Government readies to finalize election preparations by December
Bangladesh Gears Up for 2026 Parliamentary Elections
The Bangladeshi government is making significant strides in preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for February 2026. Here's a roundup of the key measures being taken to ensure a smooth, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
Coordinated Preparations
The Home Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has directed all relevant ministries to complete all necessary preparations by December 2025. This coordinated approach involves multiple ministries working together to ensure a successful election [2].
Early Field-Level Preparations
Security and administrative officials are already focusing on early field-level preparations. The aim is to maintain fairness and promote peace during the elections. Cooperation among law enforcement, candidates, the Election Commission, and the administration is crucial for achieving peaceful elections [3].
Voter-Friendly Measures
Special polling booths and support facilities are being arranged for young voters aged 18 to 33, as well as for female voters. These measures aim to make the voting process more accessible and inclusive [4].
Security Arrangements
Each Returning Officer will form a law enforcement cell within their jurisdiction to develop a detailed security plan. Two gunmen will be provided to each returning officer and assistant returning officer for added security. A seven-day nationwide ban on the movement of motorcycles in electoral areas during the election period has been decided to maintain order [4].
Training of Personnel
A total of 8 lakh law enforcement personnel will be trained for the election. The Chief Adviser has approved the recruitment of 19,292 personnel for the election, and an additional 20,000 personnel will be recruited. Mobile court teams consisting of judicial magistrates with judicial powers will be formed in each district and election area to control violence and violations of the code of conduct [4][6][7].
Budget Allocation
While specific budget allocation figures are not publicly available, the government's active engagement in coordinating multiple ministries suggests significant resource mobilization. The Election Commission has been allocated Tk2,080 crore to conduct the election [8]. A contingency fund of Tk20,000 crore has been earmarked [4].
Transfer of Personnel
Deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), and officers-in-charge (OCs) may be transferred after reviewing their political affiliations [4].
Security Oversight
CCTV cameras will be installed in all polling stations, and body cameras will be mandatory for law enforcement personnel on duty at polling stations. The government is aiming to complete all necessary preparations for the next parliamentary elections by December [4].
Army Deployment
The army could be redeployed after the election schedule is announced [5]. However, the Home Affairs Adviser has suggested that the army personnel may be withdrawn from the field after one month, considering the law and order situation in the country [5].
Controlling Violence and Violations
A ban will be imposed on the movement of all vehicles except those operating on designated routes during the 15-day election period. Mobile court teams will be instrumental in controlling violence and violations of the code of conduct [6].
In conclusion, the Bangladeshi government is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the 2026 parliamentary elections. From coordinated preparations among ministries, early field-level preparations, voter-friendly measures, robust security arrangements, extensive personnel training, to significant budget allocation, the government is ensuring a comprehensive approach to support a free, fair, peaceful, and festive election.
In the realm of policy-and-legislation, the government has allocated a substantial budget for the 2026 parliamentary elections, with Tk2,080 crore assigned to the Election Commission and a contingency fund of Tk20,000 crore earmarked [8].
Exploring the realm of politics, the Bangladeshi government is implementing a series of measures to ensure a peaceful and fair election. This includes the transfer of personnel based on political affiliations, deployment of army personnel, and strict security arrangements such as CCTV cameras in polling stations and body cameras for law enforcement personnel [4].
