Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced that the upcoming election represents a unique and historic turning point that will assist in restoring genuine democratic practices. In an address to the nation while unveiling the election schedule this evening, the CEC highlighted that the polls provide a rare chance to showcase institutional capability and rebuild public confidence.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CEC emphasized that the polls signify not only the restoration of genuine democratic practices but also a decisive step toward much-needed reforms. “This election is significant for several reasons. First, it will restore true democratic processes while enabling decisions on essential reforms,” he stated.
For the first time in the country’s history, both the parliamentary election and the national referendum will occur on the same day, marking what he described as a new electoral experience. He noted that the polls will offer all state and democratic institutions an opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism and regain public trust. “Following decades of democratic struggle, this election demands a culture of respectful competition among political parties in the national interest,” he added.
In terms of preparations for a free and fair election, he mentioned, “Over the past year, we have undertaken major initiatives to ensure transparency.” He pointed out that an accurate and comprehensive voter list is crucial, adding that nearly 45 lakh previously excluded or inactive voters have been included, while over 21 lakh deceased voters have been removed.
Earlier, due to proper registration of women, there was a gap of about 29 lakh between male and female voters, but awareness campaigns have significantly reduced this disparity. The CEC further explained that an amendment to the law now permits the commission to determine the cutoff date for voter registration, moving away from the previous fixed date of January 1. This change allows all eligible young citizens up to October 31, 2025, to be included in the voter list for the upcoming polls.
CEC Nasir Uddin revealed that, according to data published on November 18, the total number of voters in the country currently stands at 12,76,95,183, comprising 6,48,14,907 male voters and 6,28,79,042 female voters. He mentioned, “Over the past year, along with enhancing the capacity of the Election Commission, we have undertaken legal and structural reforms to increase the accountability of all concerned. Appropriate amendments and revisions have been made in the Representation of the People Order and the code of conduct for political parties and candidates.”
He added that the electoral reforms were implemented based on recommendations from the Election System Reform Commission, alongside the Election Commission’s own assessment and stakeholder consultations. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Interim Government, Election System Reform Commission, and the National Consensus Commission, for their cooperation in successfully completing this initiative.
The CEC further noted, “The almost non-functional postal voting system has been revised and a structure has been created for this election. Particularly, for the first time, our remittance warriors – the overseas Bangladeshi voters, one of the country’s driving forces – are being brought under the voting process.” Similarly, voters in legal custody are participating for the first time, he mentioned, adding that government employees working outside their constituencies and individuals involved with the election process will cast their votes through postal ballots this time.