Ballot Papers Dispatched to 21 Districts

With the thirteenth National Parliamentary Election scheduled for 12 February, the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has commenced the distribution of ballot papers to returning officers across the country. These ballots, bearing the names and symbols of constituency-based candidates, are a crucial component of the electoral process. The EC confirmed the development on Monday (2 February) from its secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka.

According to officials, the first phase of distribution took place on Sunday (1 February), covering thirteen districts. A second phase, beginning on Monday, will dispatch ballots to an additional eight districts. The distribution is being conducted under stringent security measures, ensuring the safe transit of the ballots and other electoral materials.

Ballot Paper Distribution Schedule:

The EC has stated that all electoral materials will be securely stored at the returning officers’ offices and transported to polling stations the day before voting. This ensures that each centre is fully equipped and ready for the uninterrupted voting process.

For this election, which will coincide with a potential national referendum, approximately 260 million ballot papers have been printed. The total expenditure for printing and distributing these ballots is estimated at 4 billion BDT. The logistical effort involved in preparing and transporting such a vast number of ballots underscores the scale of the election.

Security arrangements have already been implemented across the country. Law enforcement personnel, including police and paramilitary forces, have begun deployment to ensure safety at polling centres and to maintain an orderly environment. Officers will also oversee secure transportation routes for the ballots, from central storage facilities to individual voting centres.

Voting will commence nationwide at 8:00 am on 12 February and continue uninterrupted until 4:00 pm. After the polls close, ballot counting will begin at each centre under the supervision of district election authorities, ensuring transparency and adherence to procedural regulations.

The phased distribution of ballot papers to 21 districts represents a critical preparatory step for the EC, aiming to guarantee a free, fair, and well-organised election across the country. The Commission continues to emphasise the importance of security, transparency, and public trust in the electoral process.