Dhaka: A preparatory meeting for the 2026 presidential election was held at the Cabinet Room of Parliament on Tuesday. Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal MP chaired the meeting, which was attended by Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and Whips Md G K Gouse, Rakibul Islam Bakul, Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia, and A B M Ashraf Uddin Nizan.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal emphasized the importance of freeing the state structure from fascism in all spheres during the meeting. He stated that the upcoming presidential election would be a historic moment in building a fascism-free Bangladesh. The meeting focused on various aspects of preparation, including the use of the Jatiya Sangsad chamber for the election, logistical support, and ensuring the attendance of Members of Parliament.

The meeting also stressed the importance of completing all necessary preparations and providing logistical support for the election. According to the election schedule announced by the Election Commission, the 2026 presidential election will be held in the Parliament chamber on Thursday, August 20. The Chief Election Commissioner will serve as the return officer, in line with the Presidential Election Act, 1991.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, Parliament Secretary Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan, and other senior officials from the Parliament Secretariat were present at the meeting. This presidential election is set to be a contested one after 35 years, as the opposition Jamaat-led 11-party alliance has already announced Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed as its presidential aspirant.