The interim government is set to provide election- and referendum-related information through the national helpline 333 ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the 2026 referendum. Once launched, citizens can access election and referendum information by pressing “9” on the helpline’s interactive voice response (IVR) menu. Speakers included Election Commission (EC) Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz, a2i Project Director (Joint Secretary) Md Abdur Rafiq, a2i Joint Project Director (Joint Secretary) Md Rashidul Mannaf Kabir, EC Joint Secretary Md Abdul Halim Khan, and a2i Head of Program Management Abdullah Al Fahim. EC Joint Secretary Md Abdul Halim Khan guided agents on election and referendum do’s and don’ts, codes of conduct, and responding to citizens’ common queries in simple, accessible language. It will also provide guidance on emergency situations, special directives in specific areas, relevant contact numbers, and the Election Commission’s designated apps—Postal Vote BD and Smart Election Management BD.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 16, 2026 12:39 UTC