United News of Bangladesh

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker on Tuesday said officials assigned to perform election duties will carry out publicity about the referendum but won’t campaign for or against any side. “Our position on the referendum is that we are encouraging people to participate in it. However, those entrusted with election duty will not legally work in favour of or against any side,” he said while responding to a question from reporters at his office in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. The Election Commissioner said returning officers, assistant returning officers and other election officials would carry out publicity related to the referendum but would not take sides. “No returning officer or assistant returning officer is campaigning for any side. Those appointed as returning officers cannot do that,” he claimed. Replying to a question on whether publishing election results might take longer this time due to the counting of postal ballots alongside manual ballots for both the general election and the referendum, Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission is trying to announce the results within the expected timeframe. Imams can play key role in holding successful referendum: Jashore DC “In previous elections, we usually saw that most unofficial results came in by midnight. This time as well, it will be similar—at most by late night or by the following day,” he said. Responding to another question regarding demands to ban the Jatiya Party from participating in the election, the Election Commissioner said registered political parties that have valid nominations will take part in the polls. “We believe that all registered parties with nominations will contest the election,” Anwar said. About the maintenance of electoral code of conduct, he said mobile courts have so far conducted drives in 128 constituencies. “They identified 144 violations of the code of conduct, fined a total of Tk 905,500 and filed 94 cases in the last 18 days since January 8,” he added. Addressing allegations by Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) that there is no level-playing field, Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission has already taken necessary measures to address their complaints. “We have forwarded every specific complaint they submitted to the concerned returning officers and the Electoral Inquiry Committees, and action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said. EC Anwar said the EC believes the overall election atmosphere this time is much better than many previous elections. Nation's future hinges on ‘Yes’ vote in referendum: Land Adviser He said the people are participating in the election with full confidence. “Political parties are taking part, and election campaigns are being conducted in a festive manner across the country. These things are reflection of public confidence (in EC),” the Election Commissioner said. Asked whether the Election Commission has any concerns about the February 12 elections, Anwarul Islam said the commission has taken all necessary steps to ensure a fair and neutral election.“Inshallah, you, the nation and the world will see that a fair election is held on February 12.”  

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.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday completed the second phase of his election campaign by addressing six rallies in a span of around 14 hours, seeking votes for his party’s candidates as well as alliance partners. He spoke at the final rally at Narayanganj’s Balurmath around 2:15am, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Tarique returned to his Gulshan residence at around 3:10am on Monday after attending the hectic series of rallies in Chattogram, Feni, Cumilla and Narayanganj. Tarique began the day with a big rally at Chattogram’s Polo Ground around 12:30pm, followed by successive public meetings at Feni Pilot School ground, Chouddagram School ground, Soagazi Digbaji field, Daudkandi Eidgah ground and Narayanganj’s Balurmath. At the rallies, he urged voters to support BNP and its alliance candidates and outlined key plans his party intends to implement to 'rebuild the country' if elected to power. Despite cold weather, thousands of BNP leaders, activists and supporters, including a significant number of women, gathered for hours to hear the chairman speak. Tarique was seen coughing repeatedly during his speeches. At Chouddagram School ground, he told the crowd that he had caught a cold and was feeling feverish. “So, I cannot speak loudly. Please listen quietly and attentively,” he said. Tarique flew to Chattogram on Saturday night and stayed overnight at a city hotel. Earlier on Sunday, he took part in a Youth Policy Dialogue, engaging with students and answering questions on policy issues. Tarique calls for guarding polling centres until vote count finishes  The first phase of his election campaign was launched on January 22 from Sylhet’s Alia Madrasah ground, during which he addressed seven rallies in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj. Tarique is scheduled to virtually address a rally in Noakhali’s Hatiya at 4:00pm on Monday, seeking votes for his party’s candidate for Noakhali-6 Mahbubur Rahman Shamim.  

After nearly 21 years, the historic Polo Ground in the port city of Chattogram is once again set to witness a defining political moment as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman prepares to address a major election rally on Sunday. The port city is buzzing with excitement as BNP leaders, activists and supporters from across Chattogram pour in, turning the area around the Polo Ground into a hive of political activity. For many, the occasion carries deep emotional and symbolic weight, marking Tarique Rahman’s return to the city after a gap of 20 years and seven months. This rally will formally launch the second phase of the BNP’s election campaign, with party insiders describing it as a crucial moment in shaping momentum ahead of the polls. Streets, party offices and local gathering points across the city are alive with preparations, posters and slogans, reflecting the heightened enthusiasm surrounding the visit. Tarique Rahman is scheduled to take the stage at around 11:30am, when thousands are expected to gather at the historic ground, long associated with landmark political events in Chattogram’s history. Organisers say the rally is expected to be one of the largest BNP gatherings the city has seen in recent years. A 100-foot-long and 60-foot-wide stage is being constructed at the venue, where workers were seen busy with preparations on Saturday afternoon.

Claiming that Bangladesh made good progress and people’s lives improved whenever his party was in power, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged voters to support the party in the upcoming election to change their fortunes. “We have seen in the past who truly stood by the people. If we consider all past actions, we will see that whenever the people of this country elected the sheaf of paddy, the country developed and people’s lives improved. So, as a candidate of the sheaf of paddy, I am asking for your votes,” he said. Speaking at an election rally at the BRB Ground in Bhashantek under the Dhaka-17 constituency, he also urged people to bring his party back to power to implement its plans for national development. “I urge you, if the plans I have presented to you are to be implemented, the 'Sheaf  of Paddy' must win across Bangladesh. Many of your relatives, friends and acquaintances live across the country. As your candidate and as a son of this area, I humbly request you to ask them all to vote for the sheaf of paddy in their respective constituencies on February 12,” he added. According to the Election Commission’s schedule, formal campaigning began on Thursday. This was Tarique Rahman’s first rally in Dhaka-17. A day earlier, he launched the party’s campaign by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) and addressing a rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet. On the second day of campaigning, Tarique attended the Bhashantek rally with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, as he is contesting from the constituency. He emphasised his lifelong connection to the local residents and outlined a comprehensive vision for national reform following a period of political upheaval, prioritising democratic accountability and the restoration of voting rights at all levels of government. Tarique said the country had gone through difficult times over the last 15–16 years before the political changeover through a mass pursing on August 5, 2024. He said people across Bangladesh now want positive changes, including solutions to key problems such as safe movement, security, jobs for students and employment for unemployed young men and women. Pointing to former Bangladesh national football team captain Aminul Haque on stage, Tarique Rahman said, “You all know Aminul Haque. We want to bring out such talents so that boys and girls can become professional athletes and earn their livelihood through sports.” He said every sector of the country and its institutions was weakened over the last 15–16 years, leaving Bangladesh far behind and in need of rebuilding. “If we want to rebuild, we must establish democracy. Only if you can democratically elect your representatives can you take your local problems to them,” Tarique said. Referring to the past 15 years, he said people could not approach so-called MPs with their area’s problems. “That is why, to solve local problems and ensure development, we must elect representatives democratically — not only in parliamentary elections but also in municipalities, upazilas and union councils.” The BNP leader said accountability is essential and elected representatives must know what the people want. “Just as I came to you today and listened to your problems, I expect future representatives at every level to go directly to the people, identify their problems, and take initiatives to solve them.” Tarique said solving local problems as well as national issues such as security, employment, education, and healthcare requires a democratic government elected by the people. “A people-elected government can solve people’s problems,” he said, calling on supporters to take an oath: “We will work together and build the country — Bangladesh first.” In the beginning of his speech, he personally took the microphone and called people from different walks of life — long-time Bhashantek residents, young students, marginal workers, and women — asking them about their problems and expectations if he is elected MP. They said slum dwellers want proper rehabilitation and employment opportunities for women. In response, Tarique Rahman said, “I have grown up in this area for the last 50 years, although I had to stay outside for some time. Still, I am one of you.” “Now that I am a candidate of this area, I can assure you that, with your prayers and by the grace of Allah, if I win the upcoming election and the sheaf of paddy forms the government, we will solve the problems raised here today — including the rehabilitation of slum dwellers and other local issues,” he observed. Several residents shared their concerns directly with Tarique Rahman. Md Jewel, a van driver, asked him to resolve housing problems and improve roads in the constituency. Hena Akhter, a student at the University of Asia Pacific, requested better living standards and rehabilitation for slum dwellers.  Lili, a Bhashantek resident, asked for family cards for women and jobs for unemployed youth. Shanta, another voter, urged employment opportunities for women and access to the cantonment area for civilians. Another middle-aged woman approached the stage to seek forgiveness for stealing guavas from the cantonment house of Tarique and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 20 years ago. Sixteen hours, seven stops: Tarique’s campaign begins without pause She also raised grievances about a portion of land allegedly grabbed by an Awami League leader. Tarique asked her to plant a guava tree at her home and send some of its fruit as repayment. He promised to resolve housing problems and rehabilitate slum dwellers.  The BNP Chairman also reiterated that, if his party comes to power, women in every household will receive a Family Card to access either Tk 2,500 in cash or essential food items of equivalent value.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) officially kicked off its election campaign on Thursday afternoon by paying respect at the graves of the Three National Leaders, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Khawaja Nazimuddin, and Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, located near Doel Chattar of Dhaka University. Following this, party leaders visited the graves of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Osman Hadi, situated adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. The event was attended by the NCP Convener Nahid Islam, as well as Nasir Uddin Patwari, a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Speaking at the venue, Nahid Islam noted that Dhaka University was the starting point for the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the mass uprising of 2024. Consequently, the NCP chose this historic site to begin its electoral journey. Ameer-e-Jamaat launches campaign for Dhaka-15 in Mirpur "We want the election to be held on February 12 at any cost," Nahid Islam stated. "Our sole agenda now is to win that election and represent the people in Parliament." He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is failing to maintain neutrality under the current government’s influence. "We have repeatedly pointed out that the Commission is not acting impartially. They are granting special privileges to a particular party. While that party has been campaigning for several days despite it being against the rules, the EC served us a show-cause notice for campaigning in favor of a referendum. We demand true neutrality, yet we are determined to move forward regardless of these obstacles." Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP remains as steadfast regarding elections and referendums as it has been regarding reforms and justice. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure a fair election on February 12. We expect the 10-party electoral alliance to win by a landslide and form the government," he added. He asserted that the general public is with them and that there is no alternative to a victory for the 10-party alliance to carry forward the spirit of the July uprising and the momentum of national reform. Urging the nation to support the alliance, he said, "We have 30 candidates across the country. I call upon the people to elect them under the 'Shaplakoli' symbol. In Parliament, the NCP and the 10-party alliance will be the voice of the common people, the mass uprising, national reform, and our country's sovereignty."

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.  

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has imposed a ban on flying drones over the Alia Madrasa field during a BNP  rally, citing security concerns. The BNP is set to hold the rally at Alia Madrasa field as part of its campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election. Party Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the gathering as the chief guest at around 11:30am. Tarique now in Sylhet to launch election campaign Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Saiful Islam said no individual or organisation will be allowed to operate drones during the rally, except law enforcement agencies. He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the ban.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to embark on a hectic two-day tour of Sylhet tonight (Wednesday) to formally kick off his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election by addressing seven rallies in a row on Thursday (January 22, 2026). “Since the election campaign is scheduled to begin tomorrow (Thursday) as per the announced timetable, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is going to launch it with a visit to Sylhet. He will reach Sylhet by air at 8:15pm tonight,” said BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin. After reaching Sylhet, he said, the BNP Chairman will visit the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) late at night and offer fateha there, marking the start of the election campaign in line with the party’s long-standing tradition. Mahdi, who is also an adviser to the BNP Chairman, shared the detailed tour programmes at a press briefing held at the party’s election office in the Gulshan area. Read more: BNP to take action against rebel candidates: Mahdi Amin On Thursday morning, Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will address his first election rally at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. Later in the day, he said the BNP Chairman will attend a rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar Sadar upazila at noon. On his way, Mahdi said Tarique will also join a rally at the proposed new Upazila Parishad ground in Shayestaganj upazila of Habiganj district. The BNP spokesman said Tarique will then proceed to Brahmanbaria, where he is scheduled to address a rally at Kuttapara Football Ground in Sarail upazila. In the afternoon, he said, the BNP Chairman will attend another election rally at Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj. On Tarique’s way back to Dhaka, Mahdi said, the BNP Chief will join a roadside election rally in the Narsingdi municipal area before attending a similar gathering at the Araihazar–Rupganj Gausia area in Narayanganj district. He said Tarique is expected to return to his residence at Gusansthal late at night. Mahdi said the party has already informed the concerned district administrations and returning officers of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi, Narayanganj and Dhaka through official letters. He also said the respective police departments and other authorities have been notified in advance. Since the formation of BNP, party founder Ziaur Rahman began his presidential election campaign from Sylhet, while Begum Khaleda Zia also launched all her election campaigns from the city starting in 1991. Following that tradition, Tarique Rahman will begin his campaign with shrine visits, party leaders said. Read more: BNP rebel candidate Hasan Zahid withdraws nomination in Jashore-1 Sylhet BNP leaders said Tarique Rahman last visited the city in 2005, when he attended a BNP union representatives’ conference as the party’s senior joint secretary general. After spending 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom, Tarique Rahman returned home with his family on December 25. A few days later, on December 30, his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. ‘Election Theme Song’ Mahdi said BNP will unveil an official election theme song at the very start of the election campaign. “The theme song will be launched at 12:01am on January 22 at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka, marking the formal beginning of the campaign,” he said. He said the theme song will be unveiled by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Member Secretary of the party’s Central Election Steering Committee Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Chief Coordinator of the Election Steering Committee Ismail Zabiullah and other committee members, along with leaders from various units, are expected to attend the event. Mahdi said Tarique has decided to include senior leaders from the party’s different wings and associate bodies as his travel companions during election tours, in recognition of their sacrifices and roles in the party’s 16-year-long anti-fascist movement and mass uprising. Read more: Tarique pledges housing, basic services for Korail residents He said leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations played an unprecedented and steadfast role in the long struggle for democracy. “Out of respect and affection for their sacrifices, Tarique Rahman has taken the initiative to honour them by gradually taking such dedicated leaders with him on his tours and recognising their contributions to the democratic movement,” he said. During the Sylhet tour, Mahdi said, BNP Chairman Tarique will be accompanied by party leaders Abdul Qader Bhuiyan Jewel, Mamun Hasan, Abdul Monayem Munna, Kazi Rawnakul Islam Shrabon, Yasin Ferdous Murad and Rakibul Islam Rakib, along with several other committed young leaders. “More such leaders will be included in future tours in phases, Insha’Allah.” ‘Appeal to Political Parties’ The BNP leader said the February 12 national parliamentary election is a very important chapter for Bangladesh. He expressed the hope that all political parties will run a peaceful, fair and acceptable election campaign by showing restraint, tolerance and coexistence. Mahdi urged all political parties to fully follow the election code of conduct so that the people’s hopes and expectations are reflected in the much-awaited election. “Only through collective responsibility and democratic practice can this election set a positive example, Insha’Allah.” He also recalled that earlier Tarique planned visits to the northern region to offer fateha at the graves of July uprising martyrs, including Shaheed Abu Sayeed, as well as national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and his maternal grandmother, along with some religious and personal programmes. Five BNP rebel candidates still in race in Sylhet as 26 withdraw across 19 seats Mahdi, however, said large public gatherings formed around those planned visits, prompting the Election Commission to request restraint. Respecting the Commission’s request, he said, Tarique Rahman cancelled those visits to help maintain a proper election environment. Replying to a question, Mahdi said Tarique Rahman will visit the Chattogram region for election campaigning after completing his Sylhet tour, and the detailed schedule will be announced later.  ‘Undesirable Activities’ Responding to another question, the BNP leader said collecting voter ID cards and bKash numbers by going door to door by a particular political party is undesirable. “We urge people to remain alert in this regard, as voters are eager to cast their votes in this election.” He said steps must be taken so that the level playing field is not damaged in any way. “If we see violations of the election code of conduct in an organised way, including the misuse of postal ballots abroad or the collection of voter IDs and mobile payment or bKash numbers, these will be considered undesirable.” Mahdi said BNP has urged its leaders and activists to engage in positive politics during the campaign by reaching out to ordinary people, presenting the party’s plans and countering misinformation. He also urged those involved in collecting voter IDs and mobile payment numbers to move away from such negative political practices. ‘EC’s Role in Ensuring Level-Playing Field’ Mahdi said BNP wants a free, fair and credible election. “We firmly believe that if a level playing field is ensured and the people’s voting rights are truly evaluated, BNP will form the government with the people’s mandate, Insha’Allah.” Read more: Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru He urged the Election Commission to ensure a level-playing field, conduct a flawless election and keep it free from controversy. “The Commission must ensure that all parties follow the election code of conduct.” Mahdi said several BNP delegations have already visited the Election Commission and urged it to take a strong and firm stance on these issues.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will formally launch his party’s election campaign for the 13th national parliamentary election from Sylhet on January 22. “Tarique Rahman will go to Sylhet on January 22. However, the detailed tour plan is yet to be finalised,” his Press Secretary Saleh Shibly told UNB. Traditionally, Shibly said, the BNP begins its national election campaign from Sylhet by offering fateha at the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R). “During the visit, he will offer fateha at both shrines. It has not yet been decided where the campaign will formally begin, but I believe it will start in Sylhet after visiting the two shrines,” he said. He also said the detailed programme of Tarique Rahman’s visit and election campaign will be finalised soon. On Saturday, while exchanging greetings with editors and senior journalists at a hotel in Dhaka, Tarique said his party will go to people with its plans from January 22. According to the election schedule, symbols will be allocated to candidates on January 21, while formal electioneering will begin on January 22. Tarique’s northern region tour postponed at EC’s request Earlier, following an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee on Friday night, the BNP announced the postponement of Tarique Rahman’s planned tour of the northern districts. After the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique’s scheduled four-day tour of the northern region had been postponed following a request from the Election Commission (EC). The BNP Chairman planned to begin his tour of the northern districts today (January 11) to pay tributes to national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and Abu Sayed, a martyr of the 2024 student-led mass uprising. He was also scheduled to visit Dinajpur to offer fateha at the grave of his maternal grandmother. Party sources said Tarique Rahman, who assumed the post of party chairman on Friday night, will visit all divisions during the election campaign period—from 6:00am on January 22 to 7:30am on February 10—to seek votes for the candidates of his t and alliance partners.