Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) today released a comprehensive circular detailing the procedures for the forthcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections, which include guidelines for the collection and submission of nomination papers, security deposit requirements, and other key aspects of the nomination process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the directive specifies the steps for obtaining nomination forms (Form-1) from the Returning Officer (RO) or Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), following the official announcement of the election schedule. These forms, along with supportive materials, have already been distributed to Senior District Election Officers and District Election Officers. A register must be maintained for the distribution of these forms. Eligible candidates, as per Article 66 of the Constitution and Article 12 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, are required to submit completed nomination papers and necessary documents to the respective RO or ARO between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm within the stipulated period.
The final date for nomination paper submission is set for December 29, 2025. On or before this date, candidates, proposers, or seconders must ensure their papers are received by the RO or ARO in line with Article 12(3) of the RPO. Upon receipt, officers will assign serial numbers prefixed with "RO-" or "ARO-" to each nomination paper. If multiple papers are submitted by a candidate, only the first will carry the full serial number, while subsequent papers will be marked with identifiers such as (a), (b), or (1), (2).
The circular also outlines the necessity for recording nomination details in a register and issuing an acknowledgment receipt that confirms the constituency, candidate name, and the date, time, and place for scrutiny, which must be provided to the candidate or their representatives.
Furthermore, the scrutiny of nomination papers is the responsibility of the RO, with AROs required to forward all submissions to the RO post 5:00 pm on December 29, 2025. The eligibility criteria for proposers and seconders are defined by the RPO, allowing any voter of the concerned constituency to propose or second a qualified candidate, but limiting individuals to one nomination endorsement only.
Political parties must ensure their candidates submit a signed certificate from a senior party official alongside their nomination papers. If a party nominates multiple candidates for a constituency, the final candidate's name must be submitted to the RO by 5:00 pm on January 20, 2026. This candidate will then be entitled to the party symbol unless they withdraw.
Candidates are required to deposit Tk 50,000 as security, payable via various financial instruments or directly to the Election Commission. This deposit is valid across multiple nominations in the same constituency, provided certified copies are attached to each nomination. Any cash received as security must be deposited by the RO or ARO into the government exchequer.