Election Commission
12th nat’l election preparations: EC starts discussion with registered political parties
Election Commission (EC) today (November 04, 2023) started discussion with all registered political parties to inform them about preparations for the 12th parliamentary election.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal is presiding over the discussion at the Election Commission building in Dhaka’s Agargaon.
Thirteen registered parties have joined the discussion while three are not joining. Meanwhile, three parties did not inform the commission whether they will join or not. Ganatantri Party was not invited to the discussion.
The EC has scheduled two dialogue sessions daily. The first one began at 10:30 am today which will end at 1 pm, and another will be held from 3 pm to 4:30 pm.
The day-long discussion with the political parties is being held in two phases.The Election Commission invited the presidents and general secretaries of the parties or two representatives appointed by them for the dialogue.
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BNP and several of its allies, including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Biplobi Workers Party, Bangladesh Kallyan Party, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), have decided not to participate in the Election Commission dialogue.
The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), which is not in any alliance, is also boycotting the EC dialogue. Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis are among the Islamic parties that are boycotting the dialogue.
Awami League Presidium Member Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan and Information and Research Secretary Salim Mahmud are representing the party in the dialogue, said the party's Office Secretary Biplab Barua.
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According to the constitution, parliamentary election must be held within 90 days before the end of the five-year term of parliament. The term of the current parliament ends on January 29, 2024 while the 90-day count starts from November 1, 2023.
The Election Commission said that it is preparing to announce the schedule of the national election in mid-November and hold the election in January.
Earlier in July 2022, the EC held a dialogue with the political parties to prepare the action plan for the 12th national election while few political parties including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) did not attend the dialogue.
Read more: EC going to stage mockery in the name of dialogue at govt’s behest: BNP
EC has to hold election on time, no matter what the situation is: CEC says after meeting US ambassador
The Election Commission has no option except holding election on time as per the constitution, Chief election commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said today (October 31, 2023).
“The EC has to hold the election on time, no matter what the situation is,” the CEC told journalists after his meeting with US Ambassador Peter Haas earlier today.
Read: Haas meets CEC, hopes all sides will engage in dialogue without preconditions
The CEC said the issue of favorable election environment and preparations for the upcoming national election were discussed during the meeting with the US ambassador.
“We want all political parties to participate in the election. This, however, does not mean that the election will not be held if the environment is not favorable,” the CEC said.
“Political parties have many options. They can either participate in or boycott the election, but the Election Commission does not have any such option,” he added.
Read: CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule
The CEC said, the US ambassador hoped for dialogue among the political parties. “We expressed the the same,” the CEC said.
Problems will not be solved by demonstration of force on the streets. “He (US Ambassador Peter Haas) also believes that the problems should be solved through dialogue,” the Chief Election Commissioner said.
CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule
The Chief Election Commission of Bangladesh will meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin on November 5 regarding the announcement of the election schedule, according to Bangabhaban.
The Election Commission (EC) sought a meeting with the president to discuss the 12th national parliament election yesterday.
The commission led by Kazi Habibul Awal wanted to hold this meeting between November 1 and 5.
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The Election Commission said it will hold a meeting after the meeting with the president. The schedule of the 12th national election may be finalized at that meeting. Returning officers may be appointed then.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal will then announce the schedule of the general election through an address to the nation on Bangladesh Television.
A meeting with the president before announcing the schedule for national election is a long-time practice.
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Hasina highlights AL’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh during discussion with European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh Awami League’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh and creating an environment conducive for free and fair elections during a discussion with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.
She also spoke about establishing an independent Election Commission, photo ID/biometric information-based voter list, and transparent ballot boxes.
The issues were discussed when the European Commissioner for International Partnerships called on the prime minister at her hotel suite in Brussels.
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Urpilainen hoped that the upcoming general election in Bangladesh would be held in a free and fair environment, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The European Commissioner lauded the celebration of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU partnership and expressed EU’s commitment to further deepen this relationship.
Urpilainen also underscored potential areas of cooperation in energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, human capital development and decent work.
Hasina thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, particularly in green transition, education and skill development.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, among others, were present at the discussion.
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Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
In a separate meeting, PM Hasina sought support of the international community, including the European Union (EU), for an “early, safe and sustainable” repatriation of the forcibly-displaced Rohingyas.
The prime minister said the repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland, Myanmar, is required for the sake of “peace and stability” in the region.
The issue was discussed when European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic met Prime Minister Hasina at her hotel suite in Brussels on October 25.
The PM thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s disaster management, particularly in earthquake preparedness.
During the meeting, the European Commissioner lauded Bangladesh’s outstanding socio-economic development under the leadership of Hasina.
Also read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
He also lauded Bangladesh’s success in disaster management, including an early-warning system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
He commended Bangladesh for its generous hosting of the Rohingyas and announced an additional Euro 10.5 million assistance for the Rohingyas.
Efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines
On the other hand, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities.
He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation.
PM Hasina held a meeting with the European Investment Bank (EIB) president recently at her hotel suite in Brussels.
She referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh.
She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation.
PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.
Onus for participatory election not on Election Commission, says commissioner
Participation of all political parties in the next general election would not depend on the Election Commission, but rather the decision of the political parties themselves, an Election Commissioner said Sunday.
“Whether all the political parties will participate in the general election or not, depends on the decision of the respective political parties and the Election Commission has no involvement in it,” Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman said, while talking to reporters at Kishoreganj Circuit House.
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“We are determined to create an election-friendly environment and we’ll do it. In the past one and half years we have urged the political parties to participate in the election and we are urging them repeatedly even now,” said Anisur.
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“Whether the election would be participatory will depend on the decision of the political parties. The Election Commission has no scope to interfere in it. We have taken preparations to hold elections as per the constitution,” he said.
Redrawing boundary of Pirojpur-1 and 2 constituencies legal: HC
The High Court (HC) on Sunday turned down a writ petition challenging the legality of redrawing the boundaries of Pirojpur-1 and 2 constituencies by the Election Commission(EC).
The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Muhammad Mahbub Ul Islam pronounced the judgment.
The court said that the Election Commission redrew the parliamentary constituencies as per the EC rules and there was no violation of tules.
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Senior lawyers MK Rahman, Sayeed Ahmed Raja stood for the writ petitioners, Advocate Kamal Hossain Miaji represented the EC and Deputy Attorney General Samarendra Nath Biswas and Assistant Attorney General Abul Kamal Khan Daud stood for the state during the hearing.
Earlier the Pirojpur-1 constituency consisted of Sadar, Nazirpur and Nesarabad upazilas and Pirojpur-2 constituency was consisted of Kawkhali, Bhandaria and Indurkani upazilas.
Indurkani upazila was included in Pirojpur-1 constituency and Nesarabad upazila was also added to the Pirojpur-2 constituency.
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On June 3 this year the EC issued a gazette notification over the re-drawing of the constituencies.
Later Kawkhali’s resident Abu Sayeed Miah, Bhandaria’s Md Kaykobad, Md Ahsanul Kibria, Indurkani’s Akteruzzaman and Nesarabad’s Nazmul Islam submitted a writ petition challenging the legality of the EC’s gazette notification.
Fisheries and livestock minister SM Rezaul Karim is the lawmaker of Pirojpur-1 constituency while Jatiya Party lawmaker Anwar Hossain Manju is the lawmaker of Pirojpur-2 constituency.
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On July 30, the HC issued a rule over the legality of the boundary re-drawing the two constituencies.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and others concerned were made respondents to the rule who were asked to respond within two weeks.
No CCTV cameras in 12th national election
Election Commissioners Md Alamgir and Rasheda Sultana on Sunday (August 06, 2023) indicated that there is no plan to monitor the upcoming 12th national election of Bangladesh by installing CCTV cameras in the polling centers.
Election Commissioner Alamgir gave this indication to reporters at the Election Bhaban on Sunday when asked about the plan to install CCTV cameras in the risky centers.
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"It hasn't been discussed much between us. There was no formal discussion…Because you know, there are about four lakh centres in 300 constituencies. There may be a number of risky centres. It is difficult to monitor through CCTV cameras in so many centers,” said Md Alamgir.
"We will make special arrangements at the vulnerable centres in that case. I mean, we're going to hire more law enforcement members in those centers," he added.
Read: UN rights body urges 'peaceful, inclusive, safe environment' ahead of election
Mentioning that if all the parties participate in the election, a balanced environment is automatically prevailed, EC Alamgir said, “They (parties) play a great role in maintaining discipline rather than law enforcement agencies. Because they know that if the situation deteriorates or the situation worsens in the elections, they will be the ones who will be affected.”
On the other hand, Election Commissioner Rasheda Sultana on Sunday said that the commission will not use CCTV cameras in the upcoming 12th parliamentary election.
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She said this while talking to reporters at her election office at Agargaon in the capital.
Rasheda Sultana said that there is no legal obligation to use CCTV cameras in the election, so the Commission is not obliged to use cameras.
Voting for Dhaka-17 by-polls, election in 7 municipalities underway
Voting for the by-election in Dhaka-17 constituency and election in seven municipalities of seven districts are underway today (July 17, 2023).
Voting started at 8 am, and it will continue till 4 pm without any break.
Voting will be held with the use of traditional ballot papers in the parliamentary by-election, unlike the recent city corporation polls where electronic voting machines were used.
Tight security measures have been taken to ensure peaceful voting, authorities said.
Read more: EC monitoring Dhaka-17 by-polls, elections of 2 municipalities through CCTV cameras
In the Dhaka-17 constituency, eight candidates are running in the race to be elected member of the parliament. The seat comprising Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and part of Dhaka Cantonment fell vacant after the death of popular actor and freedom fighter Akbar Hossain Pathan Farooque on May 14 this year.
The contestants are Mohammad Ali Arafat of Bangladesh Awami League (with boat symbol), Sikder Anisur Rahman of Jatiya Party (plough), independent candidate Ashraful Hossain Alam widely known as "Hero Alam" (monochord), Kazi Rashidul Hasan of Zaker Party (rose), Akter Hossain of Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote (cane), independent candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan (truck), Rezaul Karim Swapan of Bangladesh Congress (green coconut) and Sheikh Habibur Rahman of Trinamul BNP (golden fibre).
The number of voters is 325,205 under 125 polling stations in the Dhaka-17 constituency, which comprises wards 15,18,19 and 20 of Dhaka North City Corporation as well as Dhaka cantonment area.
On June 1, the Election Commission announced the by-election schedule for Dhaka-17 which fell vacant following the death of ruling Awami League MP Akbar Hossain Pathan alias Farooque.
Read more: Dhaka-17 parliamentary seat set to go to polls on Monday
No dialogue with BNP over unrealistic proposals: Law Minister
There will be no dialogue with the BNP over any unrealistic proposals, said Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday (July 09, 2023).
“Election is the only solution and there will be no dialogue with the BNP on any unrealistic proposals, besides the prime minister has directly said that no dialogue will be held with them,” he said while talking to reporters after inaugurating a training course for judges and judicial officers at the Judicial Administration Training Institute (JATI).
Read more: No dialogue with BNP on caretaker govt: Info Minister
Talking about the RPO ('Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2023 of the Election Commission, the power of EC was not curbed rather the rights of people are conserved through the amendment of RPO.
Replying to a question about the allegation raised by the BNP that the government has sent a letter to the justice and police to dispose of the cases against the BNP leaders and activities within two months, the law minister said “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government has established the rule of law and there is no doubt in it. If they (BNP) showed any letter over it then there will be discussion. I think they (BNP) are active in making false issues failing to find any other issue. I firmly said that neither any letter has been issued in this regard nor any verbal order.”
Read more: Law enforcers are being used to secure ruling party’s interests: Rizvi
No pressure, no fear in Awami League’s dictionary: Shahriar Alam
Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam today (June 25, 2023) said, the narrative of Bangladesh being a “small country” has changed globally with its growing economy, wider engagement with partners, and political stability.
“Bangladesh is seen as an example of good practice in multilateral forums,” he said while speaking at DCAB Talk.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted its flagship event at the Foreign Service Academy.
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DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the discussion. DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion.
The state minister said that Bangladesh’s importance has increased significantly and its level of cooperation internationally has also been enhanced.
He said Bangladesh has achieved continuity and stability, and this continuity will prevail.
Responding to a question, Alam said, the government is “not feeling any pressure” ahead of the national election as the Election Commission will proceed as per the constitution.
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Referring to events over 10 years ago, the state minister said that there is no word like “fear” in the dictionary of Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He also mentioned a diplomatic call for a fresh election before monsoon in the past, saying, “That sounds too ambitious.”
The state minister said the government will not accept or welcome any interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs but will welcome election observers.
He said there has been conspiracy against Bangladesh in the past.
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Alam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not take any step that goes against the interest of the people and the country.
Responding to a question, Alam said that there has been significant progress that leads to the need for withdrawing US sanctions on the elite force, RAB. "We will realise the demand (withdrawal of sanctions)."
In his remarks, DCAB President Rezaul Karim said they understand Bangladesh has emerged as an important country in geopolitics with its growing economy. He said Bangladesh’s extraordinary development, democratic stability, and geopolitical significance are undeniably matters of discussion at home and abroad.
Read more: UN officials praise Bangladeshi peacekeepers during meeting with PM Hasina