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2026 Bangladesh General Election and Constitutional Referendum Amid Concerns of Prolonged Instability
Bangladesh will hold general elections and a constitutional referendum on February 12, 2026, under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Political parties and experts express concerns that the dual vote and reform implementation may extend instability following the 2024 ousting of Sheikh Hasina.
Why It Matters
The elections mark Bangladesh's return to democratic rule after the 2024 Monsoon Revolution. The concurrent referendum on constitutional reforms, including governance restructuring, could shape future stability but risks disputes over implementation and public discontent.
Timeline
13 Events
Reserved seats poll
13 February 2026
Polling for reserved seats in parliament.
General election and constitutional referendum
12 February 2026
Voters cast ballots for 13th parliamentary elections and referendum on July Charter reforms from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vote counting begins same day.
Campaign period ends
10 February 2026
Campaigning concludes ahead of polling day.
Symbol allocation and campaign start
21 January 2026
Election symbols allocated on 21 January; campaign period starts on 22 January; postal voting begins.
Last date for nomination withdrawal
20 January 2026
Candidates withdraw nominations by this date.
Nomination scrutiny period
30 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Election Commission scrutinizes nominations.
Candidate application deadline
29 December 2025
Deadline for candidates to submit applications passes.
Election schedule declared
11 December 2025
Election Commission declares official schedule for the 13th parliamentary elections and referendum.
President issues July Charter implementation order
13 November 2025
President Mohammed Shahabuddin issues order authorizing the Election Commission to organize the referendum on July Charter reforms.
IRI pre-election assessment mission
20 October 2025
International Republican Institute conducts assessment, noting party divisions over referendum timing and July Charter implementation.
Official declaration of election schedule
5 August 2025
Yunus announces in a televised broadcast that elections will be held in February 2026 before Ramadan, at the request to the Election Commission.
Chief Adviser Yunus announces election timeline
6 June 2025
In a televised address, Yunus declares general elections for the first half of April 2026.
Sheikh Hasina ousted in Monsoon Revolution
August 2024
Popular uprising known as the Monsoon Revolution topples Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leading to an interim government under Muhammad Yunus.