Your Guide to Voting in Bangladesh’s 2026 Election

বাংলা
বাংলা

Understand Your Vote

Voting in Bangladesh’s 2026 election includes both the national election and the GonoVote referendum.

This page explains:

  • How the voting process works

  • What the GonoVote is

  • Where to go and what to bring

So you can show up informed and confident.

Step-by-Step Guide to Voting

Confirm Your Polling Center Before You Go

You must vote at your assigned polling station based on your voter registration.

Check your location in advance to avoid confusion on election day.

👉 Find your polling center:
https://www.ecs.gov.bd

Bring Your National ID (NID)

You must bring your National Identity Card (NID) to vote.

At the polling center:

  • Election officials will verify your name on the voter list

  • They will confirm your identity before issuing ballots

  • They will mark your finger with ink to ensure each person only votes once

Without proper identification, you may not be allowed to vote.

Check In and Receive Your Ballots

Once verified, you will receive:

  • One ballot for the national election

  • One ballot for the GonoVote referendum

Before entering the voting booth, make sure:

  • Both ballots have an official seal

  • Both are signed by an election officer

If something looks incorrect, ask for help before proceeding.

Cast Your Vote

Fold your ballots and place them in the correct ballot boxes.

Make sure each ballot is submitted properly before leaving.

What is the GonoVote?

The GonoVote is a national referendum.

You are not voting for a candidate.
You are voting Yes or No on proposed changes to Bangladesh’s constitution.

What You’re Voting On

The referendum includes proposed changes related to:

  • Government structure and leadership

  • Accountability of public institutions

  • Representation and citizen rights

These changes could impact how the country is governed going forward.

How to Vote on the GonoVote

You will receive a separate ballot.

Choose one option:

  • ✔ Yes — Support the proposed changes

  • ✖ No — Do not support the proposed changes

Mark your choice clearly using the official stamp.

See the Full List of Proposed Changes

To understand exactly what is being proposed, review the official materials:

👉 View the full list of proposed constitutional changes
https://gonovote.gov.bd

👉 Election Commission Bangladesh
https://www.ecs.gov.bd

Find Your Member of Parliament (MP) Candidates

You vote for a Member of Parliament (MP) who represents your constituency.

👉 Find your constituency and see all candidates:
https://www.ecs.gov.bd

Check:

  • Candidate names

  • Their political party (or if they are independent)

Make an Informed Decision

Understand Parties + Candidates

Candidates usually represent a political party. Before voting, look at:

  • What the party stands for

  • What the candidate is proposing and what this means for you

  • Their background and experience

This helps you understand the differences between your options

Compare What Matters to You

Think about the issues that affect your daily life and community:

  • Cost of living and jobs

  • Education and healthcare

  • Safety, infrastructure, and local development

Choose the candidate who best reflects your priorities.

Use Trusted Information

Get information from reliable sources:

  • Election Commission Bangladesh

  • Reputable news organizations

  • Official candidate or party platforms

Avoid relying on:

  • Rumors or forwarded messages

  • Unverified social media posts

Polling Rules & Reminders

Bring the Right ID

You must bring your National Identity Card (NID) to vote.

Mark Your Ballot Carefully

Use the official stamp and select only one option per ballot.

Extra marks can invalidate your vote.

Follow Voting Rules

  • No phones or cameras in the voting booth

  • Do not take photos of your ballot

  • Do not wear campaign materials

Ask if You’re Unsure

Election officials can guide you through the process.

They can explain how to vote, but cannot influence your decision.

Vote SHE Workshops

These sessions cover:

  • Step-by-step voting guidance

  • How to approach the referendum

  • Common questions and concerns

You’re not alone. Many voters have come to these sessions to ask questions and feel more confident before voting.

Check back for future sessions or explore the information on this page to feel prepared and confident.

Want to walk through the process before election day?

Vote SHE is hosting civic education workshops around Dhaka to help voters understand how voting works and what to expect, including the GonoVote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?
We’ve answered a few common ones below to help you feel prepared.

  • Yes, but only you are allowed inside the voting booth.

  • Inform an election officer immediately before submitting it.

  • Yes. Voting is confidential and done in a private booth.

  • No. You must bring your National Identity Card to vote.

  • Ask an election officer. They can guide you through the process.

  • Mobile phones are not allowed inside the voting booth.

    You may be asked to:

    • Keep your phone with you but outside the booth, or

    • Leave it in a designated area as instructed by polling officials

    Follow the guidance at your polling center.