With the upcoming national election scheduled for February approaching, the Election Commission and state apparatus are actively working to finalize preparations before the expected announcement in early December. The EC recently released the final voter list, approved the registration of two new political parties, and introduced a mobile app to assist overseas Bangladeshis in registering as voters.
Simultaneously, a large-scale awareness campaign has been launched by the government across all 64 districts and 300 upazilas to engage citizens at the grassroots level and enhance the festive spirit of the elections. In parallel, significant administrative changes are being implemented, with deputy commissioners in 50 districts already replaced, and the process of transferring police superintendents initiated on Monday.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure the upcoming elections are inclusive and transparent, as emphasized by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who reiterated the interim government’s dedication to conducting a free, fair, and celebratory election in early February.
The Election Commission disclosed that an estimated 12.76 crore registered voters, including 6.48 crore males, 6.28 crore females, and 1,234 individuals from the hijra community, are anticipated to participate in the national election. Voting is set to take place at 42,761 polling centers with a total of 2,44,739 booths.
Furthermore, the EC has granted registration to two new political parties, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist). While overall preparations are progressing well, the commission is facing challenges in conducting discussions with political parties and finalizing the list of local observers.
In a groundbreaking move, the EC introduced the “Postal Vote BD” app to facilitate postal voting for Bangladeshi expatriates in approximately 140 countries. The registration process, divided into seven regions, will run from November 19 to December 23, with specific dates assigned for different regions.
To enhance voter awareness, the government has approved a cultural affairs ministry proposal for a Tk 25 crore voter awareness campaign, including the production of TV commercials, video documentaries, and digital content displayed through LED activation caravans nationwide.
The EC’s electoral roadmap, unveiled in August, has been accompanied by amendments to the Representation of the People Order, 1972, and revisions to the electoral code of conduct. The commission has also engaged in discussions with various stakeholders and updated guidelines for journalists, observers, and polling station setup in preparation for the elections. Law enforcement agencies have affirmed their readiness to ensure a smooth electoral process.