Bangladesh Election 2026: Complete Guide – Dates, Polls, Voter Info & What You Need to Know

Published: December 29, 2025
Updated: Latest election schedule, party news & voting info

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What Is the Bangladesh Election 2026?

The Bangladesh Election 2026 refers to the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled to take place on February 12, 2026 to elect members of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament). Alongside the general election, a national referendum on state reform — known as the July National Charter — will also be held on the same day. Wikipedia+1

This election is historic — it is the first major vote since the political transition following the 2024 mass uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. AP News

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Key Election Dates – Bangladesh Election 2026

Event	Date
General Election & Referendum	12 February 2026
Nomination Submission Deadline	29 December 2025
Nomination Scrutiny	30 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Final List & Symbol Allotment	~21 Jan 2026
Campaign Ends	10 Feb 2026 (48 hrs before voting)
Expatriate Voter Registration Deadline (via Postal Vote BD app)	~31 Dec 2025 (extended)

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Why This Election Matters

📌 Political Transition

Bangladesh is undergoing a major political shift — after the 2024 protests and regime change, the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus is overseeing a transition toward democratic elections. AP News

📌 Referendum on Constitutional Reform

Voters will also decide on state reforms via the July Charter referendum, which could reshape the political and legal framework of Bangladesh. Daily Sun

📌 Major Parties & Changes

• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, is a key contender, with Rahman returning from exile to boost electoral momentum. Reuters

• The main governing party in past elections, the Awami League, currently faces legal bans and uncertainties about participation. Bonik Barta

• New alliances and party strategies — including youth-led parties partnering with older factions — are shaping political dynamics. Reuters

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How the Bangladesh General Election Works

Bangladesh uses a First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system:

• 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad are directly elected.

• 50 reserved seats for women are allocated proportionally based on party results.

• A party or coalition needs 151 seats for a majority. Wikipedia

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How to Vote (Including Expats)

🇧🇩 Domestic Voters

• Make sure your National ID (NID) is updated and in the voters’ list.

• Check your polling station ahead of election day.

• Voting time on 12 Feb 2026 is generally 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. The Week

🌍 Bangladeshis Abroad

• You can register via the Postal Vote BD App to vote from overseas.

• Deadline for expatriate registration is around 31 December 2025 (may be extended). Reddit

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Tips for Voters & First-Time Guides

✅ Stay informed on party manifestos — understand economic, education, and social plans.
✅ Verify your name on the voter list early — avoid last-minute issues.
✅ Watch for official EC updates — don’t rely on rumors or unverified social media claims.
✅ Make a voting plan — know where and when to vote ahead of time.
✅ Respect all views — promote peaceful participation and uphold democratic values.