The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is set to announce the schedule for the country’s 13th national parliamentary election and the national referendum on implementing the July National Charter.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin will address the nation at 6:00pm on Thursday, with the speech to be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the development at a press briefing on Wednesday at Nirbachon Bhaban, noting that the address, recorded earlier in the day, marks a decisive step in the electoral roadmap.
The national election and referendum are expected to be held on the same day in the first half of February 2026.
“While addressing the nation, the CEC will formally announce the election schedule,” Akhtar Ahmed said, adding that BTV and Betar completed the recordings following EC instructions issued earlier in the week.
Earlier yesterday, the CEC and four commissioners met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban to brief him on preparations for holding two votes simultaneously.
The president was given detailed explanations on ballot designs, mock voting exercises, counting procedures, and other logistical elements necessary for conducting twin electoral exercises on the same day.
According to EC officials, the president sought clarity on how the commission plans to ensure transparency, accuracy, and efficiency while managing both the parliamentary polls and the referendum.
The briefing reflected what officials described as the EC’s “full logistical readiness.”
The impending announcement comes amid renewed attention over constituency configurations.
On November 10, the High Court declared illegal the EC’s gazette reducing Bagerhat’s constituencies from four to three, directing reinstatement of all four seats.
The court also ruled that Gazipur’s constituencies remain at five, overturning the EC’s earlier expansion to six.
Responding to questions, Akhtar Ahmed said the EC plans to publish the schedule for all 300 constituencies.
“If any correction becomes necessary later, that can be done following due procedures,” he said, noting that the commission has not yet received the court order.
The EC has also decided to extend voting hours by one hour, from 7:30am to 4:30pm without break, to ease crowding and improve voter access.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the extension aims to encourage “smoother and higher participation.”