JS polls, referendum between Feb 8 and 12: EC Anwarul

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections and the referendum on July National Charter are likely to be held between February 8 and 12.

Speaking to Jago News on Tuesday, December 2, he said there is “no difficulty” in holding both the parliamentary election and the referendum between February 8 and 12, 2026. 

“It may be a day or two after February 8 or a day or two before February 12 – meaning any time in between,” he noted.

February 8 falls on a Sunday and February 12 on a Thursday, indicating that the election could be held around Tuesday of that week.

A commission meeting on the election schedule is set for next Sunday, December 7, where the final dates will be decided. The schedule may be announced two to three days after the meeting, likely around Thursday, December 11.

The Election Commission is also considering extending voting hours. Since both the referendum and the parliamentary election will take place on the same day, the number of secret voting rooms may be increased. Voting time may also be extended from eight hours to nine.

“Currently, voting starts at 8am, but it may begin at 7:30am. Similarly, the end time may be pushed from 4pm to 4:30pm,” Anwarul Islam said.