A total of 481,185 postal ballots sent by expatriate voters registered through the 'Postal Vote BD' app have arrived in Bangladesh for the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Wednesday by Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the OCV-SDI project, which oversees expatriate voter registration.

According to Khan, as of 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, 766,862 ballots had been sent to expatriate voters through the app. Among them, 528,579 voters received their ballots, and 515,619 have already cast their votes. Additionally, 507,327 expatriate voters submitted their ballots to postal authorities in their respective countries, and returning officers have so far received 444,436 of those ballots.

The Election Commission has also begun sending postal ballots to domestic voters registered under the ICPV system. So far, 760,898 registered voters within the country have been sent their ballots.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC), led by Nasir Uddin, is preparing to conduct the 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum on the same day, marking the first such occurrence in the country’s history. The commission, formed on November 24, 2024, after the fall of the Awami League government, has had no prior experience in organizing elections. Despite this, it is tasked with managing two large-scale voting events simultaneously.

The report explains that under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), voters who find that someone else has already cast their ballot can still vote through a ‘tendered vote’. This ballot is kept separately and not counted. Additionally, if a polling agent challenges a voter’s identity, the voter can submit a deposit and cast a ‘challenged vote’, which will be counted if validated. The article also outlines the roles and appointment procedures for election and polling agents, emphasizing the requirement for national identification for polling agents.

The EC’s limited practical experience, having only conducted a small mock voting exercise, raises questions about its readiness to manage the upcoming large-scale electoral process.

Bangladesh will witness a historic event on February 12 as the 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum on the July National Charter will be held on the same day. The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that every voter must receive two ballots—one for the parliamentary election and one for the referendum. Voters may choose to mark only one ballot, but both must be placed in the ballot box. Any unmarked ballot will be counted as invalid during the tally.

According to the EC, voting will take place continuously from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the time extended by one hour due to the dual voting process. The parliamentary ballot will be black and white, while the referendum ballot will be pink. More than 42,000 polling centers across the country will conduct the voting. Both ballots will be deposited in the same transparent ballot box and later separated and counted individually in the presence of polling agents.

This marks Bangladesh’s third referendum since 1991 and the first time both a national election and referendum are being held on the same day, presenting a new experience for election officials.

An opinion piece by Sardar Farid Ahmad, published on February 11, 2026, argues that the upcoming referendum in Bangladesh represents a decisive moment for the nation’s political and moral direction. The author frames the vote as a choice between ‘Yes,’ symbolizing reform and a new democratic order, and ‘No,’ which he associates with authoritarian continuity, fear, and moral bankruptcy. He contends that neutrality or silence in this referendum equates to supporting oppression and rejecting the sacrifices of those who fought for change.

The article contrasts ‘No’ as a return to past dominance, corruption, and dependence, while ‘Yes’ is portrayed as a commitment to institutional reform, judicial independence, free media, and national self-determination. Citing political theorists such as Hannah Arendt, Robert Dahl, and Juan Linz, the author links the referendum to broader questions of accountability and sovereignty. He emphasizes the role of youth voters, describing them as a transformative force unwilling to accept authoritarianism or external influence.

The piece concludes that the referendum is not merely a political exercise but a moral test of Bangladesh’s readiness to embrace reform and reject fear-based politics.

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States would take a tough path if no agreement is reached with Iran. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday, he said that either a deal will be made or the US will have to take very tough action as before. Trump also mentioned the possibility of a second round of talks next week.

The warning comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high over Iran’s nuclear program and its recent crackdown on protests. Tehran has maintained that it will only discuss its nuclear program and will not give up its right to enrich uranium. Reports from Axios and Channel 12 indicated that Trump is considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, quoting him as saying that one fleet is already heading there and another may follow.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that he hopes talks with the United States will resume soon while reaffirming Tehran’s red lines and warning against any US attack.

In Cox’s Bazar, traditionally a stronghold for both the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the upcoming election has taken a new turn as the two parties contest separately. Historically, their joint candidates dominated all four constituencies, but this time the balance has shifted. Voters now expect BNP to win two seats and Jamaat two, though both parties claim victory in all four. Jamaat’s leader has already visited the district twice, while BNP’s chairperson canceled a planned trip.

In Cox’s Bazar-1, BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed faces a strong challenge from Jamaat’s Abdullah Al Faruk. In Cox’s Bazar-2, Jamaat’s AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad is seen as the frontrunner against BNP’s Alamgir Muhammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid. The BNP’s Lutfor Rahman Kajol leads in Cox’s Bazar-3, while in Cox’s Bazar-4, BNP’s Shahjahan Chowdhury faces pressure from Jamaat’s Nur Ahmed Anwari, a popular local chairman.

Observers note that internal divisions within BNP and Jamaat’s growing grassroots organization could make the contests highly competitive across the district.

Bangladesh stands at a critical political juncture ahead of its 13th parliamentary election, described as more than a routine transfer of power. In an opinion piece, Ruby Amatullah argues that the nation’s future could change dramatically if citizens consciously follow three essential steps before and after the election. These include treating the vote as a referendum for reform, choosing candidates based on merit rather than party loyalty, and compelling the formation of a national unity government after the polls.

The article stresses that casting a 'yes' vote symbolizes public endorsement of democracy, accountability, and reform, while abstaining from voting perpetuates corruption and misuse of power. It calls on voters to reject blind partisanship and elect honest, capable representatives who understand constitutional responsibilities. The author cites examples from other nations that overcame crises through coalition or unity governments.

According to the piece, a national unity government is vital for rebuilding key state institutions such as the judiciary, administration, and security sectors. If these three conditions are met, Bangladesh could achieve balanced governance, institutional reform, and renewed public trust in democracy.

The final day of campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary election in Chattogram concluded in a largely peaceful and festive atmosphere across 16 constituencies. Candidates and their supporters wrapped up their activities without major incidents, a stark contrast to the pre-schedule period marked by violence and 24 killings linked to political rivalries. Authorities credit the calm to the responsible behavior of candidates and tolerance among party activists.

Despite the peaceful campaign, concerns remain over potential violence on election day. Law enforcement agencies are focusing on controlling five armed groups allegedly led by two expatriate crime figures, Sazzad Ali Khan and Habib Khan, both accused in major murder cases. Intelligence sources report that these groups, composed of hired shooters, remain active locally. Allegations have also surfaced linking some BNP and Jamaat leaders to these networks, though the accused politicians deny involvement.

Returning Officer Zahidul Islam Miah said extensive security measures are in place, including heavy deployment of law enforcement and 115 magistrates. He expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to counter any attempt to disrupt the polls and urged all parties to maintain the festive spirit on election day.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh on Tuesday released the wealth statements of the advisers to the interim government, revealing that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s total assets increased by Tk 16.1 million over the past fiscal year. His wealth rose from Tk 141.4 million on June 30, 2024, to Tk 156.2 million on June 30, 2025, mainly due to encashment of savings certificates, growth in deposits, and inherited shares. In contrast, his wife Afrozi Yunus’s assets declined by Tk 8.4 million during the same period.

According to the published data, Dr. Yunus’s financial assets now stand at Tk 147.6 million, while his non-financial assets amount to Tk 2.1 million. He also holds Tk 6.4 million in overseas assets. The Cabinet Division report also detailed the wealth of other advisers, including increases for Adilur Rahman Khan, Wahiduddin Mahmud, and others, and decreases for Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The most affluent adviser is Sheikh Bashiruddin, with assets totaling Tk 916.5 million.

The publication follows Dr. Yunus’s earlier commitment in August 2024 to make asset declarations mandatory for all advisers and, eventually, for all government officials as part of anti-corruption measures.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin will deliver a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. The Election Commission confirmed on Tuesday that the speech was recorded earlier that evening and will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and all private TV and radio channels.

According to Election Commission sources, the CEC is expected to inform citizens about the overall election preparations and urge voters to exercise their voting rights without fear. His address will also cover the distribution of election materials nationwide, security arrangements for 42,659 polling centers, and deployment of 958,000 law enforcement personnel. He will highlight the use of CCTV cameras and drone surveillance to ensure a fair environment and reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to holding a free, neutral, and participatory election.

The report notes that in his previous national address on December 11 of the previous year, the CEC had announced the election schedule.

Mahmudur Rahman, writing on February 11, 2026, called for a renewed national unity against fascism ahead of Bangladesh’s national election scheduled for the next day. He urged voters to reject parties and candidates he associated with past authoritarianism, corruption, and foreign influence, particularly those he accused of enabling Sheikh Hasina’s rule and Indian dominance. Rahman also encouraged citizens to support a referendum option symbolizing freedom and equality, portraying it as a choice between democracy and subjugation.

He argued that the upcoming election campaign had been notably less violent than previous ones, crediting the absence of the banned Awami League for the relative calm. Rahman recounted historical incidents of violence he attributed to the Awami League and warned against rehabilitating the party before it reformed. He expressed hope that a democratically elected government would take office before Ramadan and dismissed the idea of a national government, citing past misuse of the concept.

Rahman concluded by urging both government and opposition to unite on five issues: resisting foreign dominance, preventing fascism’s return, ensuring justice for past killings, and guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens.

The Road Transport and Highways Division of Bangladesh has imposed a nationwide ban on motorcycle movement for 72 hours starting from midnight on February 10, 2026. The restriction, announced through a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Al-Amin Md. Nurul Islam of the BRTA Establishment Branch, is part of security measures for the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

According to the circular, the motorcycle ban will remain effective until midnight on February 13. Additionally, the movement of taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be restricted for 24 hours from midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12. Exceptions apply to vehicles used by law enforcement, armed forces, administration, accredited observers, emergency services, and media, as well as those carrying medicines, newspapers, or passengers to and from airports with valid proof.

The circular also authorizes district magistrates and metropolitan police commissioners to impose or relax vehicle restrictions as needed during the election period.

Ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum, authorities in Khansama upazila of Dinajpur have heightened security after identifying 44 out of 52 polling centers as risky. All centers have been brought under CCTV surveillance, and the entire upazila has been placed under strict security coverage. Law enforcement agencies cited past electoral violence, political tensions, local disputes, and geographical factors as reasons for the classification.

To maintain order, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh, three platoons of the army, and one platoon of Battalion Ansar have been deployed. Each polling center will have 13 Ansar members, including three armed personnel, supported by regular police patrols and intelligence monitoring. Local voters expressed both confidence and concern, noting that the extensive security measures reflect the sensitivity of the situation.

Officials stated that gatherings, processions, and suspicious activities near polling areas are being closely monitored. Reserve army teams are on standby for rapid intervention if unrest occurs, and movement of polling officials in risky centers is under special caution.

Bangladesh is set to hold its 13th National Parliamentary Election and a constitutional referendum on February 12, 2026, marking what is described as the country’s first major step toward restoring democracy after two decades of authoritarian rule. The election follows the fall of the previous government in mid-2024 and the formation of an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who pledged to organize a free and festive vote. Fifty-one of the country’s 59 registered political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, are participating, while the Awami League remains banned.

The Election Commission has promised a free, fair, and credible process, deploying one hundred thousand soldiers and nine hundred thousand law enforcement officers to ensure security. Voters will cast two ballots—one for parliament and another for the “July Charter” constitutional reform. The campaign period has been largely peaceful and heavily digital, with social media playing a central role. Analysts note that while the election represents a symbolic democratic milestone, its success will depend on post-election stability and the new government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The vote is widely viewed as a historic opportunity for citizens to reclaim their electoral rights after 15 years of manipulated elections.

In Rangpur, just hours before the start of parliamentary and referendum voting, leaders of the 11-party alliance have alleged widespread irregularities and use of black money by rival candidates. They claimed that despite the official end of campaigning, candidates continued distributing cash, saris, and lungis to voters. The alliance particularly accused Jatiya Party candidates of openly hosting feasts and handing out money, while the administration allegedly remained silent. A total of 43 candidates are contesting across six constituencies in Rangpur.

The alliance also accused BNP candidates of violating the electoral code by keeping colorful banners and posters displayed in public areas. Complaints were reportedly filed with authorities, but no action was taken. In several constituencies, including Rangpur-1 through Rangpur-6, specific candidates from BNP and Jatiya Party were named in allegations of bribery and intimidation. The 11-party leaders said the Election Commission had failed to ensure a level playing field.

Rangpur’s returning officer and district commissioner Enamul Ahsan denied any bias, stating that law enforcement and executive magistrates were active in the field and that any verified complaint would be addressed immediately.