EC expands polling centers, booths ahead of election, referendum

The Election Commission (EC) has increased the number of polling centers and booths for the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and concurrent referendum scheduled for February 12.

The EC released final figures on Wednesday (January 28), reporting 42,779 polling centers—up from 42,761 in October last year—and a total of 2,47,482 voting booths. Approximately one polling center has been allocated per 3,000 voters.

A total of 7,85,225 election officials will oversee voting, including 42,779 presiding officers, 2,47,482 assistant presiding officers, and 4,94,964 polling staff.

The EC noted that holding both the parliamentary election and referendum on the same day necessitated the expansion of centers and booths, which may extend ballot counting time.

Bangladesh currently has 12,77,11,749 registered voters, comprising 6,48,25,361 men, 6,28,85,200 women, and 1,232 hijra voters. The EC has introduced postal voting for the first time in the country’s history, allowing expatriate Bangladeshis, election officials, and individuals in legal custody to cast ballots.

According to the EC, 15,33,648 voters registered for postal voting via the BDI App, including 7,72,546 overseas voters. A total of 7,67,188 postal ballots have been dispatched.

Voting for expatriates began on January 21, using black-and-white ballots for the parliamentary election and pink ballots for the referendum. Each postal ballot costs the EC approximately BDT 700, with no fee for voters.

Additionally, 7,61,138 in-country voters have registered for in-country postal voting (ICPVs), including 6,285 individuals in legal custody.