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.

With just one day left before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and referendum, Gopalganj district remains calm and free of violence despite early concerns. The election will be held nationwide on Thursday morning. Local authorities, including the district returning officer and law enforcement agencies, have held meetings with candidates to ensure order. So far, no untoward incidents have been reported since campaigning began on January 22, and officials expect a fair and peaceful vote if the situation remains stable.

The district administration has implemented extensive security measures, recalling past unrest from July 2025. Around 1,400 police officers, along with army and RAB personnel, will be deployed, and all polling centers will have CCTV and body cameras. Gopalganj has 1.092 million registered voters across 397 polling centers, of which 385 are marked as vulnerable. Thirty candidates from multiple parties, including BNP, the 11-party alliance, and independent contenders, are competing across three constituencies.

Despite the calm, uncertainty persists over voter turnout as some banned local leaders have urged boycotts on social media, creating unease among residents.

Voting for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election is set to begin tomorrow, with Bogura emerging as a key battleground. Across its seven constituencies, a fierce contest is anticipated mainly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Analysts and voters suggest that beyond party symbols, issues such as development, price control, employment, and local leadership credibility will determine outcomes. BNP supporters aim to secure all seven seats for party chairman Tarique Rahman, while Jamaat leaders expect to win at least two.

Bogura has 2.98 million registered voters across 12 upazilas and 11 municipalities, with 34 candidates from nine parties contesting. Political observers note that although Bogura is traditionally seen as a BNP stronghold, the party faces tough competition in six constituencies. Local issues vary by area, including river erosion, fair crop prices, infrastructure, and youth employment. A few controversies have surfaced, including allegations of ID card misuse and one candidate’s withdrawal citing unfair conditions.

Analysts predict a close race, with BNP possibly losing one or two seats due to its split from Jamaat. Voter enthusiasm remains high, with expectations for fair elections and development-focused leadership.

A joint forces drill was held in Brahmanbaria to ensure security at polling centers and prevent untoward incidents during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The exercise took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Suhilpur Union Parishad field under the leadership of Brigadier General Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury. Members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) participated in the operation.

The drill simulated a potential violent situation at a polling center where a group of attackers attempted to seize control and create panic among voters while taking the presiding officer hostage. Security forces, including the army and BGB, responded swiftly, using armored vehicles to regain control and restore order. A military helicopter was also deployed to evacuate injured personnel as part of the exercise.

According to the district returning officer’s office, Brahmanbaria has 805 polling centers across six constituencies, of which 574 have been identified as vulnerable.

As parliamentary election fervor spreads across Bangladesh, the nomadic Bede community living along the coastal rivers of Indurkani in Pirojpur finds itself once again courted by candidates but left without lasting change. Bede families living temporarily on boats in the Kacha and Baleshwar rivers say politicians visit them during campaigns with promises of education, healthcare, and security, but disappear once the elections end. Despite being registered voters, many Bedes cannot cast their ballots because they travel across the country for work and are often far from their home constituencies on election day.

Members of the community express frustration that successive governments and representatives have failed to improve their living conditions. Mirajul from Sunamganj says they have no homes and live entirely on boats, while Sardar Chattar Molla from Bikrampur notes the difficulty of educating children without access to civic facilities. Achia Begum, an elderly Bede woman, says she longs for healthcare and safety in her later years. According to the Department of Social Services, Bangladesh has about 6.3 million nomadic people, including over 800,000 Bedes.

Currently, two Bede fleets from Bikrampur and Sunamganj are stationed near the Shaheed Fazlul Haque Moni Bridge in Indurkani.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and national referendum, a four-day public holiday has prompted a massive exodus from Dhaka and industrial areas. Since Tuesday morning, heavy traffic congestion has been reported at Paturia and Aricha ferry terminals, as well as along the Dhaka–Tangail highway, where a 32-kilometer tailback has caused severe delays. Authorities are struggling to manage the surge in passengers and vehicles, with scenes reminiscent of the Eid travel rush.

Local correspondents report that many factories have declared three consecutive days off, allowing workers to return to their hometowns to vote and visit families. The sudden increase in travelers has led to overcrowded ferries and buses, with some transport operators accused of charging inflated fares. Passengers expressed frustration over the high costs and long waits, while police confirmed that additional forces have been deployed to ease congestion and prevent passenger harassment.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation and transport owners expressed optimism that the situation would normalize later in the day as traffic flow improves.

A mock drill was conducted in various areas of Chakaria upazila under the Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua) constituency to identify and mitigate potential risks ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The exercise took place on Tuesday, February 10, following a coordination meeting at the office of the Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). The meeting, chaired by UNO Shahin Delwar, was attended by Major Maruful Islam of the Bangladesh Army’s 39 BST, Chakaria Police Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monir Hossain, and officials from BGB, Ansar, and election authorities.

Following the meeting, officials jointly observed the field drill aimed at ensuring smooth and peaceful voting. According to OC Monir Hossain, all necessary preparations have been completed by the local administration and law enforcement agencies for the February 12 election and referendum. Security measures include installing CCTV cameras at 130 polling centers across Chakaria and equipping security personnel with body-worn cameras.

Officials stated that the mock drill will help authorities respond swiftly and effectively to any situation that may arise at polling centers during the election.

Hasnat Abdullah, the Jamaat-NCP alliance candidate for the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency, will cast his vote at his designated polling center during the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Party sources confirmed that he plans to be present at the polling station from the morning and will be among the first to exercise his voting rights.

According to the report, Abdullah will vote at Gopalnagar High School polling center in Ward No. 3 of Rasulpur Union under Debidwar upazila. His decision to vote in his own village center has reportedly generated enthusiasm among party leaders and supporters. Local stakeholders expressed optimism that the voting process will take place in a peaceful and festive atmosphere.

The report highlights that preparations are underway for the election in Comilla-4, with expectations of orderly participation from voters and candidates alike.

In Habiganj district, women voters have become a key electoral factor ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Out of 1.8 million registered voters, about 49 percent are women, yet they remain disadvantaged in access to opportunities and recognition despite their significant role in the local economy. Many women, including tea workers, factory employees, entrepreneurs, and students, expressed hopes for a government that will prioritize their welfare and create a more inclusive environment.

Tea garden workers such as Basanti Bakti from Deundi Tea Estate said they want representatives who will improve the lives of marginalized laborers. Female factory workers in Shayestaganj’s Olipur area called for a women-friendly government and safer workplaces. Entrepreneur Nazma Akter urged for more support programs for women-led businesses, while students and teachers emphasized the need for fair elections, safety in public transport, and a gender-sensitive society.

Habiganj has four parliamentary constituencies with 902,853 female voters, 915,740 male voters, and 24 transgender voters. Many women believe their collective voice could influence the election outcome and shape future policies toward gender equality.

Political tension has peaked in the Barishal-3 (Babuganj–Muladi) parliamentary constituency ahead of the February 12 election. The seat, comprising two key upazilas, has long been of strategic importance to major parties due to its geographic and transport significance. With the Awami League largely absent from the field, the main contest has emerged among the BNP, Jatiya Party, and the 11-party alliance candidate from Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party.

BNP’s vice chairman Zainul Abedin is contesting to reclaim the party’s traditional stronghold despite internal rifts. The Jatiya Party, led locally by imprisoned former MP Golam Kibria Tipu, is seeking to attract female and pro-alliance voters, while his daughter Habiba Kibria has been campaigning on his behalf. Meanwhile, AB Party’s central secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad has mobilized grassroots support through the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s organized network.

Analysts suggest that if voting proceeds freely and fairly, the final result will hinge on independent and neutral voters whose decisions could determine the balance of power in this closely contested race.

The BNP Media Cell has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ali Mamud, a journalist for the daily Dinkal and a member of the party’s media wing. In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the cell’s convener Dr. Mowdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel said the organization was deeply saddened by the loss of a devoted colleague. The statement described Ali Mamud as a sincere journalist and a wise, responsible member of the BNP Media Cell.

According to the message, Ali Mamud’s contributions to party activities and his support for democracy and independent journalism were highly commendable. The BNP Media Cell said his death marked the loss of a dedicated comrade within the organization.

The statement also conveyed prayers for the departed soul and extended sympathy to his bereaved family, colleagues, and well-wishers.

A complaint has been filed against BNP candidate Engineer Zakir Hossain Sarkar in Kushtia-3 (Sadar) constituency for allegedly violating the electoral code of conduct by hanging campaign posters. The complaint was lodged on Tuesday evening with the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee by Iqbal Hossain, a resident of Patikabari village in Sadar upazila.

According to the complaint, Zakir Hossain Sarkar, nominated by the BNP for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, displayed posters featuring his image and election symbol on electric poles and trees along the paved road from Taher Mor to the local market in Patikabari. The complainant urged the authorities to take prompt legal action regarding the matter.

The report indicates that the issue has been formally brought to the attention of the relevant election authorities for consideration and possible enforcement of electoral regulations.

Sheikh Neamul Karim, a Jamaat candidate in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, visited the graves of Selim Talukder and the father of Sharif Osman bin Hadi to honor the martyrs of the July uprising. During the visit, he offered prayers for their souls and expressed deep respect and sympathy to their families. The event took place on Tuesday and drew attention at the local level.

Selim Talukder, a resident of South Mallikpur village in Nalchity, was killed by police gunfire during an anti-discrimination student and public movement in Dhaka on July 31, 2024. His wife, Sumi Akter, was pregnant at the time and later gave birth to a daughter. Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convener of Inquilab Moncho, was killed by an assailant’s bullet. Sheikh Neamul Karim also met with the families of the martyrs and inquired about their well-being.

Many locals viewed the visit as a humanitarian and respectful gesture. Sheikh Neamul Karim has previously stated that if elected, he would donate his parliamentary salary to welfare and poverty alleviation efforts in his constituency.

The Bangladesh government and Election Commission have launched one of the largest and most technology-driven security operations in the country’s history ahead of the upcoming national election. Based on intelligence assessments and past experiences, 3,155 of the 43,700 polling centers have been designated as high-risk due to potential violence, unrest, or sabotage. A total of 900,000 personnel from eight security forces, including police, army, BGB, Ansar, RAB, navy, air force, coast guard, and fire service, have been deployed nationwide for seven days covering the pre-election, election, and post-election periods.

The plan includes 25,500 body-worn cameras, 1,000 drones, and 50 dog squads for real-time monitoring and incident response. Cameras equipped with artificial intelligence and facial recognition will stream live footage to a central command center, while GPS-enabled night vision devices will track field forces. In Dhaka alone, 25,000 police officers will secure 2,131 polling centers, with special attention to 37 high-risk locations. Authorities have also strengthened cyber monitoring to prevent misinformation and have set up layered security for ballot transport and storage.

Officials stated that the goal is to ensure voter safety, maintain public confidence, and prevent any disruption to the electoral process.