Dhaka: People across the country are delighted by the announcement of the election schedule as they would be able to exercise their franchise in the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad polls after a long time. In a pre-recorded televised address yesterday evening, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced that the 13th Jatiya Sangsad polls and the July Charter referendum would be held on February 12, 2026.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have welcomed the announcement of the election schedule. Reacting promptly, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told newsmen at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office yesterday evening, "Today is a day of joy." He emphasized that the announcement reassures the commitment of the Election Commission, the government, and political parties to implement the people's right to vote.
At Jamaat's central office in Moghbazar, party's Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair expressed expectations for the Election Commission to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election. Meanwhile, National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary voiced his approval at a press conference at NCP's Banglamotor central office.
The Dhaka University (DU) unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal celebrated the announcement with a procession, indicating widespread enthusiasm among students and young voters. In Bogura, the schedule announcement has sparked excitement among political leaders and commoners alike, with BNP's nominated candidate from Bogura-1, Kazi Rafiqul Islam, expressing relief over the anticipated free and fair election.
Rajshahi's political scene is similarly vibrant, with Mizanur Rahman Minu, BNP-nominated candidate from Rajshahi-2, hoping for the establishment of democracy through a fair election. Rajshahi District Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Golam Murtaza echoed these sentiments, anticipating a conducive electoral environment.
Meherpur District Press Club President Tozammel Azam noted that the announcement has restored normalcy and turned the atmosphere festive. In Naogaon, BNP nominated candidate from Naogaon-3, Fazle Huda Babul, highlighted the long-awaited opportunity for people to vote again after 17 years.
In Khulna, the announcement has dispelled election uncertainties, with candidates and voters eagerly preparing for a competitive and participatory election. BSS Khulna correspondent reports widespread positive reactions from common people, journalists, and political activists.
Across various districts such as Panchagarh, Satkhira, Chadpur, Narail, Chapainawabganj, Jhalakathi, and Natore, people have celebrated the announcement, taking to the streets in joy, marking a nationwide embrace of the upcoming electoral process.