Dhaka — The ruling Bangladesh Awami League has rejected the election timetable announced by the interim government’s Election Commission for February 12, 2026, calling the schedule “illegal” and accusing the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration of bias that would prevent a free and fair vote.
In a strongly worded statement, the party said it had “closely reviewed” the EC’s notice and concluded that the current interim authority cannot provide a neutral environment in which transparency and the people’s will can be reflected. The statement described the interim administration and its Election Commission as unlawful and incapable of overseeing credible elections.
The Awami League recalled its electoral track record—having contested 13 national elections since its founding, winning nine and forming government—and warned that holding polls without its participation would risk pushing the country into a deep political crisis. The party said it remains committed to contesting elections but insisted certain preconditions must be met.
Specifically, the Awami League demanded:
– Immediate lifting of restrictions on the party;
– Withdrawal of what it called “fabricated cases” against Sheikh Hasina and other leaders;
– The unconditional release of all political prisoners; and
– Replacement of the interim government with a neutral caretaker administration before any national vote.
The party said that attempting to hold an election excluding the Awami League, other political parties and a large share of the population would deepen the crisis, and therefore it rejects the announced schedule.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the February 12, 2026 date on state television BTV and state radio Bangladesh Betar. The polls will be the first national elections since the student-led uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The February 12 ballot will also include a national referendum on the proposed “July Charter,” which would introduce reforms such as curbing executive powers and strengthening judicial independence. Voting is scheduled for all 300 parliamentary seats, marking the country’s first-ever combined general election and referendum.
Under the EC timetable, candidates may file nomination papers beginning December 29, 2025, and official campaigning would run from January 22, 2026 until 48 hours before polling day.
Political observers expect the main electoral contest to involve the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and Jamaat-e-Islami. The newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), which played a leading role in the uprising that removed Sheikh Hasina, is also expected to contest the elections.
