As Bangladesh gears up for Thursday’s parliamentary election and nationwide referendum, authorities on Wednesday began the final nationwide distribution of ballot papers and essential voting materials to polling centres.
The process marks the last critical step in ensuring that millions of voters can cast their ballots smoothly and securely.
Reports from correspondents in districts including Sylhet, Gazipur, Lalmonirhat, Chapainawabganj, Barishal, Habiganj, Faridpur, and Cumilla indicate that presiding officers across the country are receiving ballot papers, ballot boxes, indelible ink, seals, and other necessary equipment in a tightly coordinated operation.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasiruddin said that all election materials had previously been sent to returning officers in their respective constituencies. “From there, the materials are now being dispatched to polling stations to ensure timely preparation for voting,” he added.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah noted in a Tuesday press briefing that distribution from assistant returning officers’ offices began Wednesday morning and is expected to finish by evening. “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that polling begins promptly at 7:30 am on Thursday,” he said.
Ballot papers carrying candidates’ names and symbols were first sent to returning officers on February 2. Other election equipment, including ballot boxes and seals, had been delivered to constituency offices in phases and secured ahead of the final distribution.
In Barishal, where 36 candidates are contesting across six constituencies, Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Khairul Alam Sumon said all logistical measures had been completed. “We will not compromise on neutrality under any circumstances. Distribution of materials will be completed today, ensuring a free and fair election,” he assured.
In Sylhet, Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Sarwar Alam formally inaugurated the distribution process around 10:30 am by handing over election materials to assistant returning officers and presiding officers. Meanwhile, in Gazipur, authorities are distributing materials to 935 polling centres across five constituencies under strict security protocols. Assistant Returning Officer and Gazipur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sazzad Hossain confirmed that logistical arrangements have been finalised and expressed hope for a peaceful voting day.
A staggering 127.3 million voters in 299 constituencies are eligible to cast their ballots, including 64.6 million men, 62.7 million women, and 1,213 third-gender voters. Nearly 800,000 officials will be deployed at more than 42,600 polling stations, supported by an equal number of security personnel to maintain law and order.
Election monitoring will be comprehensive: around 50,000 observers from 80 domestic organisations will supervise proceedings, accompanied by nearly 500 foreign observers to ensure transparency and credibility.
As ballot boxes and papers move steadily across the country, the Election Commission and authorities remain committed to creating a smooth, secure, and credible voting environment. The final distribution on Wednesday sets the stage for what promises to be a historic day in Bangladesh’s democratic journey, with the nation’s eyes fixed on the polls and the will of the people ready to be counted.