United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that no one would be able to foil this year’s national election despite possible conspiracies. “In the past, we have seen various conspiracies surrounding elections. There may still be attempts to sabotage the process, but I firmly believe no one can foil this year’s election,” he said while addressing an election rally at Mohammadpur Union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. He said people across the country have awakened politically, as many were deprived of voting rights in previous elections. “This time, people are determined to exercise their right to vote and protect the polling centres,” he added. BNP alleges voter migration in Dhaka, demands EC data Mirza Fakhrul, also candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency, said people of all religions and communities—Hindus and Muslims alike—would come together to vote in the upcoming election. Addressing the Hindu community, he urged them to go to polling centres without fear, cast their votes and return home peacefully, assuring them of protection. Referring to the past 17 years, he alleged that the country’s people had suffered torture and oppression under a ‘fascist regime’. “After that dark period, people have once again got the opportunity to decide the future of the country,” he said. Criticising former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader said his party did not want a leader who leaves behind countless leaders and activists. “We do not belong to a group of thieves and robbers. We follow the ideals of Shaheed Zia,” he said. Apologising on behalf of BNP leaders and activists, Mirza Fakhrul said, “If anyone makes a mistake during the election campaign, I seek forgiveness on their behalf and hope people will take it positively.” Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman Mirza Fakhrul became emotional when a supporter presented him with an egg and a clay savings bank. The BNP leader sought forgiveness from the martyrs and appealed for votes, saying the sheaf of paddy is the election symbol of former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He urged voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy in the February 12 election, seeking what he described as an opportunity to serve the people ‘for the last time’. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, along with a large number of local residents, attended the rally.  

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, officially inaugurated his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on Thursday afternoon. The campaign kicked off with a massive public rally held at Adarsha High School in Mirpur-10, part of the Dhaka-15 (Mirpur-Kafrul) constituency. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Jamaat chief signaled the start of a nationwide movement for the party. The atmosphere in Mirpur was electric from the morning, as thousands of supporters arrived in processions, carrying the party’s election symbol, the "Scale" (Daripalla). By midday, the venue and surrounding areas were packed to capacity, decorated extensively with banners and festoons, which are now legal for a limited period. The rally was attended by several prominent leaders of Jamaat and of parties in its alliance, including Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Vice President and Spokesperson of JAGPA, Advocate Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Council member and candidate for Dhaka-12. Also seen were some of the high profile Jamaat candidates from Dhaka, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14), Colonel (Retd.) Abdul Baten (Dhaka-16), and Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (Dhaka-17). The event was presided over by Abdur Rahman Musa, the seat coordinator and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat's Dhaka North City unit, while former Chhatrashibir President Zahidul Islam moderated the session. Dr. Saif Khan, son of the late Abdul Hannan Khan, delivered the opening speech. Local leaders, including Abdul Matin Khan and Anwarul Karim, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing a festive yet determined start to their electoral journey.  

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved a proposal to declare February 11 a public holiday, in addition to the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, to help voters participate and ensure law and order management in an effective manner. The approval was given at the Council’s weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on the outcomes of the meeting. EC warns against code violations over voter data collection campaign day Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was also present at the briefing. The Council approved the proposal following a high-level meeting held on Wednesday to review election preparations and security issues. Alam said the meeting also approved an additional holiday on February 10 exclusively for workers in industrial zones. Workers in industrial zones will enjoy holidays on February 10 and 11. Along with the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, this will result in a three-day break. Alam said February 10 will apply only to industrial zone workers as a holiday. 288 BNP, 224 Jamaat candidates in Bangladesh election race He said the reason behind the decision was to allow voters currently residing in Dhaka, industrial towns, and other major cities to travel to their respective hometowns to cast their votes, as February 11 falls on the day before the election. The decision is also expected to help authorities manage law and order more effectively during the election period, Alam said. An official notification regarding the decisions will be issued shortly.  

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday warned that collecting voters’ personal information and national identity card (NID) details in the name of electioneering is a punishable offence. “It has come to the Bangladesh Election Commission’s notice that some people are collecting voters’ personal data and National Identity (NID) under the guise of election campaigning. According to the National Identity Card Registration Act 2010, one cannot carry or transfer another's National Identity Card (NID)," said EC in a press release. The electioneering officially began on Thursday (January 22) ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12. Referring to provisions of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates Rules, 2025, the Commission said no political party, candidate or anyone on their behalf is allowed to offer or promise any donation, contribution or gift to any person, groups or institutions residing in the electoral area. “These activities are punishable offences under these rules. The Election Commission urges all citizens and organisations to refrain from such practices,” the EC said. Earlier, on January 13, a BNP delegation lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that a particular political party has been collecting voters’ NID details and mobile phone numbers across the country. Calling the move ‘suspicious and unprecedented’, BNP Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan said such activities could be aimed at creating fake voters or influencing voting behavior. Nazrul Islam said the collection of mobile financial service numbers could indicate the possibility of monetary transactions. The election campaign began officially on Thursday after the Commission allocated electoral symbols on Wednesday to as many as 1,972 candidates contesting the upcoming election from 298 constituencies, excluding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. The number of contesting candidates would rise further once contestants from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are added. Currently, there are nine valid candidates in the two constituencies. Altogether, the total number of candidates across the 300 constituencies stands at 1,981—comprising 1,732 candidates from 51 registered political parties and 249 independent candidates. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.  

In a decisive move to maintain party discipline, BNP has expelled 59 more local leaders for defying party directives and contesting the upcoming national election as independent candidates. In a media release issued on Wednesday night, the party said they were expelled for engaging in activities that go against the party’s policy, ideology and organisational discipline. It said all of them have been stripped of primary membership along with all posts at every tier of the party. Earlier, BNP expelled 13 leaders for running in seats allocated to alliance partners, defying the party’s decision. The expelled leaders are from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram divisions. Tarique now in Sylhet to launch election campaign Earlier in the day, party Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said BNP will take organisational action against its ‘rebel’ candidates if they do not step aside from the election race. “The time for withdrawal of candidacy has passed. Now discussions will be held by the Election Steering Committee and by the top leadership of BNP. After that, if anyone remains a candidate, organisational action will definitely be taken against them by the party,” he said. Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s election office in Gulshan area, Mahdi said the party wants all members to work together with full dedication for the candidates under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. “Those who do not do this will definitely face organisational action from the party,” he added. BNP in favour of ‘Yes’ in referendum: Mahdi Amin According to media reports, nearly 76 rebel BNP candidates remain in the field across the country as they did not withdraw their nomination papers on Tuesday, the last date for withdrawal. Rangpur Division From Rangpur Division, the expelled leaders are ANM Bazlur Rashid (Dinajpur-2), AZM Rezaeanul Haque (Dinajpur-5) and Riyad Arafan Sarkar Rana (Nilphamari-4). Rajshahi Division From Rajshahi Division, the party expelled Parvez Arefin Siddiqui Jony (Naogaon-3), Taiful Islam Tipu (Natore-1), Dr Yasser Arshad Rajon (Natore-1), Daudar Mahmood (Natore-3), Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul (Rajshahi-5), Barrister Rezaul Karim (Rajshahi-5), KM Anwarul Islam (Pabna-3) and Zakaria Pintu (Pabna-4). Khulna Division Those expelled from Khulna Division are Nuruzzaman (Kushtia-1), Monirul Islam (Narail-2), Advocate Shahid Iqbal (Jashore-5), Dr Shahidul Alam (Satkhira-3), Engr Masud (Bagerhat-1) and Khairuzzaman Shipon (Bagerhat-4). Barishal Division From Barishal Division, the expelled are Abdus Sobhan (Barishal-1) and Md Mahmud Hossain (Pirojpur-2). Dhaka Division From Dhaka Division, the expelled leaders are Md Dulal Hossain (Narayanganj-1), Md Ataur Rahman Khan Angur (Narayanganj-2), Prof Md Rezaul Karim (Narayanganj-3), Advocate Mohammad Ali (Tangail-1), Lutfur Rahman Khan Azad (Tangail-3), Advocate Farhad Iqbal (Tangail-5), Md Jamal Ahmed Chowdhury (Narsingdi-5), Md Mumin Ali (Munshiganj-1) and Md Mohiuddin (Munshiganj-3). Mymensingh Division From Mymensingh Division, the expelled are Rezaul Karim Chunnu (Kishoreganj-1), Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal (Kishoreganj-5), Salman Omar Rubel (Mymensingh-1), AB Siddiqur Rahman (Mymensingh-10), Md Morshed Alam (Mymensingh-11), Md Delwar Hossain Bhuiyan (Netrokona-3) and Md Aminul Islam Badsha (Sherpur-3). Faridpur Division From the newly formed Faridpur Division, BNP expelled Lavlu Siddiqui (Madaripur-1), Kamal Jamal Nuruddin Molla (Madaripur-1), Milton Boiddya (Madaripur-2), Nasirul Haque Sabu (Rajbari-2), MS Khan Manju (Gopalganj-2), Sirajul Islam Siraj (Gopalganj-2) and Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib (Gopalganj-3). Sylhet Division Those expelled from Sylhet Division are Anwar Hossain (Sunamganj-3), Dewan Zainul Zakerin (Sunamganj-4), Mamunur Rashid (Sylhet-5), Mohsin Mia Madhu (Moulvibazar-4) and Sheikh Sujat Mia (Habiganj-1). Cumilla Division From Cumilla Division, the expelled are Advocate Kamruzzaman Mamun (Brahmanbaria-1), Kazi Nazmul Hossain Tapas (Brahmanbaria-5), Krishibid Saiduazzaman Kamal (Brahmanbaria-6), Engr Abdul Matin (Cumilla-2), Atikul Alam Shawon (Cumilla-7) and MA Hannan (Chandpur-4). Chattogram Division From Chattogram Division, BNP expelled Advocate Mizanul Haque Chowdhury (Chattogram-14), Shafiqul Islam Rahi (Chattogram-14), Liakat Ali Chairman (Chattogram-16), Kazi Mofizur Rahman (Noakhali-2), Engr Fazlul Azim (Noakhali-6) and Engr Tanvir Uddin Rajib (Noakhali-6).

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday upheld the candidacy of BNP candidate Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury (Chattogram-4), rejecting the appeal petitions submitted by several banks to cancel his candidature on ground of loan default. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, passed the order in the afternoon, hearing the petitions filed by Trust Bank, Bank Asia and Jamuna Bank. Aslam Chowdhury was a borrower from Trust Bank, while he was a guarantor over loans taken from two other banks. The EC, as the Electoral Appeal Tribunal, on January 10 started hearing and disposing of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons against the decisions of the returning officers on the acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals by today (Sunday).  

Barrister Rumeen Farhana, an independent candidate for the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, on Saturday quarrelled with an executive magistrate over an alleged violation of the election code of conduct. The violation was related to holding a campaign rally before the official campaign period. The incident occurred in the Islamabad (Gogad) area of Noagaon Union under Sarail upazila when Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan went to stop the rally. In a video that went viral on social media, it was seen that Rumeen Farhana became agitated when the magistrate attempted to discuss the alleged violation. She told him, “This is the last time, I am warning you, I will not listen to this. Today I am leaving just for politeness and I will not do it in the future.” She and her supporters also alleged that others are violating the code of conduct but the administration did not take action against them. At one stage, she warned the magistrate, saying, “If I do not allow you, you cannot leave this place, Sir, mind it.” She also said, “Those whose words you are following now, they used to stay under the bed by holding their ears during Sheikh Hasina's time. I am Rumeen Farhana, I do not need any party." Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan said the rally violated Rule 18 of the election code of conduct. “As the programme was against the rules, we went there and asked them to stop holding the rally,” he said. According to Section 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rule, 2025, the electioneering can be conducted from three weeks before the polling day until 48 hours prior to the start of voting, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. “Outside the stipulated campaign period, national and international days can be observed as well as religious, social and similar events can be organised without hampering the electoral environment and in compliance with the code of conduct. However, prior consent or permission from the returning officer concerned must be obtained,” said a circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain. The executive magistrate added that after the rally was stopped, its organiser, Md Jewel, was fined Tk 40,000. “The candidate left the spot without being able to hold the rally and behaved disrespectfully towards me,” the magistrate said, adding that the matter had been reported to the Additional District Magistrate.

The Election Commission on Saturday cleared the way for more 44 previously rejected candidates to return to the electoral race after hearing their appeal petitions. Besides, the EC cancelled the candidacy of BNP’s Monzurul Ahsan Munshi and upheld that of National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, in Cumilla-4. The Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, heard appeal petitions filed by both candidates against each other and passed its order. The EC accepted the appeal filed by Hasnat against the candidature of Monzurul Ahsan related to loan default, but turned down the appeal filed by Monzurul Ahsan, declaring the candidacy of Hasnat valid for the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. On Saturday, the EC, that acts as the electoral appeal tribunal heard more than 100 appeals filed by aggrieved persons at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Of them, the Commission accepted 45 petitions including one against (the validity of Monzurul Ahsan Munshi), while rejecting 37 other petitions, and kept 21 pending to be settled on Sunday (the last day). Among the pending petitions, many appeals related to dual citizenship issue as the Commission is likely to pass a similar order for all such petitions on Sunday. With the 44 aspirants who regained candidacy, some 400 candidates returned to the electoral race in the last eight days after the EC started hearing of the appeals filed by aggrieved persons and organizations challenging the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers during the scrutiny. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals petitions by Sunday (January 18). According to the EC, a total of 2,568 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies by the December 29 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723, triggering the 645 appeals.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Thursday said the Election Commission (EC) has found no evidence of any irregularities in the postal ballots sent to expatriate Bangladeshis abroad reviewing several video clips circulating on social media regarding the distribution of postal ballots. “So far, we’ve received video clips from three locations…. The Commission examined them very seriously, but no evidence of any deviation has been found in those videos,” Sanaullah said. The election commissioner made the remarks while briefing reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city on Thursday evening. He said some political parties have already expressed reactions over the issue, prompting the Commission to take immediate steps to verify the matter. “To understand the actual situation, we contacted all the relevant embassies today.” Sanaullah said the EC will not make any compromise with the integrity of the postal balloting system. “There will be no leniency for anyone concerning postal ballots,” he said. Earlier on Tuesday, BNP raised concerns before the Election Commission over the viral videos related to the distribution of postal ballots sent to expatriates. The Election Commissioner said a total of 767,084 postal ballots were dispatched for the expatriate voters. Of them, 707,500 ballots have already reached the destinations in different countries and 59,584 others are on transition. Based on QR code scans, around 140,873 expatriate voters have already received their ballots. He said some ballots have been returned undelivered due to incorrect addresses in foreign lands. So far, 4,521 ballots have been returned, mostly from Malaysia, followed by Italy. Sanaullah said a large number of expatriate voters use shared addresses due to living in limited accommodation without individual mailing addresses, particularly in labour-intensive destinations in the Middle East and Malaysia. Some 171,680 voters used an address shared by two voters, while 95,816 voters used addresses shared by up to five voters, 59,276 voters used addresses shared by up to 10 voters, 38,109 voters used addresses shared by up to 20 voters, 21,915 voters used addresses shared by 20 to 50 voters, 14,891 voters used addresses shared by 100 or more voters, he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has disclosed assets worth nearly Tk 15 million and an annual income of Tk 360,000 in his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, as he filed his nomination papers for the upcoming national election. According to the affidavit, Shafiqur Rahman has Tk 6,076,497 in cash and owns 10 bhori of gold. He also owns a duplex house built on 11.77 decimals of land in his own name, valued at Tk 2.7 million. The Jamaat chief owns 2.17 acres of agricultural land, valued at Tk 1.771 million, and earns Tk 300,000 annually from the agricultural sector. The estimated value of his total assets (movable and immovable) stands at Tk 14,999,474 as shown as the income tax return for the fiscal year of 2025-26. He owns a vehicle valued at Tk 450,000, electric goods valued at Tk 200,000 and furniture worth Tk 240,000. Shafiqur Rahman described himself as a medical professional and stated his academic qualification is MBBS. He is accused in two criminal cases which are now postponed by the High Court.  He was accused in 32 other criminal cases in the past, but he was acquitted or relieved from many cases, while some cases were withdrawn.    The Jamaat Ameer submitted his nomination paper from the Dhaka-15 constituency to contest the 13th parliamentary election scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026. On his behalf, a three-member team handed over the nomination paper to Md Yunus Ali, the returning officer for Dhaka-13 and 15 constituency and also Dhaka Regional Election Officer,  at the latter’s office in the Electoral Training Institute in the capital’s Agargaon area. Jamaat assistant secretaries general Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair and Abdul Halim and central executive committee member Mobarak Hossain were the delegation members. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).