The Election Commission (EC) has held an extensive meeting with senior representatives from more than 30 relevant ministries, divisions and authorities to discuss 22 key issues related to the upcoming general election and referendum, both scheduled to be held on the same single day in February 2026, reports UNB.
The two-hour meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, took place from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm at the capital's Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on Sunday.
Top officials, including secretaries, directors general and chairmen, from major government bodies attended the meeting.
The bodies represented included Cabinet Division, Bangladesh Bank, Home Affairs Ministry, Public Administration Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, Finance Division, Law Ministry, Information Ministry, Secondary and Higher Education Division, Power Division and Armed Forces Division.
Among the 22 issues discussed were the repair and renovation of access roads and physical structures of polling stations and booths; preparation of panels of polling officers; ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply for polling activities; removal of existing campaign materials from electoral areas; preparation of action plans for collecting and compiling loan-default information; provision of manpower, transport, and logistical support; measures by local administration and government bodies to maintain law and order; review of academic and public examination schedules; strategies to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media using AI tools; and steps to ensure communal harmony and the security of minority communities.
FE report adds: The Election Commission (EC) is considering increasing allowances for polling officials to prevent them from having to accept hospitality from influential individuals in different constituencies, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Sunday.
"It is being considered to increase their allowance and provide them with some additional financial benefits for performing their duties during the election period so that they do not become dependent," he said.
The EC official also said EC is contemplating increasing the number of private chambers for stamping instead of increasing poling centres.
'This was the lesson learned from the mock vote that took place on Saturday, he said.
He shared the updates with journalists following an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area, ahead of holding the national election next year.
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