous communication with the government is not taking place, interactions occur to ensure the election schedule remains on track. “What we call an action plan, many people call it a roadmap. The work of preparing it has actually started since we took charge,” he added.
The Commission recently approved the Political Parties and Candidates Code of Conduct, 2025, prohibiting poster use in elections and introducing environmentally friendly campaign provisions. The demarcation of parliamentary constituencies is also progressing, with 638 applications submitted for 76 constituencies.
The voter list preparation is nearing completion, set to finalize by June 30. EC officials report that the tender process for procuring necessary election materials is almost concluded, with work orders expected by early July.
In addition to these tasks, preparations for constructing voting centers are underway, and significant progress has been made on finalizing observer policies. The deadline for new political party registration applications is June 22.
Election Commission Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz confirmed the near completion of the voter list and the draft code of conduct. He also highlighted the ongoing demarcation of constituencies and the near completion of the tender evaluation process for election materials. Necessary legal amendments are also being pursued to ensure the elections occur as planned.
Despite the complexities, KM Ali Newaz expressed confidence in successfully conducting the national elections, stating, “We must proceed with great care. From that perspective, we are preparing thoroughly to ensure the elections are completed successfully.”