Ballot papers reach 299 constituencies ahead of 12 Feb election

The Election Commission (EC) has completed preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the July Charter referendum, with ballot papers now delivered to 299 constituencies across Bangladesh.

EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed made the announcement on Tuesday during the inauguration of a ‘Media Centre’ for foreign journalists at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka.

He said all election materials for the 299 constituencies, except Sherpur-3, have been dispatched from the Returning Officer’s office to the Assistant Returning Officers and designated polling stations.

“Preparations for voting have been completed,” he added.

The EC secretary described 12 February as a historic day for Bangladesh, saying, “We will reach a turning point in our nation’s history by voting in the morning of 12 February. This will mark the beginning of a new chapter for our country. The path to this day has not been easy; many obstacles had to be overcome to reach this point.”

On the vote-counting process, he explained that once polling concludes at 4:30 pm, results from each centre will first be sent to the assistant returning officer. The returning officer will then compile the results and forward them to the EC, which will release the results in phases.

He also noted that, for the first time, a separate polling station has been established at the returning officer’s office for postal ballots. “Counting postal ballots requires a structured process and verification. While results from these centres may take slightly longer, the announcement will not be unnecessarily delayed,” he said.

Akhtar Ahmed emphasised the EC’s commitment to transparency, pledging to provide regular updates and clarify information as needed.

He also urged the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation and called on journalists to report objectively.

“No matter how difficult the truth may be, we will tell it. The truth is the truth,” he said.

The event was also attended by Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the EC.