Bangladesh to Hold Presidential Election on August 20
Upcoming Presidential Election in Bangladesh
Representational Image
Dhaka, August 6: The Election Commission of Bangladesh has officially declared that the presidential election will take place on August 20.
This election was called following the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin, a close associate of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down on July 24, two years prior to the conclusion of his term.
During the announcement, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, Akhtar Ahmed, stated that voting is scheduled for August 20, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) session hall.
As per the election timeline, candidates must submit their nomination papers at the Chief Election Commissioner's office between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on August 13. The verification of these papers will occur starting at 10:00 AM on August 16.
The deadline for candidates to withdraw their nominations is set for 4:00 PM on August 18.
According to state-run BSS news agency, Ahmed informed the media that the election schedule was established after consultations with Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, who is currently acting as President for a 90-day term as per constitutional provisions.
Ahmed also mentioned that the voter list has been finalized and all necessary administrative tasks will be completed ahead of the election.
Shahabuddin, a veteran of the 1971 Liberation War and a former judge, had assumed office in April 2023 for a five-year term.
He cited health issues as the reason for his resignation, although there were rumors suggesting that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was uneasy with his largely ceremonial role.
Reports indicated that Shahabuddin had reached out to Hasina, which reportedly displeased the leadership of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The former president dismissed these claims as "baseless."
Shahabuddin was elected by the previous parliament and was the last official remaining in his constitutional role following the violent protests led by students in July-August 2024 that resulted in the ousting of Hasina's Awami League government.
Since August 5, 2024, Hasina has been residing in India.