United News of Bangladesh

BNP on Thursday (December 04) placed three new election-related proposals before the Election Commission (EC) and said it has no objection to the EC announcing the election schedule in time. A three-member BNP delegation led by Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC headquarters in Agargaon. Talking to reporters after the nearly 90-minute meeting, Nazrul said BNP is not in favour the deferment of the national election unless there are unavoidable circumstances. “Therefore, BNP has no objection if the EC declares the poll schedule within its stipulated timeline.” BNP announces 36 more possible candidates for national election  Asked whether Khaleda Zia’s illness might affect the election, Nazrul said, “We expect she will recover and return to us soon, and be able to participate in election-related activities.” Regarding Tarique Rahman’s voter status, he said, “He is a Bangladeshi citizen. There is no barrier to him becoming a voter. The Commission can enrol him anytime it wishes.” Nazrul said the BNP proposed increasing the number of polling booths, marking places, and ballot seals for the upcoming 13th national election. “We want every voter in the country to have the opportunity to cast their vote. The number of voters has increased significantly compared to the previous election, so we made this proposal. This time, a national referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary election, which will add additional pressure. The Commission will give its decision on Sunday,” he said. BNP also urged the EC to allow expatriate Bangladeshis without National ID cards to register as voters using their passports. “If needed, the Commission can verify passports. Many expatriates do not have NIDs. They should be given the opportunity to register with their passports,” Nazrul noted. Khaleda led from the streets, not from palaces: Moyeen Khan To ensure transparency in the election, BNP reiterated its objection to printing ballot papers at any non-government institution. “At present, ballot papers are printed at three government facilities. BNP insists that no private institution be given this responsibility,” he said. The other members of the BNP delegation were Ismail Jabiuallah, member of the party’s EC-related committee and former secretary, and Md Zakaria, former election commissioner and BNP EC-related committee member. BNP to shift investment focus from megaprojects to grassroots: Amir Khosru

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday (November 29) said the Election Commission will announce the schedule for the next general election in the second week of December. “Hopefully, what we expect is that it will be declared in the second week of December. When the schedule is announced, then you will know the dates (voting date, nomination deadline and the last date for withdrawal of candidacy),” he said, replying to a question from reporters. The CEC was talking to reporters after inspecting a mock voting exercise demonstrated at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls High School in the capital. The Election Commission conducted the mock voting exercise from 8am to 12pm for both the upcoming national election and referendum, which are likely to be held simultaneously on a single day in early February 2026. Read more: Everything will be fine before the voting day: CEC over law and order The CEC said the mock voting exercise was arranged to identify what is required to create an ideal environment for a fair, credible and participatory election as promised by the Commission. “The purpose of arranging it (the mock voting exercise) is to understand, through a practical demonstration, what kind of environment is needed inside a polling station to deliver a fair, acceptable and participatory election we have promised the nation. We wanted to observe everything—what the atmosphere should be like, how the queues of voters should form, how polling officers and presiding officers should sit and operate, how the overall management should function, and even what role you, the journalists, might play,” he said. Nasir Uddin said many people do not know about this type of exercise, especially new voters who will be voting for the first time. “Those who became voters in the last 15 years never saw a real voting process and have no practical experience. Through this exercise, new voters are gaining experience, while the Commission is getting a real-time assessment of the situation,” he said. About referendum on the July National Charter 2025, the CEC said an additional responsibility has now come as they would have to arrange the referendum together with the parliamentary elections. “If both are to be held simultaneously, time management becomes a major issue. Based on Saturday’s assessment (through mock voting exercise), the Commission would decide over the rise of (now 42,500 polling stations) polling centres of polling booths, manpower and other required arrangements. If required, he said, the number of polling stations or booths will be increased. “We will expand if needed. Our purpose is not to cause hardship to people,” he said. He said all preparations for the election are largely ready. “We want to inform everyone — we have the preparations. There will be no problem, Inshallah. Together, we will deliver what we promised the nation.” Read more: EC shares force deployment plan with law enforcers ahead of Bangladesh polls Noting the mock voting exercise is an experience, he said, adding, “Whatever gaps or shortcomings exist in our plan, we will meet up those based on today’s practical experience.” When asked about elderly voters who are unaware of the referendum, the CEC said it is natural that they do not know yet, as the campaign has not fully started. The government and the Election Commission will jointly carry out extensive awareness campaigns about the referendum. About the security, the CEC said the law and order situation in Bangladesh has never been perfect. Theft, mugging and violence always occur. So, these things are isolated incidents. “But the overall environment for polling must be ensured. Election Commissioners, the EC Secretary, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, among others, were present. The turnout of the voters was 70.40 percent as 352 out of 500 voters cast their votes in the mock voting exercise, said Presiding Officer (EC official) Jahangir Alam.   The current Election Commission, headed by AMM Nasir Uddin, was constituted just one year ago and had no experience of holding a single local body or parliamentary election. Besides, this commission will have to hold a referendum simultaneously with the national election, which came as an additional responsibility to the current commission amid the changed situation after the 2024 student-led mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime. The current Election Commission, headed by AMM Nasir Uddin, was constituted just one year ago and had no experience of holding a single local body or parliamentary election. Besides, this commission will have to hold a referendum simultaneously with the national election, which came as an additional responsibility to the current commission amid the changed situation after the 2024 student-led mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Read more: Don’t hire politically linked election observers: CEC Nasir

The Election Commission (EC) has announced a ‘Jihad’ (all-out war) to hold a free and fair election as the future of the country depends on the polls, said EC Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker. Speaking at a daylong workshop titled ‘Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Polling Officials in the Election Process,” at BARD in Cumilla on Monday (10th November 2025), he assured all not to be afraid about the upcoming elections. “The 180 million people of our country expect a good election. We have faced many shameful moments in the past, but this time we must erase that stigma and deliver an acceptable and beautiful election,” the election commissioner asserted. Setting aside all speculations about the election schedule, he said only 80 to 90 days are left to go for the election, and if anyone now doubts whether the election will be held, that is a misconception. The election will be held in due time and it will be participatory and transparent, he asserted. Don’t test patience of July revolutionaries: Press Secretary to AL supporters Urging election officials to play a neutral role during the polls, he said, “Gaining the trust of the people is our greatest achievement. Perform your duties fearlessly and impartially—the nation stands with you.” EC Joint Secretary Md. Abdul Halim Khan, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Amirul Kaiser, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, and Project Director Muhammad Mostafa Hasan of the CBTEP project under the Election Commission Secretariat participated in the event. Speakers stressed the importance of every polling official performing their duties responsibly, as polling stations reflect the essence of democracy. District and Upazila-level election officials discussed potential challenges in the field and ways to overcome them. Read more: Effective election management foundation of credible democracy: CEC

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has reaffirmed that the upcoming national election will be held in February as scheduled, asserting that 'there is no force that can prevent it.' All the departments involved in the election are already engaged in preparations, Shafiqul said while speaking to journalists after visiting the graves of July Uprising martyrs Mehedi Hasan Rabbi and Al Amin at Parandwali in Magura on Friday afternoon. “We want to see a peaceful, participatory election—and I believe that will be possible with everyone’s cooperation,” he added. Highlighting the importance of honouring those who laid down their lives for the country, he said,  "To uphold the dignity of our martyrs, we must come together to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh." Commenting on the political landscape ahead of the elections, he added, “In Bangladesh, the monsoon typically lasts from June to September. Once it ends, you’ll see the election atmosphere begin to take shape—candidates will go door to door, polling offices will appear in every neighbourhood, and a festive mood will spread across the country.” We are confident that any remaining doubts will soon disappear. The election will be held in February—before Ramadan, he emphasised. He mentioned a total of 10 people martyred in July and August in Magura. Mehedi Hasan Rabbi, a local leader of Chhatra Dal, was killed by the Awami League’s Jubo League. Al Amin, a small businessman from the same area, was also shot dead. “I visited their graves to lay flowers and honour their sacrifice.” These martyrs are the architects of the new Bangladesh and their sacrifice paved the way for today’s freedom of expression and political progress. "A peaceful, beautiful election lies ahead—and we owe it to their memory to ensure it happens," said the press secretary.

The interim government on Thursday approved the drafts of three ordinances, including the Electoral Rolls (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which will allow eligible people to get registered as voters up to a reasonable time before the election schedule is announced. As per the existing law, young people who become eligible to vote after January 2 are deprived of their voting rights if the elections are held in the following months, even till March of the next year. The approval came at a meeting of the Council of Advisers, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO), with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the chair. “The meeting gave the final approval to the draft of the Electoral Rolls (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,” said CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. Besides, he said, the Council of Advisers approved two other draft ordinances, which are now subject to legal vetting. These are the ‘Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance, 2025’ and the ‘Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,’ he added. According to the Article 11(1) of the Electoral Rolls Act 2009, the voter lists shall be updated from January 02 to March 02 every year in a specific system and anyone who became eligible to be a voter having completed 18 years of age from January 2 of the previous year or remained eligible to be a voter, shall be incorporated in the electoral rolls. Now the Election Commission publishes the draft voter lists in January and finalise the lists on March 02 every year, incorporating those who become eligible till January 01 of the same year Due to this provision, if anyone becomes eligible to be a voter even on January 02, 2025, the person can’t exercise his or her voting rights till March 02, 2026. 42,000 Bangladeshi expats seek voter registration abroad Talking about the draft ordinance approved by the Council of Advisers, CA’s senior assistant press secretary Foyez Ahammad said January 1 of a particular year is fixed as the date of eligibility to become a voter. “So, those who complete 18 years of age after January 1 till December 31 of the same year cannot vote in any election to be held during that year or even until March 1 of the following year,” he said. “For the sake of implementing the principle of universal voting rights, those who have completed 18 years of age before the announcement of the schedules for the parliamentary election and other elections should also be given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” said Foyez. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the draft of the Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance, 2025 is very important for the country and was discussed in detail at the meeting. Under this law, he said, many people with kidney problems will be able to get transplants in the country and people who cannot see may regain their sight if corneas are transplanted into their eyes. “There are many other issues involved. These matters have not been updated for a long time. The Ministry of Health has spoken to everyone involved in organ transplantation, including major hospitals and their experts, and reviewed international laws and standards before finalising the draft,” Alam said. As a result of this ordinance, he said organ transplantation in Bangladesh will become much easier. “Earlier, organs could only be taken from one’s brother, sister or parents for transplant. Now the scope has been expanded a bit.” For example, Alam said, nieces and nephews can now donate organs. The Press Secretary said many people in Bangladesh will no longer need to go abroad for kidney transplants, as hospitals in the country will now be able to offer these services in a much simpler way. “So, we believe this is a groundbreaking law for Bangladesh. Many people want to donate their bodies. This law addresses how organs will be collected from donated bodies and how it can be done legally,” he said. About the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, Alam said there was a small change related to the Board of Investment in the existing law. “As a result, some new recruitment can now be made from outside the Board of Investment.” Besides, he said, there was a detailed discussion at the Council of Advisers meeting about the Gopalganj incident. A probe committee has been formed, led by the Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry. “There will also be two additional secretaries — one from the Law Ministry and another from the Public Administration Ministry.” Alam said the three-member committee has been given 14 days to investigate the incident and submit their report to the Chief Adviser’s Office. He said the committee will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the Gopalganj incident, including the reasons behind it, how the deaths occurred, and who was involved in the violence. “They will examine every detail.”

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday said there was no discussion on the election date during a recent meeting with the Chief Adviser, although they did talk about preparations for the upcoming national election. “No discussion was held on the election date. You will get to know about the election date and schedule from the Election Commission (in time),” he said while replying to a question from reporters at his office in the capital. The CEC said the Chief Adviser wanted to know whether the Election Commission was ready to hold a free, fair and credible election. Mentioning that the Chief Adviser is very sincere about a democratic transition and holding a neutral and credible election, Nasir Uddin said, “Our wavelength matched with his. We are on the same wavelength when it comes to ensuring a free, fair and credible election.” On the EC’s preparation, the CEC said, “We are preparing in full gear... amidst various challenges we are moving ahead with preparations.” About the meeting held on Thursday last between the CEC and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Nasir Uddin said it was a courtesy call. It was his first formal meeting with the Chief Adviser, he said. Asked whether it was the Chief Adviser who invited him or if he had sought the appointment for the meeting, Nasir Uddin said, “Since taking office, I had not held any formal meeting with him (before this one).” BNP seeks polls timeline after Prof Yunus-CEC meeting: Rizvi In response to speculation surrounding his two-day absence from office, Nasir Uddin clarified that he was sick and had been admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) since Friday. He said no one should be guided by assumptions. “Some said I was resigning, others claimed I was sick — all based on speculations,” he lamented. Referring to comments made in a television talk show that the CEC should not have met the head of government to maintain neutrality, he said, “The Chief Adviser is neutral, and so am I.” He noted that during political governments, the CEC typically does not communicate directly with the head of government. Asked about which election the EC is currently preparing for, the CEC replied, “Right now our focus is on the national election because the Chief Adviser is not talking about local elections. His commitment — both at home and abroad — is to hold a national election. We are moving ahead with preparation according to his commitment.” Regarding the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) demand for the current EC’s reconstitution, the CEC said, “I don’t want to comment. Political parties can express their views.” In reply to another question, he reiterated that there was no discussion on a tentative timeframe for the parliamentary polls during the meeting with the Chief Adviser. “We are preparing to hold the election as early as possible, so that we can hold it whenever the government decides,” he said. About the possible timelines, the CEC said February was mentioned in London and before that April was mentioned. “We are preparing with those two timeframes in mind.” When asked about his comment as the current CEC to the fact that two former Chief Election Commissioners are now behind bars, he said, “I don’t want to make any comment over a sub-judice matter.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said the party will begin discussions on seat sharing with its political allies once the election schedule is announced.  “We’ve not reached that stage yet to talk about seat sharing. This process will begin once the election schedule is announced and election-related activities start,” he said. Khosru, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting between BNP’s liaison committee and the Gono Odhikar Parishad at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the seat-sharing issue will be addressed only after the election process officially begins. “We’ll discuss it with all like-minded parties once the schedule is announced.” During the meeting with Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders, Khosru said they shared the outcome of the recent meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. PM’s term limit to curb path to autocracy: Salahuddin He mentioned that both parties are pleased with the announcement that the election is likely to be held in February next year. The BNP leader also said they discussed how to move forward and carry out necessary preparations ahead of the election, including how to implement the 31-point reform agenda. “As we were united during the movement, we’ll move forward together in the coming days – during the election, in forming the government and in implementing the 31-point reform.” Speaking about the ongoing meetings of the National Consensus Commission, Khosru said reforms will be carried out based on issues where political parties can agree. “There is no scope to go beyond that.” He said every party has its own political ideas, philosophy and future goals. “So, it’s not necessary to reach a consensus on everything. Some issues are important to BNP, while others matter more to different parties. These differences will remain. That’s why the reforms will focus on the agreed issues, while other matters will be presented to the people in the election.” Khosru said BNP is waiting for the government’s decision on swearing in its leader Ishraque Hossain as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), following a court ruling that declared him the winner of the DSCC election. “The judiciary has given a clear decision by declaring Ishraque the mayor. The Election Commission also approved this and gave its opinion. So, legally, he should take charge as mayor,” he said. EU envoy hopes for restoration of democracy in Bangladesh: Khosru Khosru said both the BNP and the current interim government believe in the rule of law. “We firmly believe that if we truly follow the rule of law, it is only natural for Ishraque to be sworn in as mayor. We are now waiting for the government’s decision in this regard.”  

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Md Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission must remain prepared regardless of when the next national election is held. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after exchanging Eid greetings with officials at the Election Commission in Agargaon of the capital. “There has been no discussion with the government yet about holding the election in February. I am currently focused solely on our preparations. Once discussions are held with the government, we will have more clarity and can reach a decision accordingly,” he said. AL may contest elections unless banned: CEC The CEC said the Election Commission is ready to proceed as soon as it receives any indication from the government. Discussions with the government will be held before finalising the election schedule and the schedule will be announced roughly two months ahead of the polls, said the CEC. Will be fully prepared to hold elections as per timeframe : CEC   He also urged the officials not to get involved in politics. “I’ve instructed the officials to be politically aware, but not to get involved in politics. We are neutral referees in the election,” the CEC added.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday hinted that holding local government elections before next June is unlikely, as the voter list updating programme is still ongoing. “Our target is the national election in December. If it is to be held in December, we must announce the election schedule in October,” he said. The CEC made the remarks while addressing a function organised by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the Electoral Training Institute in the capital. Hold national election without delay, Fakhrul urges govt  He noted that the voter list updating programme is currently in progress and will be completed by June. “If local government elections are held now, they will have to be conducted with 1.6 million deceased voters on the list while excluding new voters,” he added.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said it depends on the July charter whether the next national election will be held at the year-end or by June next year. He shared the key recommendations from the Judicial and Public Administration Reform Commissions at a press briefing on Wednesday at the state guest house Jamuna after their reports were submitted to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Responding to a question on whether the government will take steps to implement these recommendations while political parties continue to call for elections, Shafiqul Alam said the Chief Adviser said the six major reform commissions’ recommendations would be reviewed by a consensus commission. The Chief Adviser himself will head this commission, Prof Dr Ali Riaz will be Vice Chairman and the heads of the six commissions and its members, he said. Election only way to promptly implement state-overhauling proposals: Tarique “After reviewing all reports, the consensus commission will hold discussions with political parties and civil society. A decision will then be made on which reforms need immediate action and which require constitutional amendments,” he said. “Political parties will sign on the mutually agreed recommendations, forming the July Charter. Some recommendations will be implemented by the current government while others by the next. The election date—whether in December this year or by June next year—will depend on its implementation,” the press secretary added. Judiciary to be Fully Independent The reform commission has recommended full independence for the judiciary, he said. “Previous governments claimed the judiciary was independent, but in reality, it never was. The new report suggested comprehensive measures to ensure its full and effective independence,” he said. The 351-page report also suggested constitutional amendments to ensure transparency in appointments in the judiciary, he added. Commission working to restore trust in election system: EC Sanaullah The recommendations include a new framework for appointing judges. Permanent Attorney Service Proposed The Judiciary Reform Commission has also proposed establishing a permanent attorney service. “This is a crucial reform. Many countries have permanent attorney services whereas in Bangladesh, nearly 4,000 public prosecutors are politically appointed. The new system would eliminate this practice,” he said. Independent Investigation Agency Another key recommendation is the formation of an independent investigation agency, said the press secretary. EU assures support, emphasises reform ahead of Bangladesh election: CEC “In Bangladesh, police investigate most crimes, but political interference often affects the outcomes. Many high-profile cases have been manipulated due to this. The new agency would ensure impartial investigations,” he added. Supreme Court Bench Expansion He said the report also recommended setting up permanent Supreme Court benches in divisional cities to address the growing case backlog. The report suggested extending magistrate courts to all upazilas and increasing legal aid for underprivileged people, said Shafiqul Alam.