Dhaka, Nov. 23 -- The Election Commission has been instructed to organise a nationwide referendum on the same day as Bangladesh's upcoming 13th parliamentary election, a move officials say will significantly raise the logistical and administrative stakes for the polls.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed on Thursday that the Cabinet Division has formally issued a letter directing the commission to begin preparations for the unprecedented dual exercise.

Speaking at an event in Dhaka, the secretary said the letter arrived on Thursday and outlined the government's decision to assign the responsibility of holding the referendum entirely to the Election Commission.

"The Cabinet Division sent the letter to the commission, directing it to beg...