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Postal Ballots in Bangladesh 2026 Elections: Step-by-Step Timeline
Bangladesh introduced postal voting for the first time in its 2026 general election, allowing expatriates and select in-country voters to participate via the Postal Vote BD App and mail. Over 1.2 million registered, with ballots due by polling day.
Why It Matters
Marks historic expansion of voting rights to overseas Bangladeshis, enhancing inclusivity in the election amid political reforms by the interim government.
Timeline
8 Events
Reserved seats poll
13 February 2026
Election for 50 reserved women seats held post-general poll.
Postal voting period ends on polling day
12 February 2026
Postal ballots deadline at 4:30 pm; general polling from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm; votes counted same day after verification.
Postal voting period begins
22 January 2026
Voters receive ballots via app/mail, mark choices, and return them; coincides with campaign start. Ballots must reach returning officers by 4:30 pm on 12 February.
Last date for nomination withdrawal and symbol allocation
20 January 2026
Candidates withdraw by 20 January; symbols allocated on 21 January, coinciding with postal voting start.
Scrutiny of nominations
30 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Election Commission scrutinizes candidate nominations as part of preparations including postal ballot system.
Postal voting registration deadline extended and closed
5 January 2026
Registration window closes at 11:29 pm after extension; over 1.2 million Bangladeshis register, including nearly half in-country.
Postal voting registration opens
26 November 2025
Bangladesh Election Commission opens registration for postal voting via Postal Vote BD App for expatriates and in-country voters.
Official election schedule declared
11 December 2025
Election Commission declares full schedule, including postal voting from 22 January to 12 February 2026.