Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament Election and referendum began nationwide at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and will continue until 4:30 p.m. Voter turnout, initially low in the morning, increased steadily as the day progressed, with a notably higher presence of women voters. For the first time, voters are casting ballots for both parliamentary candidates and a national referendum simultaneously, using separate white and pink ballot papers.

The election marks the first major vote since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, following a mass uprising. An interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus took office on August 8, 2024, and is overseeing this election about eighteen months later. Political activities remain banned, preventing the Awami League from participating. Out of 300 constituencies, voting is being held in 299 due to a candidate’s death in Sherpur-3.

According to the Election Commission, 127.7 million voters are registered, with 42,958 polling centers nationwide. Fifty political parties are contesting, fielding 2,028 candidates, including 81 women. Ballot counting for both the election and referendum will begin immediately after polls close, with results announced together.