13th National Election likely in second week of February: EC Commissioner

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar on Tuesday said the 13th National Parliament Election and the national referendum are likely to be held in the second week of February.

Speaking to reporters on 2 December, he also hinted at a possible polling date.

“February 8 is a Sunday, and the 12th is a Thursday. Considering this, the parliamentary election may take place around Tuesday, 10 February,” he said.

Responding to a question on the likely schedule for the national election and referendum, Anwarul Islam said the polls could be held anytime between 8 and 12 February. “It may be one or two days after the 8th, or one or two days before the 12th. So, it could fall somewhere in between,” he added.

The Election Commission will hold a meeting next Sunday (7 December) to finalise the schedule and polling date. The poll schedule may be announced on Thursday (11 December), keeping a two- to three-day gap after the meeting.

The EC is also considering extending the voting hours. Since both the parliamentary election and the referendum will be held on the same day, the number of secret voting booths may be increased. Voting time may also be extended by an hour, making it nine hours in total.

“Currently, voting starts at 8:00 am. This may be brought forward to 7:30 am. Similarly, the end time may be extended from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm,” Anwarul Islam said.