Staff Correspondent:
The Election Commission is working in accordance with the law and the provisions of the constitution to organize a free, fair, impartial and acceptable election as promised to the nation, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin.
He said these things at a briefing for international observers and media representatives at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Wednesday (February 11, 2026). Four other election commissioners and Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed were present at the time. Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah answered various questions from international observers and journalists at the event.
The CEC said that the commission is firmly committed to organizing a peaceful, credible and participatory election ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum to be held tomorrow. Extensive security and coordination arrangements are in place with the support of law enforcement agencies and the government surrounding the election.
He further said that any electoral dispute will be resolved strictly according to the established legal and constitutional procedures.
Stating that transparency is the cornerstone of election management, the CEC said that the commission has prioritized transparency from the beginning. Journalists act as an important medium; if there is any deviation, it is revealed in the media. The participation of media and observers will play a significant role in ensuring maximum transparency and public trust in this election.
He said that access of media personnel has been ensured without causing inconvenience to voters and maintaining the confidentiality of polling stations. Domestic and international observers are welcome to observe the process as per the guidelines of the commission and they will be able to publish their observation reports and results after the election.
The CEC said that representatives of 45 countries and organizations, including representatives of election management bodies and international organizations, are participating in this election.
Regarding ensuring transparency in the voting and counting process, he said that all voters, regardless of gender and age, will be able to participate without any hindrance. Ballots will be issued only after proper identification is confirmed and the voting will be completed in secrecy as per the prescribed rules.
He said that today and tomorrow have been declared public holidays to facilitate the participation of voters. Voting will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm tomorrow. With the help of Assistant Presiding Officers and Polling Officers, the Presiding Officers will conduct the voting and counting activities in the presence of candidates or their authorized agents, accredited observers and journalists. After the voting, the counting will be completed at the center and the results will be announced. Later, the Returning Officers will compile the results and officially announce them.
The CEC also said that special importance has been given to updating the voter list nationwide. About 4.5 million new voters have been registered, of which about 2.7 million are women. Currently, the total number of registered voters is more than 127 million. Various development partners including the United Nations have assisted in this process.
For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will also be able to vote through the IT-based postal ballot system. Despite limited preparation and campaigning time, nearly 8 lakh expatriate voters have completed their registration, which is encouraging, the CEC said.
He said all effective preparations for the elections have been completed. All necessary materials, including ballot papers, have been distributed to the returning officers of the respective constituencies and are being sent centrally.
