Campaigning Ends as Bangladesh Prepares for 13th National Election on February 12

Election campaigning for Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election and referendum has officially ended, closing a 20‑day period that began on January 22. All forms of campaigning were required to stop 48 hours before voting, and the blackout period took effect at 7:30am on February 10.

Voters will head to the polls on February 12, casting ballots in 299 constituencies from 7:30am to 4:30pm using transparent ballot boxes and paper ballots. One constituency Sherpur‑3 has had its election cancelled following the death of candidate Nuruzzaman Badol on February 2.

Under the Representation of the People Order, all campaign activities must cease 48 hours before voting. The Election Commission has reiterated that this rule will be strictly enforced.

A total of 51 political parties are contesting the election, with 2,034 candidates, including 275 independents. Voting will take place across 42,779 polling centres.

Bangladesh has 127,711,793 registered voters, including 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 third‑gender voters.