ANFREL-Statement_2026-Bangladesh-Parliamentary-Elections-and-Referendum-1

Bangladesh Holds Historic and Peaceful 2026 Parliamentary Elections and
Referendum despite Partisan Activities near Polling Stations Risking Improper
Influence and Clear Accessibility Challenges

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) commends the people of Bangladesh for their participation in the peaceful and orderly Parliamentary Elections and Referendum held on 12 February 2026. Nineteen months after the historic July Uprising, voters across Bangladesh
arrived at polling stations with anticipation to cast their votes.

ANFREL acknowledges the efforts of the Bangladesh Election Commission, polling officials, including security forces, support staff, and dedicated volunteers across the country in administering a generally orderly election.

ANFREL observers visited 414 polling booths across Bangladesh, including 169 in rural areas and 234 in urban locations, across all eight divisions of the country, covering 71 per cent of Bangladesh’s 64 administrative districts. ANFREL observers monitored the full electoral process from the opening of polling stations, through voting procedures during the day, to the closing and counting process.