The Election Commission has announced that prisoners across Bangladesh will be allowed to vote in the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, with ballot papers to be delivered directly to correctional facilities nationwide. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed made the announcement at a press conference held at the Media Centre of the Election Commission Building on Thursday, 28 August, unveiling a series of key measures aimed at ensuring free, fair, and inclusive elections.“This is a significant step to protect the civil rights of every citizen, including those in custody,” said Akhtar Ahmed. “Just because someone is in prison does not mean they lose their constitutional right to vote. Ballot papers will be delivered to all major correctional facilities approximately two weeks before election day, allowing inmates to cast their votes under supervised and secure conditions.”The move aligns with constitutional provisions guaranteeing voting rights for all citizens over the age of 18, unless specifically disqualified by law—a category that does not include most undertrial or convicted prisoners in Bangladesh.
EC unveils comprehensive election roadmap
The Election Commission has laid out a detailed roadmap for the 13th national elections, outlining key milestones to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and well-organised electoral process. Consultations with political parties and other stakeholders are scheduled to begin in the final week of September, offering a platform for dialogue and consensus ahead of the polls.
By 15 September, the final boundaries of all 300 parliamentary constituencies will be officially gazetted, ensuring clarity and fairness in representation. The Commission aims to complete necessary reforms to election laws and regulations by 30 September, the same deadline set for the registration of new political parties, ensuring all eligible groups have an equal opportunity to participate.
Preparations for voter engagement and election logistics are progressing, with the final voter list expected to be completed by 30 November. In parallel, the registration and certification of domestic election observer organisations will be finalised by 15 November, reinforcing transparency and public confidence.
The printing of essential election materials, including manuals, posters, voter ID cards, and operational guidelines, will be completed by 15 November, ensuring all field staff and polling centres are fully equipped. The production and distribution of transparent ballot boxes and other election supplies will be finalised by the end of November, enhancing accountability at polling stations.
To strengthen technological readiness, digital display systems and real-time result monitoring equipment will be installed at the EC headquarters by December 2025, enabling faster and more accurate dissemination of results.
The formula for sector-wise seat allocation for the 13th parliament will be finalised by 15 November, providing a clear framework for representation.
Special arrangements are being made for Bangladeshi citizens abroad, with postal ballots scheduled for dispatch by 5 January 2026, ensuring overseas voters have sufficient time to participate.
Capacity-building remains a priority, with a two-day intensive training programme planned for 75 senior officials from the EC Secretariat, the Election Technology Institute (ETI), and the National Identity Database (NID). To ensure the swift resolution of election-related legal matters, executive magistrates will be appointed to operate mobile courts for a period of 45 to 46 days during the election cycle.
The final list of polling stations will be published 25 days before election day, giving voters and candidates adequate time to prepare.
Recognising the growing threat of digital misinformation, the EC will maintain a dedicated monitoring cell throughout the election period to detect and counter AI-generated content, deepfakes, and fake news, safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.
A step towards equal rights
The decision to allow prisoners to vote has been widely welcomed by human rights organisations and legal experts, who describe it as a landmark affirmation of democratic inclusivity.
The EC clarified that only eligible voters currently detained in prisons, including undertrial prisoners and those serving sentences not involving disqualification under Article 122(2) of the Constitution, will be permitted to vote. Each jail will be treated as a separate polling unit, with designated EC officials overseeing the process to ensure ballot secrecy and procedural integrity.
Ensuring integrity in the digital age
With rising concerns over digital manipulation, the EC has underscored its commitment to countering AI-driven misinformation. A dedicated monitoring cell will operate until final results are declared, working in coordination with telecom providers, social media platforms, and cybersecurity agencies.
“We will not allow deepfakes, fake audio, or synthetic media to influence public opinion,” warned Akhtar Ahmed. “Any attempt to spread false propaganda will be dealt with strictly.”
Towards a transparent and credible election
The comprehensive roadmap reflects the EC’s intention to deliver a well-organised, technology-enabled, and stakeholder-inclusive election. With over 110 million eligible voters, including first-time voters, expatriates, and now prisoners, the upcoming polls are set to be among the most expansive in the country’s history.
As the countdown begins, the message from the Election Commission is clear: every vote counts – even behind bars.