United News of Bangladesh

The BNP and like-minded opposition parties are set to bring out processions holding black flags in all districts on Friday demanding the cancellation of the 12th parliament and protesting the growing price hikes of essential commodities. A similar programme will also be held in all metropolitan cities, including Dhaka, on Saturday to press home the same demand and to register their protest against the skyrocketing prices of essential items. New education policy, school curriculum are anti-national: Rizvi  Apart from Ganatantra Mancha, 12-Party Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, Gono Odhikar Parishad, LDP, Labour Party, Ganatantrik Bam Oikya, Gonoforum and People’s Party will also take out black-flag processions separately in different areas of the capital. Talking to UNB, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said their party leaders and activists will bring out a procession at 2 pm on Saturday in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. Rich-poor disparity rising due to lack of democracy: BNP leader Nazrul Islam     “We have informed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) about this programme. Our party Vice Chairman Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury talked to the  DMP authorities about the programme,” he said. He said the DMP authorities expressed a positive attitude towards the programme though they still did not give formal permission. Koko’s 9th death anniversary Wednesday  Rizvi said the leaders and activists of BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units have taken all-out preparations to make the black-flag programme a success. This will be the BNP's first street programme after the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7.

The train for the 12th parliamentary election has already reached its destination, so the BNP will have to wait for another five years for the next train, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. He was speaking at a joint meeting organised with central leaders and top leaders of the AL's Dhaka city units and its affiliated bodies at the party's Bangabandhu Avenue central office in the capital on Wednesday. He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has introduced the process of holding free and fair elections in the country. Zia's birth anniversary: BNP chalks out 2-day programme "In this election, we saw that the candidature of a ruling party candidate was cancelled and some candidates were issued show-cause notices for breaching the electoral code of conduct. Sheikh Hasina has established a new example through this election. It is possible to hold fair elections in this country only under Sheikh Hasina," he said. Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, said that many countries have congratulated the newly elected government except a party of Bangladesh. Even the US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas congratulated the new government, he said. How new MPs took oath when tenure of outgoing parliament not yet expired, questions BNP’s Farooque BNP did not join the elections sensing its defeat and those who boycotted the polls are saying different things, he added. The election was a competitive one where many independent candidates were elected, while the AL had to take a new strategy as the opposition party boycotted it, he said. The election was held following the constitution and it was peaceful except for a couple of isolated incidents, Quader said. The AL general secretary said that the country's people have no involvement with the BNP and that is why it has been turned into a party of frustrated ones. BNP-Jamaat’s evil designs will go in vain: Hasan Mahmud AL presidium members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Dr Abdur Razzaque, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Qamrul Islam, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman, joint general secretaries Dr Hasan Mahmud, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Dr Dipu Moni, and organizing secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, Afzal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, among others, were present at that time.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) central office in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan was reopened this morning, nearly two and a half months after closure following clashes with police during the party’s grand rally on October 28, 2023. Some BNP leaders and activists, led by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, unlocked the collapsible gate of the office around 10:42 am. They entered the office while shouting various slogans in the name of party founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “We entered BNP’s central office by breaking the lock. A massive rally was foiled through a brutal crackdown by the government’s subservient law-enforcement agencies on October 28…later police locked the office,” said Rizvi. Read: BNP leader Fakhrul gets bail in 9 cases, 2 more cases pending  He said BNP’s standing committee members, led by Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, will hold a press conference — on the national election held on January 7 — at the office at 3 pm. The BNP leader said they will now clean the office for holding the press meet. After the party’s grand rally was foiled halfway through on October 28 at Nayapaltan amid clashes with police, the collapsible gate of the BNP's office was closed with the deployment of a huge number of law enforcers in the area. Members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) marked the areas in front of the main gate of the BNP office with the crime scene tape inscribed with "Do not cross” to collect evidence for investigation into severe political violence. Later, the CID's Crime Scene Unit collected evidence from the site and later removed the crime scene tape. Read: BNP to continue street agitation until demands are met: Rizvi  Following the clashes, law enforcers launched a crackdown on senior BNP leaders and activists, and arrested BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and several other leaders, forcing most of them to go into hiding to avoid arrest. Though thousands of BNP leaders and activists brought out a Victory Day rally on December 16 in Nayapaltan, they did not reopen their central office. BNP finally reopened the office four days after the 12th parliamentary election that was boycotted by most opposition parties.

Though the overall voter turnout was 41.99 percent in the 12th parliamentary election held on Sunday (January 07, 2024), more than 60 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in 21 constituencies and less than 30 percent voted in at least 52 constituencies, according to Election Commission data. The highest 87.24 percent votes were cast in Gopalganj-3 and Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was elected from the constituency, according to the data. The lowest turnout was 13.04 percent in Dhaka-15. State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumdar won the election from the constituency as an AL contender. In the national election held amid boycott of a major political party BNP, ruling Awami League secured 222 seats, while Jatiya Party obtained only 11 seats. Independent candidates clinched victory in 62 seats. Besides, Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) and Bangladesh Kalyan Party each won a seat. The election result of Mymensingh-3 was postponed. Out of the country’s 300 seats, Sunday’s balloting was held in 299 seats as the election to Naogaon-2 was earlier postponed by the commission following the death of a valid candidate there. The five constituencies with more than 70 percent voter turnout are: Gopalganj-3 (87.24% turnout; AL candidate Sheikh Hasina won), Gopalganj-2 (83.20%; AL candidate Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim won), Brahmanbaria-6 (76%, AL’s AB Tajul Islam won), Chattogram-6 (73.24%; AL’s ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury won) and Sirajganj-1 (72.32%; AL candidate Tanvir Shakil Joy won). Read: BNP demands fresh election to establish legitimate govt, PM Hasina’s resignation The constituencies having over 60 percent voter turnout include Naogaon-1, Bagerhat-1, Bagerhat-2, Bagerhat-4, Barishal-1, Jamalpur-1, Mymensingh-10, Faridpur-4, Gopalganj-1, Madaripur-1, Cumilla-7, Cumilla-8, Feni-2, Noakhali-6, Chattogram-7 and Bandarban. Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim secured the highest 295,291 votes for the ‘boat’ symbol in Gopalganj-2. Tanvir Shakil Joy got the second highest, 278,971 votes, in Sirajganj-1. Mirza Azam received 276,453 votes in Jamalpur-3 and Dipankar Talukdar got 271,373 votes in Rangamati. Among the elected candidates, independent candidate Awlad Hossain secured victory obtaining the lowest number of 24,775 votes in Dhaka-4. Candidates who won even after getting less than 40,000 votes are: AL nominated Muhammad Shafikur Rahman (36,458 votes) in Chandpur-4, independent contestant Saddam Hossain Pavel (39,321 votes) in Nilphamari-3 and AL’s Kamal Ahmed Majumdar (39,632 votes) in Dhaka-15. Less than 20 percent votes were cast in five constituencies, which are Dhaka-15 (13.04%), Dhaka-17 (16.66%), Dhaka-8 (18.70%), Sylhet-1 (19.30%) and Dhaka-16 (19.88%). In Sylhet-1, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was elected. Read: Visiting foreign observers describe National Election 2024 in Bangladesh as ‘free, fair and safe’ Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and Secretary General Mujibul Haque won amid low turnout of voters in their constituencies. GM Quader ran the election from Rangpur-3 where the voter turnout was only 22.36%. Mujibul Haque who contested the polls from Kishoreganj-3 witnessed voter turnout of 29.33%. The constituencies that witnessed voter turnout of 20-29 percent also include Rangpur-3, Kurigram-1, Kurigram-2, Kurigram-3, Gaibandha-1, Gaibandha-3, Bogura-2, Bogura-4, Bogura-6, Bogura-7, Chapainawabganj-3, Rajshahi-2, Patuakhali-1, Barishal-5, Mymensingh-5, Mymensingh-6, Mymensingh-8, Kishoreganj-3, Manikganj-1, Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-6, Dhaka-7, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-11, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-18, Dhaka-19, Gazipur-2, Sylhet-5, Sylhet-6, Habiganj-1, Chandpur-3, Chandpur-4, Noakhali-3, Noakhali-4, Lakshmipur-1, Lakshmipur-3, Lakshmipur-4, Chattogram-5, Chattogram-8, Chattogram-10, Chattogram-11, Chattogram-15 and Cox’s Bazar-1. A total of 4,99,65,467 votes out of 11,89,89,241 were cast in 298 constituencies in the January-7 general election. Read more:  Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory

Three players from different sports were elected as Members of Parliament (MPs) in the 12th parliamentary election held on Sunday. LGRD minister Tajul Islam secures win in Cumilla-9 The elected MPs are BFF Senior Vice-Presidents Abdus Salam Murshedy from Khulna-4, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza from Narail-2 and Shakib Al Hasan from Magura-1 constituency. All three were elected with Awami League's boat symbol. Environment Minister Md Shahab Uddin elected MP for the fourth consecutive time Salam Murshedy and Mashrafe won the parliamentary seat for the second time and Shakib for the first time. The polling that began at 8:00 am concluded at 4pm without any break amid tight security in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies. The counting of votes started immediately after the end of voting. Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque wins in Tangail-1  Voting was postponed in three polling centers due to violence, capturing of polling stations and ballot stuffing.

BNP on Sunday night said the victory of the democracy-loving people was ensured as almost all voters rejected the 12th parliamentary election responding to the opposition’s call for boycotting the lopsided voting. In a statement, signed by its Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party also said it is the trait of all autocrats to show high voter turnout in the election that was rejected by people. Hasina wins Gopalganj-3 “People responded to the call of the opposition parties and showed their solidarity. So, the victory of the democracy-loving people was ensured as they firmly rejected today's (Sunday’s) fraudulent election,” BNP said. It also said the rejection of the election by the people is a spontaneous support for the ongoing movement of pro-democracy forces and a strong reflection of the popular demand for Sheikh Hasina's resignation. “Almost all of the country's 12 crore voters boycotted this farcical election…this heroic stand of the people of Bangladesh is mainly for the restoration of democracy. BNP congratulates the countrymen for the way the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh unitedly and bravely rejected the dummy election,” the party said. Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan elected by 140,000 votes Magura-1 constituency The BNP thinks the flawed election was a complete insult to the democratic aspirations and enthusiasm of the people of Bangladesh. It also said the ruling party cadres could not bring out voters to the empty polling stations even outside Dhaka despite various manipulations, threats, and persuasion. The BNP said the way Awami League resorted to manipulations and irregularities in every seat and center in the election that was boycotted by 63 democratic parties, it was proved once again that no free, fair, participatory, competitive, and peaceful election is possible under Sheikh Hasina. Abul Hasnat, Menon won in Barishal-1 and 2 “The state suffers badly if the constitutional institutions are not independent and strong. The current election commission is proof of that. As they (EC) were subservient to Awami fascism, they played a game in the name of election,” the party said.

A 48-hour hartal, called by BNP and like-minded opposition parties to protest the 12th parliamentary election to be held tomorrow (January 07, 2024), is underway. The hartal began at 6 am today (January 06, 2024) and will end at 6 am on Monday (January 08, 2024). A large number of people have left Dhaka city ahead of the January 7 national parliamentary election. The number of vehicles on the street are fewer compared to other days, but despite fear of arson attacks, public vehicles were plying the streets. Four people were killed as arsonists burnt four coaches of the Benapole Express train in Dhaka last night. Read: Govt to face crushing defeat on Jan 7: Moyeen Khan  BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the hartal at a virtual press briefing on Thursday. He said their programme is meant to drum up public support in favor of the party’s call to boycott the January 7 election. BNP along with nearly three dozen opposition political parties have been carrying out a simultaneous movement since December 10 last year to force the current government to quit and hold the 12th parliamentary election under a non-party neutral administration. Read: BNP to hold processions, conduct mass contacts Friday to protest Jan-7 polls Many senior leaders, including BNP’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, were arrested while many others went into hiding in the face of a crackdown by the law enforcers. However, BNP and like-minded parties enforced countrywide blockades for 23 days in 12 phases and hartals for five days since October 29. The opposition party came up with the call for a non-cooperation movement on December 20.

In the upcoming 12th Parliamentary Election, 1,34,46,783 voters across ten districts in the Khulna division are set to cast their ballots for 36 seats. There are 67,46,491 male, 67,00,205 female voters, as confirmed by Khulna Region Election Officer Md Humayun Kabir. The division will feature 4,984 polling centers. Out of 322 nomination papers submitted, 228 were accepted, 94 rejected, and 38 candidates withdrew. Supporters of Palak served show cause notices for threatening supporters of independent candidate A total of 236 candidates are contesting for the 36 seats. In Khulna district, 19,99,882 voters (10,00,084 male, 9,99,784 female, and 14 transgender) will vote at 793 centers, with 39 candidates vying for six seats. In Bagerhat, 12,81,134 voters (6,44,086 male, 6,37,040 female, and eight transgender) will participate in electing representatives for four seats from 26 candidates across 4,088 stations. Satkhira district has 30 candidates for four seats, with 17,46,224 voters (8,76,984 male, 8,69,228 female, and 12 transgender) voting in 602 stations. In Jashore, 23,39,055 voters (11,76,105 male, 11,62,953 female, and 15 transgender) will cast votes for six seats in 825 booths. Actions taken considering crime, not by party or candidate: Election Commissioner Rashida Narail district has 6,41,132 voters (3,21,000 male, 3,20,129 female, and three transgender) voting at 257 centers for two seats, contested by 14 candidates. Meherpur, with two seats, has 5,55,966 voters (2,77,049 male, 2,78,915 female, and two transgender) and 13 candidates, voting in 207 stations. Jhenaidah's 15,01,480 voters (7,54,670 male, 7,46,798 female, and 12 transgender) will select from 26 candidates for four seats in 585 stations. Kushtia district, with 16,43,912 voters (8,22,516 male, 8,21,388 female, and eight transgender), has 31 candidates for four seats, voting in 578 centers. Chuadanga has 9,50,078 voters (4,75,792 male, 4,74,278 female, and eight transgender) voting in 354 centers for two seats from 15 candidates. Magura's 7,87,920 voters (3,98,205 male, 3,89,710 female, and five transgender) will vote for two seats in 295 centers, contested by ten candidates. Faridpur-3: AL's election camp set on fire, independent candidate's supporters under attack To ensure a free, fair, and neutral election, ten returning officers, 71 assistant returning officers, 4,984 presiding officers, 30,253 assistant presiding officers, and 60,506 polling agents will be on duty. The election, scheduled for January 7, 2024, was announced by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on November 15, 2023. The nomination deadline was November 30, with scrutiny from December 1-4 and withdrawal by December 17.

The Election Commission (EC) has requested Public Administration Ministry to declare January 7 as a general holiday on occasion of the 12th Parliamentary Election. "As the 12th national election is scheduled to be held on January 7, it is necessary to declare the day as a general holiday," said a release signed by Deputy Secretary of Election Management Atier Rahman. Election Commission begins scrutiny of nomination papers The letter also sought directives to take necessary steps for declaring January 7 as a general holiday. Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal announced that the 12th parliamentary election of the country will be held on January 7. Election Commission issues show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan The CEC came up with the announcement for the next election schedule while addressing the nation on November 15. According to the constitution, the tenure of the current government will end on January 29, 2024. No pressure on Election Commission from Western countries: Ahsan Habib

Bangladesh Congress candidate for Bogura-4 constituency Ashraful Alam, better known as “Hero Alam”, on Thursday sought security from police during the campaign for 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7. He made the request to the district's Superintendent of Police Sudip Kumar Chakraborty after visiting his office around 2:30pm. SC upholds HC order to dispose of Fakhrul’s bail pleas “I will start the election campaign from Friday. So, I have come to meet SP sir before the campaign. I have informed sir because if any untoward incident occurs during the campaign in Kahalu-Nandigram, I can get police support immediately," he added. Regarding Hero Alam’s meeting, SP Sudip Kumar Chakraborty said, "Police will provide equal support to 55 candidates in seven constituencies of Bogura. There is no opportunity to see anyone separately." Hero Alom will withdraw candidature from national poll Hero Alam sought security and we assured him that Kahalu and Nandigram police will cooperate in accordance with the election rules, added the SP. Hero Alam had participated in elections three times from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-4 constituencies as an independent and had been subjected to attacks by his opponents. Hero Alom’s nomination cancelled over multiple errors Earlier, he received “coconut” as his electoral symbol from Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Saiful Islam.