United News of Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday said there is no fear of any kind of violence surrounding the upcoming national election, as law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to ensure a peaceful poll. “The law enforcement agencies are very well prepared to conduct a peaceful election,” he said while speaking to reporters after attending a law and order coordination meeting at the Rajshahi Prison Training Academy auditorium. The meeting was organised to ensure the smooth conduct of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections and referendum. He said regular operations are underway across the country to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, adding that illegal weapons are being recovered through these drives. The Home Affairs Adviser said around one lakh Army personnel will be deployed nationwide during the election. In addition, about 5,000 members of the Navy, 37,000 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members, 4,000 Coast Guard personnel, 1.5 lakh police members, 9,000 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members, and over 5 lakh Ansar members will remain on duty. He further said there is no such issue as “mob violence” in the country and that law enforcement agencies have no reason to feel fearful. Responding to a question, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said if any candidate violates the election code of conduct or engages in indecent behaviour, it will be disclosed. “If such actions are exposed in society, the candidate will naturally lose public support. Even then, if anyone crosses the line, legal action will be taken,” he added. The meeting was attended by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman, Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani. Senior officials of various election-related departments of Rajshahi Division and representatives of law enforcement agencies were also present in the meeting.  

Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Monday directed all concerned to ensure the highest level of security at all polling centres across every parliamentary constituency in the capital ahead of the national election and during the voting and counting. Sajjat Ali issued the directive while presiding over a coordination meeting on the security plan and overall management for the upcoming election at the DMP Headquarters conference room on Monday. The DMP Commissioner stressed the need for heightened vigilance to prevent any form of disorder at polling centres. He instructed police officials to keep a close watch on centres located far from police stations and to further strengthen patrol activities within station jurisdictions. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam said the election is being held in a different context this time, urging officers to perform their duties with that in mind. He said additional forces would be deployed and that maintaining law and order would receive the highest priority. At the meeting, Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the overall security plan through a PowerPoint presentation. Senior DMP officials shared their opinions during the meeting, as the Commissioner issued various directive instructions to ensure effective implementation of the security measures.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said the forthcoming twin elections – national election and referendum – will be largely peaceful with an opportunity for people to express their will for a representative government, as no election in Bangladesh was fully peaceful. “Let us hope that the elections will be held peacefully and people will have the opportunity to express their will and we shall have a representative government after the elections are held,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at the closing session of training on election reporting. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in cooperation with the UNDP and Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) hosted the training where former Bangladesh Bureau Chief of the Associated Press (AP) Farid Hossain was the facilitator of the two-day session. UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller, MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman and DCAB President AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event conducted by DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh. Bangladesh’s election narratives can influence global confidence: Stefan Liller Speaking at the event, the Adviser, however, did not completely rule out the possibility of some violence during the elections and said the important thing is that the elections - by and large - must be peaceful. He said the authorities, the Election Commission and the law enforcement authorities must take immediate steps so that these do not go out of hand. Hossain said some incidents happened at night but that should be very limited and immediate actions need to be taken. He said the media during the elections will play a very important role and noted that it is an extremely important event in national life as people have not been able to cast their votes for a long time. The Adviser said steps are being taken so that the people really have the opportunity to go to the polling centers, and cast their votes without fear and without any disturbance. “I'm sure this election will definitely reflect the will of the people even if there are small aberrations here and there. I am saying this because traditionally, we have seen that in each and every election scene - some undesired incidents do take place,” he said, adding, “I wish all of you a very vibrant day of reporting on that day.” As Bangladesh approaches an important electoral milestone, Liller said, the role of journalists is both demanding and indispensable. “Democracy is sustained not only by laws and institutions, but by informed citizens. Journalists are central to that process.” Liller, who is responsible for UNDP’s activities in the country, said electoral developments must be situated within Bangladesh’s constitutional and legal frameworks, as well as within its international commitments under the United Nations Charter, international human rights instruments and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. He said responsible reporting helps ensure that moments of political contestation are understood internationally as part of a lawful, rules-based democratic process. Liller said electoral processes are among the most technically and politically sensitive elements of democratic governance. “They involve complex legal frameworks, electoral codes of conduct, voter and candidate regulations, results tabulation systems, and complaints and dispute resolution mechanisms.” In this context, the international development professional with over 20 years of experience said, journalists serve as a critical bridge between institutions and citizens. When electoral processes are reported clearly, accurately and responsibly, Liller said, citizens are better able to understand not only what is happening. He said at moments of heightened political competition, professional and ethical reporting contributes directly to public trust, democratic legitimacy and social cohesion. Conversely, Liller said, misinformation or imprecise reporting can unintentionally amplify tensions and undermine confidence in electoral outcomes.  

A local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has died after being injured in a clash between supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening. Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit, succumbed to his injuries around 9:30 pm while on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said said Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan. Jamaat candidate for Sherpur-3 constituency Mohammad Nuruzzaman Badal said Rezaul Karim was  seriously injured in the clash at Jhenaigati Bazar area earlier in the evening. Following the incident, the district unit of Jamaat-e-Islami brought out a protest rally in Sherpur town. The party also held a press conference in Sreebardi, strongly condemning the killing and demanding justice for those responsible. The clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat supporters  around 3 pm over seating arrangement during a manifesto-reading programme, leaving at least 30 people injured, said witnesses. Six motorbikes along with over 100 chairs were vandalised and set on fire. The programme was organised by the upazila administration for rival candidates of the Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) constituency at the Mini Stadium ground in Jhenaigati. Leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP blamed each other for the incident.

The balloting will be held through 42,779 polling stations in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the referendum and national election scheduled for February 12 next. “The final number of polling stations is 42,779 and that of polling booths is 247,482 in the referendum and 13th parliamentary election,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday. A total of 785,225 polling staff will be inside the polling stations. The officials include 42,779 presiding officers (for the same number of polling stations), 247,482 assistant presiding officers (for the same number of polling booths) and 494,964 polling officers, he said. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam pledges credible polls on Feb 12 As many as 127,711,793 voters --64,825,361 males, 62,885,200 females and 1,232 transgender persons— have the voting rights in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the EC released the final statistics of candidates in the national election. According to the statistics, the number of contesting candidates is 2017 in the 300 constituencies.

The Election Commission (EC) has estimated the overall expenditures for the upcoming referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election at some Tk 3,100 crore. The Commission on Wednesday approved the budget, estimating the total cost of Tk 3,100 crore to conduct the referendum and general election simultaneously on February 12 next, said EC officials. Of the total cost, Tk 1,200 crore has been earmarked for election management and operational expenses, while Tk 1,400 crore has been allocated for deployment of law enforcement agencies. Another Tk 500 crore has been set aside for costs related to the referendum, postal ballots and other ancillary purposes. Officials, however, said the allocation might be increased, if necessary. In 2024, the expenditure for the 12th national election stood at Tk 2,276 crore. About the increased cost, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the rise in expenditure is natural as this time the referendum along with the national election and also the postal balloting system alongside the manual (traditional) balloting system were behind the rise in the cost. “The expenses are expected to be higher than before as we are arranging voting for the general election and also the referendum and using the postal ballots alongside the manual ballots,” he said. On December 11, the Election Commission announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. The EC, headed by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, introduced the IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system with the combination of digital registration and manual balloting for the first time in the country for the expatriate Bangladeshis living in more than 120 foreign countries. The Commission also is using the new postal balloting system for the government employees working outside their respective constituencies, the polling personnel and the people under legal custody inside Bangladesh.

Breaking away from the usual combative rituals of electioneering, all contenders for Chuadanga-1 constituency came together on a single stage on Wednesday, facing voters directly and pledging accountability, transparency and corruption-free governance. Three rival candidates -often divided by ideology and party lines—sat side by side, listened to voters’ concerns and answered pointed questions. More strikingly, they went beyond campaign promises, jointly signing a stringent 15-point written pledge committing themselves to clean, people-centric governance if elected. The event, titled “Face to Face with the People”, was organised by Shujan, Chuadanga district unit, at the open stage adjacent to the Water Development Board in the town. On stage were BNP-nominated candidate Md Sharifuzzaman Sharif, also general secretary of the district BNP; Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Advocate Masud Parvez Russell, assistant secretary of the district Jamaat; and Islami Andolon Bangladesh candidate Zahurul Islam Azizi. Despite sharp ideological differences, the three candidates spoke in one voice on several issues, promising to turn Chuadanga into a district free from terrorism, drugs and tender manipulation. Presided over by Professor Siddiqur Rahman, former principal of Chuadanga Government College and president of Shujan’s district unit, the programme was moderated by journalist Meherabbin Sanvi, the organisation’s district facilitator. Ignoring the winter chill, more than 450 voters from different parts of the district joined the dialogue, voicing expectations and frustrations—from unemployment and farmers’ fair prices to law and order and political intolerance. Sharifuzzaman Sharif said he envisioned Chuadanga as a modern, secure and inclusive region. “Standing before you today, I pledge that if elected, I will work to make Chuadanga free from terrorism, drugs and extortion,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has vowed that stealing the country’s money will be permanently stopped if his party assumes power. “Those who have stolen the country’s money will be held strictly accountable, and the money will be recovered from them,” he said at an election rally at Wazir Ali High School ground in Jhenaidah on Monday evening. The programme was presided over by Ali Azam Mohammad Abu Bakar, Jamaat’s candidate for the Jhenaidah-2 constituency. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party seeks unity, not division, and called for a political revolution through the upcoming 26th general election, similar to the people’s uprising against fascism in 2024. “If anyone interferes with people’s voting rights under political disguise, their fingers will be broken. Fascism will not be allowed to return to this country,” he warned. The Jamaat Ameer also claimed that extortion has increased in Jhenaidah since August 5. “Those who extort should feel ashamed. People earn money through hard work, and you take a share of it. Extortion is haram, but begging is not,” he said. He criticized syndicates that raised prices during the fascist government and said, “We have driven fascism away with the fresh blood of our hearts. If anyone tries to return, we will stop it, because so many families have already suffered losses.” Dr. Shafiqur Rahman outlined Jamaat’s development plans, including providing skill-based training for educated youths, establishing a medical college in Jhenaidah, improving healthcare, and digging railways and rivers for better communication. “If Jamaat comes to power, development will be non-discriminatory, and justice will always side with the people,” he said. Referring to Jhenaidah as a district of martyrs, he said, “Many young lives, like that of Sohan, were brutally taken by tyrants, with unimaginable cruelty. I stand with the families of the victims.” During the rally, district Jamaat leaders and constituency candidates – Ali Azam Mohammad Abu Bakar (Jhenaidah-2), Abu Saleh Md. Matiur Rahman (Jhenaidah-1), Matiar Rahman (Jhenaidah-3), and Abu Talib (Jhenaidah-4) – were presented with the party symbol, the scale, and urged voters to support them.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday cautioned party leaders and activists about a possible plot to disrupt the February-12 election, urging them to stay vigilant to prevent any manipulation of the results. “Over the past 15 to 16 years, many of you could not exercise your right to vote. People’s voting rights and freedom of speech were taken away. Those who did this have now left the country. But another quarter is again plotting to create obstacles to the election,” he said. Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing an election rally in Hatiya of Noakhali, seeking votes for BNP candidate Mahbubur Rahman Shamim in the Noakhali-6 constituency. As a precaution to stop vote rigging, the BNP leader said, Muslims should perform Tahajjud prayers and then go to their respective polling stations early on February 12 and offer Fajr prayers there in congregation. Later, he said Muslims, along with people of other religions, should stand in line early in the morning so that everyone can cast their votes properly. “Casting your vote alone is not enough. You must stay at the polling station to make sure your vote is counted properly. I hope you will be able to do this, Inshallah,” the BNP leader said. Tarique called for unity among all communities, regardless of caste, creed or religion, to work for the betterment of the country. “Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and people of other faiths — we must all work together to build this country. We must work hard to rebuild Bangladesh. This country is our first and last home,” he said. Tarique also expressed hope to meet his supporters in person in the near future. “Due to time constraints, I could not be with you today. But Inshallah, I will meet you in the coming days. Together, we will discuss how to build our country,” he said. He pledged a series of development initiatives for Hatiya and urged voters to ensure victory for the BNP’s election symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, in the upcoming election. Tarique said local people had seen many leaders in the past, but their problems were not solved. “To solve these problems, the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy is essential,” he said. He outlined BNP’s plans if elected, including measures to prevent river erosion by building block dams and embankments, providing permanent land settlement for the landless, and upgrading Upazila health complexes to 150 beds. The BNP chief also mentioned plans to develop Jajamara Union into a new Upazila and to turn Nijhum Island into a modern tourist destination. “The people here face many serious problems. There is a shortage of safe drinking water. Health services are poor. Schools and colleges are inadequate. Agriculture faces difficulties, jobs are scarce, and women suffer from economic hardship. These problems can be solved if BNP comes to power,” Tarique said. He said BNP plans to introduce a family card to economically empower women and a farmer card to supply fertiliser, seeds and pesticides. “Vocational institutes will be set up to train youths and the unemployed. Loans will also be provided to help them start businesses or find jobs abroad.” Highlighting the urgent needs of the people, Tarique said river erosion has left many residents of the area destitute. “I know your problems, and we have noted all local demands, including block dams, embankments and land for the landless. Inshallah, once BNP forms the government, these issues will be addressed step by step.” He called on voters to play their role in realising their demands. “Your responsibility is to ensure the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy on February 12. Only then can we begin solving your problems,” Tarique said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged voters not to ‘destroy the country’ by casting ballots for those who had collaborated with the Pakistani force in 1971 and are now seeking to rule the country again. “Those who assisted the Pakistani army even at the last moment are today asking for votes to govern the country. Do not ruin the nation by voting for them,” said Fakhrul, also the BNP-nominated candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency. He made the remarks during the election campaign at BD High School ground in Begunbari Union of Sadar upazila in the afternoon. “We want to uphold the spirit of 1971 because that year is our identity. Bangladesh was born due to Pakistan’s exploitation and repression. We fought Pakistan and achieved independence,” he said. About the absence of ‘Boat’ symbol in the election race the BNP leader said, “Earlier, there were ‘Boat’ and ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. This time there is no ‘Boat’. The boat’s helmswoman, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has left you behind and fled to India. She is sitting in Delhi.” He said Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid protests by students while party leaders and activists were left exposed. “We do not want those who run away. We earned our right to vote through the blood of many students. For 15 years, we were denied freedom of expression. Those who wanted to vote were framed in cases and sent to jail,” he said. Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul said fear often exists among Hindu community people regarding persecution but there is no reason to be afraid. Begum Khaleda Zia clearly said that there are no minorities here, everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh, he said. He pledged that BNP would protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion and would remain uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of women. Speaking on agriculture, Fakhrul said the sector has not been properly developed and farmers were among the most vulnerable. He said BNP planned to promote agriculture-based industrialisation if voted to power. “Passing BA alone is not enough. Take technical training. Plenty of jobs are waiting abroad,” he added. Sadar upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid and other party leaders and activists were present at the programme.