Dhaka, Bangladesh: The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued a nationwide security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh following the announcement that the country’s next parliamentary elections and a national referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12, 2026.
In an advisory released on Monday, the embassy warned that political rallies, demonstrations and public gatherings are likely to intensify as the election date approaches. It cautioned that even peaceful assemblies could quickly turn violent and urged US citizens to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, closely follow local media reports and stay alert to their surroundings.
The alert comes after Bangladesh’s Election Commission last week formally announced the schedule for the national polls. Voting will be held for all 300 seats in parliament on the same day as a nationwide referendum, marking the first time in the country’s history that twin polls will take place simultaneously.
The February 2026 election carries major political significance as it will be the first national vote since the student-led uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Since then, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
According to the announced schedule, candidates will file their nomination papers on December 29, 2025. Election campaigning will begin on January 22, 2026, and continue until 48 hours before polling day.
Alongside the parliamentary elections, voters will participate in a national referendum on the proposed “July Charter.” The charter aims to introduce sweeping reforms to state institutions, including curbing executive powers and strengthening judicial independence, and is considered a key pillar of Bangladesh’s post-2024 political transition.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the election timeline in a televised address on state broadcaster Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, asserting that the Election Commission is committed to conducting free, fair and inclusive elections.
The US Embassy reiterated that American citizens requiring assistance should contact the embassy in Dhaka and strictly avoid areas witnessing protests or political activity in the coming weeks.
