Election Day in Bangladesh was largely peaceful and orderly, according to the Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy (AFED).
Observers reported a calm, festive atmosphere as voters cast their ballots, with polling conducted professionally across the country. The national parliamentary elections and a simultaneous referendum held on February 12 marked the first competitive elections in Bangladesh since 2008.
More than 127 million voters were registered at over 42,700 polling centers nationwide. For the first time, postal voting was introduced for citizens living abroad, select election officials, and prisoners.
AFED, a coalition of 30 civil society organizations, deployed over 2,800 accredited observers nationwide, supported by 175 long-term monitors who had been following the election process since late December 2025. Observers worked independently under strict codes of conduct. The mission received backing from the European Union and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).
Observers noted that nearly all polling stations opened on time at 7:30 a.m., with ballot boxes properly sealed and voter secrecy maintained. Party agents were present in more than 90% of observed stations. Voting proceeded in an orderly manner, with queues effectively managed and identification checks carried out in at least 88% of stations. Priority was given to the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities in 97% of stations, although accessibility for voters with mobility limitations remained a concern.
Polls closed smoothly, with voters in line allowed to cast ballots in over 90% of stations. Counting began on time in at least 90% of polling centres, with ballots assessed accurately. Observers reported no interference in most locations, though access was restricted during counting in roughly 20% of stations. Postal ballot counting showed minor issues related to validity and technology use.
Party and candidate agents monitored counting, with BNP agents present in 92% of locations, Jamaat-e-Islami in 78%, NCP in 16%, and independents in 48%. Results were publicly posted in over 95% of polling stations. Women made up two-thirds of polling staff in observed centres, and national minority voters were treated equally, though accessibility for people with disabilities remained a concern.
AFED recommendations
AFED urged the Election Commission to ensure transparency in the results process, including publishing detailed results per polling center and properly integrating postal votes. Political parties were called on to channel complaints through formal mechanisms and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
AFED spokesperson Harun-Or-Rashid said: “Voters were able to cast ballots in a peaceful environment where candidates could compete. The day was largely calm and festive across the country.”
He praised polling officials, security personnel, political parties, and voters for contributing to a successful Election Day.
The alliance will continue monitoring the post-election period until February 26 and thanked its observers, volunteers, trainers, and international partners, including the European Union and European Partnership for Democracy, for supporting the observation mission.