Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on January 22, 2026, that vote counting in the upcoming national election may take longer than usual due to the use of two separate ballots and a higher number of candidates across the country. He made the remarks after meetings with officials from mobile operators, banks, and the BNCC at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Ahmed explained that different ballot types are being used for expatriate and domestic voters, and that postal ballot counting at returning officers’ offices poses a major challenge.

He cited examples of constituencies with large numbers of postal voters, including Feni-3 with 16,038, Chattogram-15 with 14,274, and Cumilla with 13,939 registered postal voters. The secretary added that about 500 foreign observers and journalists are expected to monitor the election, with on-arrival visa facilities provided. The Election Commission invited 83 organizations, of which 36 confirmed participation, including representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and Turkey.

Ahmed also said discussions were held on limiting mobile and internet banking transactions to curb the influence of black money, and over 16,000 BNCC volunteers will assist in maintaining law and order during the election.