Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the next national election will be held in February before Ramadan, with the election schedule expected to be announced in the first week of December.

Speaking to reporters at Patuakhali Circuit House around 2:45 pm on Friday, the commissioner said, “It has not yet been decided whether the referendum will be held before or after the national election. The matter is not currently under the Election Commission’s consideration. We are yet to receive any official update on the government’s preparations. Once a decision is made, we will inform you.”

Regarding the proportional representation (PR) system, Anwar said, “The PR system is entirely a political issue. We are waiting to see what political decision comes on this matter.”

He added that as part of preparations for the upcoming parliamentary polls, the Election Commission has already held meetings with returning officers, presiding officers, and polling officials across the country.