Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Aug 6, 2025 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has made considerable strides in restoring public confidence in the country's electoral process, thanks to a series of reforms, stringent enforcement of election laws and efforts to involve the country's youth and expatriates.

These initiatives are seen as pivotal ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 2026.

In preparation for the polls, the EC received 148 applications from 145 political parties seeking registration. Of these, 80 parties submitted the required documents within the prescribed timeline, meeting the commission's criteria.

During a televised address on Tuesday, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus confirmed that the national elections would take place in February 2026, prior to the beginning of Ramadan. He announced that the interim government would officially request the EC to arrange the elections accordingly.

Speaking to BSS, EC officials noted that preparations are in full swing to ensure the election is held as planned.

They, however, emphasized that the core principle of democracy -- a free, fair, and neutral election -- had been severely undermined in previous years, particularly in the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections under the ruling Awami League.

The interim government, which came to power following the July Uprising, is focused on reinstating citizens' right to vote by revitalizing an electoral system that many believe was compromised during the last three election cycles.

According to EC officials, international democratic bodies raised concerns over the credibility of the Awami League's recent elections, which they considered neither free nor fair.

In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has imposed a ban on the Awami League and all its affiliated organizations, including front and associate groups.

As a result, the EC has suspended the party's registration, removing its 'Boat' symbol from the commission's website. This decision effectively bars the Awami League from participating in the upcoming elections.

Since assuming office on November 24, 2024, the EC has been meticulously preparing for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. In an unprecedented move, expatriates will also be allowed to vote, marking a major milestone in electoral reforms.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin assured the public that the commission is fully committed to holding a free, fair and credible election. 

He said, "Our goal is to present an election that is transparent, credible and acceptable to the nation." 

The CEC further emphasized that ensuring the right to vote has been a long-standing struggle, with progress only halfway complete.

"We've fought for this right for over 15 years," he said, adding, "When voters are able to cast their ballots freely, without fear or interference, we will know that we have succeeded in restoring the right to vote."

CEC Nasir Uddin also reflected on the EC's history of conducting fair elections, citing successful examples from 1991, 1996 and 2001 and underscored the importance of ensuring that issues from the 2018 elections do not recur.

The exact date of the 2026 election will be announced two months in advance, the CEC confirmed. "We will provide all necessary details, including the date of the vote and nomination procedures, with ample time for all stakeholders to prepare," he said.

The EC's eighth meeting on July 10 focused on implementing key recommendations from the Election Reform Commission. These include updates to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the Election Officer Special Act and other electoral reforms such as voter list updates, party registration procedures and the introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

On August 10, the EC is set to release the draft voter list, further cementing its preparations for the elections.

The interim government has allocated a substantial budget of Tk 2,956 crore for the EC, with Tk 2,726.95 crore earmarked for operational expenses and Tk 229.5 crore designated for development projects. This budget covers both the upcoming parliamentary elections and other electoral activities.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah expressed confidence that the commission would complete the election within the allocated budget, stating, "I believe we can manage with the current budget. If there are any issues later, we will address them."

As Bangladesh heads toward the crucial 2026 election, all eyes are on the EC's ability to deliver on its promises of a transparent and democratic process.