The Election Commission (EC) has outlined a detailed action plan to complete key preparatory tasks for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election by 30 November. The constitutional body unveiled its roadmap on Thursday, highlighting 24 major activities including stakeholder consultations, finalizing the voter list, reforming electoral laws, registering new political parties, and finalizing constituency boundaries.

Election Timeline and Preparations

While the EC had previously indicated that the next general election would take place before the start of Ramadan in February 2026, the announced plan does not include the exact polling date. At a press briefing at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the election schedule will be announced about 60 days before voting day, as per regulations.

According to the plan, by 30 September the commission aims to complete reforms to election laws, register new parties, and finalize constituency boundaries. The draft delimitation has already been published, with the final gazette due by 15 September and GIS mapping by the end of the month. A draft list of polling stations will be issued by 10 September, while the final voter list will be published on 30 November.

Stakeholder Engagement

The EC will begin dialogues with stakeholders in late September, continuing for over a month. Participants will include registered political parties, academics, civil society members, women’s representatives, media editors, election observers, experts, and representatives of the “July Movement.” The agenda for these discussions has not yet been specified.

Overseas Voting

The EC plans to introduce IT-based postal voting for expatriates. A mobile app for this system is scheduled to be developed by 30 September, with trials in October. Registration of overseas voters is expected to run from 11 to 30 November, and ballot papers will be sent abroad between 20 November and 5 January. These ballots will list only symbols, not candidate names. Expatriates must return completed ballots one week before polling.

Political Reactions

• BNP welcomed the EC’s plan, with Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir saying it reassures them that elections are moving forward for February.

• Jamaat-e-Islami dismissed the roadmap as “incomplete and somewhat misleading,” arguing that it fails to clarify the electoral framework or address the legal basis of the July Charter.

• National Citizen’s Party (NCP) criticized the announcement, saying the government had earlier committed to ensuring reforms and justice before elections. Ariful Islam, senior joint convener, argued that moving ahead without finalizing the July Charter contradicts previous assurances.

• Islami Andolan Bangladesh said people want a reform roadmap and implementation of the July Charter before election planning.

• Ganosamhati Andolan coordinator Zonayed Saki described justice, reform, and elections as the nation’s key priorities, welcoming the roadmap as a formal step by the interim government.

• AB Party also reacted positively but warned that unless confidence is built regarding law enforcement and administration, it will be difficult to hold a truly acceptable election.

Key Upcoming Deadlines from the EC’s Plan

• 15 Sept: Final gazette on constituency boundaries.

• 30 Sept: Deadline for electoral law reforms, new party registration, GIS maps.

• 10 Sept: Draft polling station list.

• 30 Nov: Final voter list.

• 11–30 Nov: Overseas voter registration.

• 20 Nov–5 Jan: Distribution of ballot papers abroad.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed added that while every stage presents challenges, the commission has the determination to carry them through. On law and order, he noted that responsibility lies with the Home Ministry, though coordination with the EC will continue.