Dhaka: Candidates, proposers, and seconders vying for seats in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election must submit their nomination papers in person, as mandated by the Election Commission (EC). This requirement is outlined in a circular released by the EC, emphasizing the importance of physical submission following recent changes in electoral procedures.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the EC has cancelled the option of online submission of nomination papers, a shift necessitated by amendments in the EC law. Deputy Secretary of the EC, Mohammad Monir Hossain, informed BSS that candidates, along with their proposers or seconders, need to hand-deliver their nomination papers to the designated Returning Officer (RO) or Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) as per the election schedule.
The circular further clarifies the appointment of divisional commissioners, regional election officers, and officials for key metropolitan areas such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna as returning officers for their respective constituencies. In other areas, Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been designated as returning officers, while Upazila Nirbahi Officers will serve as assistant returning officers.
In some regions, additional deputy commissioners, regional executive officers of city corporations, deputy directors of local government, and other officials have been appointed as assistant returning officers. These appointees have clearly defined jurisdictions and are empowered to assist or even perform RO duties if required.
Per the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, each RO is tasked with issuing public notices for their constituencies immediately after the EC's gazette notification. These notices will detail the EC-declared schedule and provide specifics on the submission of nomination papers, including dates, times, and locations at RO/ARO offices.
Nomination submissions will be accepted daily, including public holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm. It is imperative that candidates appear in person, accompanied by their proposers and seconders, to submit their papers. The public notices, including a specimen, will be prominently displayed within the constituencies.
The general election for the 300 constituencies of the Jatiya Sangsad is slated for Thursday, February 12, 2026, with the final date for nomination paper submission set for Monday, December 29.