In Bangladesh, the Election Commission today began distributing ballot boxes and other election materials to polling centres across the country ahead of the national parliamentary election tomorrow. Ballot boxes are expected to reach polling centres by the evening. At distribution points, polling officials were seen collecting materials under the supervision of law enforcement agencies.

 

Officials said the items are being checked against official lists before being transported, and booths will be set up in preparation for voting. Polling will take place from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break at 42 thousand 779 centres in 299 constituencies. Voting in Sherpur-3 has been postponed following the death of a candidate. The EC said 12.77 crore voters  including 6.48 crore men and 6.28 crore women – are eligible to cast their ballots. 

 

The referendum, to be held alongside the general election, seeks public approval for key constitutional and institutional reforms under the proposed July Charter. Security has been tightened nationwide, with nearly 958,000 members of law enforcement agencies, supported by the army, deployed to ensure a peaceful environment. Checkpoints and patrols have been intensified in Dhaka, while CCTV cameras have been installed at more than 90 percent of polling centres for round-the-clock monitoring.

 

Authorities also said that over 20,000 licensed firearms were not deposited within the stipulated deadline, and legal action is being taken against those who failed to comply. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin is scheduled to address the nation this evening, outlining final preparations and urging voters to exercise their franchise without fear.