AFED has observed the 9 April 2026 by-elections in Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 constituencies, noting that the overall voting process was peaceful and orderly, although some areas for administrative and procedural improvements were identified. In Bogura-6, the seat was vacated after the elected candidate retained another constituency, while in Sherpur-3, the vacancy arose following the death of a candidate prior to the election.
“We observed a generally calm and orderly process, with voters able to participate,” said AFED Spokesperson, Harun-Or-Rashid. “At the same time, we also identified some areas where further improvements could strengthen confidence in the elections,” he added.
The opening of the polls was conducted in line with existing procedures. Voting booths were set up to ensure the secrecy of the process in all polling stations observed by AFED. The ballot box was shown to be empty to those present before being sealed, and all essential materials were available in most cases. Party agents representing all contesting candidates were present during the opening. However, 32% of polling stations were set up in a manner that did not allow access for persons with disabilities, thus risking to limit their ability to participate fully and independently in the electoral process.
The voting process was generally orderly and calm, with queues effectively managed in all but three cases out of the 103 observations made by AFED. Security personnel were visibly present throughout the day. Polling officials usually checked voters’ identity against the voter list, but in 12% of the observed polling stations this procedure was not consistently followed. Observers noticed indications for proxy voting, e.g. instances where a ballot was cast by someone other than the registered voter, in 11% of polling stations observed (9 cases). Voting was generally peaceful, except in one case where physical violence was observed inside the polling station.
Elderly voters, persons with disabilities and pregnant women were given priority or facilitated access to vote in all polling stations observed by AFED. Furthermore, minority voters were generally treated in the same manner as other voters; however, five observations deviated from this overall trend indicating that the Election Commission still has some way to go to ensure equal treatment.
Contrary to regulations, campaign materials were observed outside or in the vicinity of polling centres in almost half (47%) of AFED’s observations. In addition, observers reported cases of individuals, representing neither security nor officials, controlling or directing movement outside polling centres in 12 cases, and in 15 cases individuals appeared to be instructing voters on how to vote near polling centers. In 50% of the locations observed, AFED also saw groups of voters arriving together in the same vehicles, pointing to organised transports.
Overall voter turnout showed decreased participation compared with the 12 February national elections. Observers witnessed moderate (64%) to low (31%) participation. Notably, two third of observers reported an occasionally extended period with little of no voter presence, underscoring uneven engagement.
In an unexpected development, alleging widespread irregularities, ballot stuffing, and the forced removal of polling agents, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Masudur Rahman announced a boycott of the Sherpur-3 election. The announcement came during a press conference held at the Jamaat’s Sreebordi Upazila Office at 3:30 pm on Thursday while voting was still underway. The announcement did not appear to have any immediate impact on voters.
Upon closing, voters in the queue were allowed to vote in all the polling stations observed. In most cases counting started immediately, with some polling stations experiencing some 30 minutes delay and a few starting even before official closing hours. AFED observers reported that valid and invalid ballots were assessed accurately and consistently in light of existing procedures and standards, and only three cases were observed in which complaints were raised with the presiding officer. Results were publicly posted at the polling station in all but two locations observed. In four cases, party or candidate agents were allowed to observe only part of the counting process. Other than this, AFED witnessed no interference or intimidation during the counting process.
AFED also observed the counting of postal votes at the returning officer offices, for both in-country postal voting (ICPV) and out-of-country (OCV) postal voting. The relevant procedures were conducted in a transparent manner, with the participation of candidate representatives further reinforcing the transparency of the process. However, participation in postal voting remains limited: In Bogura-6, out of 3,736 ballots issued by BEC, only 1,068 were returned (including only 3 OCV ballots), representing roughly one-third uptake. In addition, of the returned ballots, 73 were submitted without the required declaration form (6.8%), a relatively high proportion, while 15 ballots were rejected, and 2 envelopes were missing the ballots. These findings suggest that while the counting process itself was transparent, there are notable challenges related to voter uptake and procedural compliance regarding postal voting that may still affect the overall effectiveness and inclusiveness of postal voting.
Six incidents were recorded by AFED observers during observation in both constituencies. The most serious case involved violence between candidate supporters that left five persons injured (Shreebordi Islamia Kamil Madrasa centre in Sherpur-3). In two other cases, ballots were found with polling officers which were sealed before distribution and results sheets had been signed ahead of counting. All incidents were addressed instantly by the presiding officer and law enforcing agencies involved in the election management.
Based on its observations of the by-elections, AFED recommends:
The Bangladesh Election Commission should strengthen the training of polling officials to ensure that procedures are followed at all times.
Measures should be taken to ensure that all polling stations are accessible to every voter, including persons with disabilities.
Political parties should respect campaign silence rules on election day and refrain from any actions that could be perceived as influencing or intimidating.
The lessons learned from the pilot exercise on in- and out-of-country voting should be used to further enhance this practice. Postal voting eligibility should be expanded to additional groups who face barriers to in-person voting, including accredited election observers, media personnel, and voters with disabilities.
Harun-Or-Rashid concluded the press conference noting: “All in all, the by-elections proceeded smoothly. The recommendations we have drawn based on our observers’ reports from the field will be addressed in our broader report on the 12 February parliamentary elections and national referendum, which will be published in May. We will also seek to engage with the Bangladesh Election Commission on these recommendations.”
AFED (Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy) is a national platform comprising 30 distinguished civil society organizations. It was established ahead of the 2026 elections to conduct independent, impartial, and citizen-based election observation. For the by-elections held on 9 April 2026, AFED deployed a total of 53 observers, including 30 in Bogura-6 and 23 in Sherpur-3 constituency, in 103 polling centers. AFED’s election observation activities are supported by funding from the European Union.
