Bangladesh Election 2026: Bangladesh gears up for parliamentary elections on Feb 12, 2026; 12.77 crore voters, 350 seats, 42,000+ polling stations and postal ballots introduced.
Voters prepare to cast ballots at a polling station ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election on Feb 12, 2026 (Photo: File)
Bangladesh Election 2026: Bangladesh is conducting its 13th parliamentary election on Thursday, February 12, 2026 and will vote between 7: 30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. without breaks in the whole country. More than 42, 000 polling centers are set up and troops are being sent across the country to bring sanity and tranquility during the ballot exercise. The election is particularly important with 2,034 candidates competing on 350 seats of parliament and there will be a referendum as well, held simultaneously and first time in the Bangladesh history since independence, the possibility of postal ballot will be offered to 127.7 million registered voters in 42,779 polling centers.
Polling will be conducted seamlessly across urban and rural areas, ensuring that every registered voter has access to casting their vote. Observers will monitor the process to guarantee fairness, transparency and compliance with election laws.
Bangladesh’s unicameral legislature known as the Jatiya Sangsad, has a total of 350 parliamentary seats. These seats are divided into:
A party or coalition must secure at least 151 of the 300 directly elected seats to form a government and the reserved women’s seats are allocated based on proportional representation for ensuring gender inclusivity in governance.
The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has simplified voter access to polling station details through four convenient methods. This ensures that citizens can locate their stations quickly and accurately, reducing confusion on election day.
This app is designed for smartphone users and ensures rapid, precise access to voter information.
This method is ideal for citizens without smartphones or internet access, offering personal assistance to locate polling stations.
SMS-based services allow quick access even in areas with limited internet connectivity, benefiting millions of voters in rural regions.
This online method caters to tech-savvy voters and allows access from anywhere, providing official, up-to-date information.
When and where does voting happen?
Polling runs Thursday, February 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at over 42,000 centers nationwide, no breaks urban or rural.
How many seats are up for grabs and what's the majority needed?
There are total 350 seats where 300 direct constituency seats plus 50 reserved for women and pparty needs 151 of the 300 to form government.
What is new this election?
First-time postal ballots at 42,779 centers for 127.7 million voters, including overseas heavy security deployments
How do I find my polling station quickly?
Use Smart Election app (NID + DOB), call/SMS 105 or visit ecs.gov.bd EC tools make it instant for all voters.
Can I vote if I'm not on the list?
Check via app, SMS 105 or ecs.gov.bd with your NID, 127.7 million registered and fix issues before 7:30 a.m.
What is the plan for women in parliament?
50 reserved seats go proportionally to parties post-results and boosting gender balance in the Jatiya Sangsad.
