The Election Commission (EC) has urged the Ministry of Education to ensure that the upcoming SSC and HSC examinations do not coincide with the national election, which is slated for February 2026 as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed shared the directive on Thursday (October 30), following a high-level coordination meeting held at the Election Bhaban in Agargaon. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and attended by four election commissioners, along with top officials from key ministries and departments, including Home, Education, Power, Health, Public Administration, and Local Government.
“The Education Ministry has been asked to adjust its exam calendar so that no overlap occurs with polling dates,” Ahmed said. “We are making comprehensive preparations to hold the election in February smoothly and efficiently.”
Preparations and coordination
The meeting focused on election infrastructure, polling logistics, law and order, power supply, medical support, and budgetary management. The EC instructed the Local Government Division, the Directorate of Primary Education, and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education to prepare educational institutions that will serve as polling centres well in advance.
Akhtar Ahmed said the EC is preparing a complete panel of polling officials — including presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers — comprising teachers from government institutions and officials from state-owned banks. “We want impartial, skilled officers to ensure free and fair voting,” he emphasised.
The Commission has also asked local administrations to ensure road accessibility and basic facilities at polling stations, particularly in remote areas, and to make arrangements for helicopter landing zones where necessary.
Health, security, and logistics
The Ministry of Health informed the meeting that cluster-based medical teams would be deployed across all upazilas and unions on election day. Each team will include a doctor, a nurse, and essential medicines. The Home Ministry and the Ministry of Public Administration were requested to ensure the deployment of executive and judicial magistrates during the polls to maintain law and order.
The EC also discussed the coordination of transportation and communication logistics, including the management of vehicles, power supply, and emergency services.
Awareness and monitoring
The Ministry of Information and Bangladesh Television (BTV) were tasked with implementing nationwide voter awareness campaigns. The EC plans to use Sangsad Television airtime and BTV flash messages to educate voters on election procedures. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been asked to expedite visa processing for international election observers.
A Bangladesh Bank representative at the meeting informed that the central bank would require four to five days to provide an updated list of loan defaulters. The EC has agreed to allow this time.
Financial prudence and postal voting
The EC has sought budgetary cooperation from the Finance Division while advising all ministries to spend economically and avoid unnecessary expenses.
In a major development, the EC confirmed progress on implementing a new postal ballot system for expatriate voters, government employees, and election officials. “We have developed a trial app for postal voting, which will be formally launched on November 16,” said Akhtar Ahmed.
Symbol update and referendum talks
Addressing questions about the inclusion of the new ‘Shapla Kali’ electoral symbol, the EC Secretary clarified that it was introduced as part of a revision to the existing list of 119 symbols — not in response to any political party’s request. “Some older symbols were removed following negative feedback, and new ones were added at the Commission’s discretion,” he said.
Regarding the demand of eight political parties to hold a referendum on the July National Charter in November, Ahmed noted that while the EC has heard their views, “the final decision on the referendum rests with the government.”
With the February national polls approaching, the Election Commission is intensifying preparations on all fronts — from infrastructure and logistics to digital innovations and public awareness — aiming for what it calls a “smooth, inclusive, and credible” election.