Bangladesh, August 18: Bangladesh’s Election Commission will announce its action plan for the country’s next general elections within this week, a senior official confirmed on Monday. The 13th parliamentary polls are scheduled for February 2026, with preparations now entering their final stages.
Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) that a draft roadmap has already been prepared and will be submitted for approval shortly. The plan, he said, focuses on strengthening inter-departmental coordination and ensuring all operational aspects are in place ahead of the vote.
“We hope to finalise and publish it within the week,” Ahmed said, adding that law enforcement and administrative officials are already active in their respective areas. He dismissed concerns about potential instability, stressing that “if everyone does their part responsibly, there won’t be any problem.”
Ahmed underscored the need for early preparation, saying timely action by all institutions involved would make the polling process smoother and more coordinated.
The announcement comes amid mounting speculation about the February polls. Leaders of the National Citizen Party recently argued that elections may not be possible without key reforms and the conclusion of trials initiated by the interim government.
Earlier this month, interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said the general elections would take place in February. The Election Commission followed up with a confirmation that voting is planned for the first week of the month.
Bangladesh last held national elections in December 2018, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won by a landslide. The February 2026 polls are expected to be closely watched both domestically and internationally, given the country’s political climate and the ongoing role of the interim government.