United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged senior police officers to uphold their highest level of responsibility and sincerity as the country moves toward what he described as a ‘historic, festive and peaceful’ national election, one that will go beyond the ‘traditional’ election. “This is not an ordinary election. It will be a post-uprising election, different from all traditional elections. Through this election, a new Bangladesh will emerge,” he said, underscoring the importance of the next three months. Prof Yunus made the remarks while addressing the Superintendents of Police (SPs) from all 64 districts, along with other senior police officials, at the Chief Adviser’s Office. The national election is scheduled to be held in the first half of February next year.Speaking about the role of SPs in ensuring a festive and peaceful election environment, Prof Yunus stressed the need for carrying out duties with utmost precision and without mistakes. He said the government is committed to building a stronger institutional structure, one that will never falter. Prof Yunus also briefly reflected on previous controversial elections, mentioning that the police have the opportunity to help bring about positive change by acting without bias.“It is a historic responsibility,” the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus called on the SPs to play a role in holding an acceptable election, pointing out that the next election is a historic responsibility for everyone and encouraged them to take the responsibility as a challenge. He said through the uprising they dreamt of a new Bangladesh, and through the upcoming election, they aim to carry that dream forward. Prof Yunus said a referendum will also be held simultaneously during the upcoming general election, which will serve as the basis for building the Bangladesh of the future. Prof Yunus said many delegations and election observers from abroad will come in the upcoming elections. The Superintendents of Police should work towards this so that they can present this election as a wonderful example to the whole world, he said. The Chief Adviser said they have all seen the past elections - some call it a farce election, some call it a fraud. "We have to rise above that and create a new standard."Prof Yunus mentioned that bringing about that change is the major responsibility of the police force. Chinese investors can help transform Bangladesh into manufacturing hub: Prof Yunus He emphasised the initiative and creativity of the officers in making the upcoming elections fair, saying, "Not everything can be written on paper. While performing your duties, you should think about how to do the job more efficiently." Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, among others, was present.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday (November 24) said the government may need to revise the election budget as holding the national election and the referendum on the same day will inevitably raise costs particularly for security and manpower. “When we first received their proposal, the referendum was not in the plan. Naturally, holding both on the same day will involve additional expenses. You will need more manpower, more security, more logistics,” he told reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat. Dr Salehuddin said that even after the announcement of the election schedule essential emergency spending can still be accommodated. “There is nothing for the Finance Ministry to worry about. If the Election Commission needs something urgently, that can be arranged,” he said. He also said expenses may rise due to the ongoing registration of Bangladeshi expatriate voters at embassies abroad. “Foreign missions are doing preparatory work. Officers are collecting information and overtime costs will be involved. The Foreign Ministry may request funds. We will provide support,” he said. Asked about the Chief Election Commissioner’s recent remark that holding a referendum alongside the national election would be a major challenge, Dr Salehuddin said the issue was outside his jurisdiction. He said both votes on the same day is more practical. “This is a government decision. Doing it on two separate days would require the entire mobilisation twice—returning officers, teachers, bank officials, everyone. It is not easy. Many countries hold referendums and national polls on the same day. Logistically, it is better,” he said. On the use of body cameras by law enforcement agencies during the polls, Dr Salehuddin said the government has already taken a policy decision and procurement will proceed through the respective security agencies. Read more: Bangladesh Election: Over 18,000 expatriates registered to vote               “The purchase committee has made a decision. We have instructed the relevant agencies to procure the equipment using their allocated budgets and in a transparent manner,” he said. He declined to reveal how many cameras might be bought. “It is not my responsibility to decide numbers. This falls under the Home Ministry and its agencies. The Election Commission will only identify sensitive locations. Police, BGB, RAB and other agencies will procure and use them. There is nothing to worry about,” he added. Dr Salehuddin also said the Finance Division recently scrapped a proposal to buy 100 replacement vehicles for the cabinet members of the next elected government.             “Sometimes wrong messages go out. The vehicles were replacement units, not extra ones. Still, we canceled the plan because it is not necessary now,” he said. He added that the Finance Division has already begun internal budget revisions. “We are reviewing the budget. All ministries have been given a deadline to submit their final estimates. In December we will revise the national budget, and by January we will keep the election budget ready for the next government. Everything remains open,” he said Election candidates must disclose domestic, foreign assets: ACC chairman

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on Monday (November 24) reaffirmed support for the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an "inclusive, just and prosperous" future for all Botchwey met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed the country’s national transition and the Commonwealth’s role in supporting the people’s democratic expectations. "During our meeting, we discussed Bangladesh’s national journey and our renewed partnership to support the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an inclusive, just and prosperous future for all," she said after the meeting. The Secretary-General said she is grateful to the Chief Adviser of the interim government and the people of Bangladesh for their generous hospitality. The Chief Adviser sought the Commonwealth’s full support for holding the upcoming general election, scheduled for the first half of February. “We need your support in our democratic transition as well as in the upcoming general election,” he said during the meeting. The Chief Adviser thanked the Secretary-General for her strong interest in Bangladesh’s forthcoming election process. He reaffirmed the Interim Government's commitment to holding a free, fair, credible, and festive election. In response, the Secretary-General assured the Chief Adviser of the Commonwealth’s full support for Bangladesh’s election and the post-election transition, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. “There are vast resources within the Commonwealth—56 countries, including members of the G7 and G20"—that Bangladesh could draw on to strengthen one another, she said. The Secretary-General added that she had held meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, the Law Adviser, Foreign Affairs Adviser and the Chief Election Commissioner, noting, “I’m very hopeful about the future of the country.” She also confirmed that the Commonwealth is preparing to deploy several observer teams ahead of the elections. The two leaders also discussed youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, creating more social businesses and advancing the three-zero vision aimed at reducing unemployment, carbon emissions, and inequality. She also met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We discussed ways to deepen cooperation at the national and international levels in our shared efforts to improve the lives of all Bangladeshi people," said the Secretary-General after her meeting with Foreign Adviser Hossain. Read more: Jatiya Party meets Commonwealth delegation in Dhaka Her first official visit to Bangladesh came ahead of the general election in the country expected to be held in February 2026. On Sunday, Botchwey said their Commonwealth family remains firmly committed to the people of Bangladesh. “I had fruitful discussions with Dhaka-based High Commissioners on how the Commonwealth can continue supporting Bangladesh to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter for the benefit of its people,” she said on Sunday commenting on the meeting. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman, Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Maldives Shiuneen Rasheed, among others, joined the meeting. The Commonwealth Secretary-General also met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and thanked him for updating me on preparations for the upcoming general election. “We discussed the importance of an inclusive and credible process, and how the Commonwealth can support in facilitating the full participation of all Bangladeshis,” she said. She met all major Bangladeshi political parties. "I valued hearing their views for a peaceful, credible and participatory election, as reflected in our Commonwealth Charter," Botchwey said. The Secretary-General said they will always stand with and support Bangladesh on its democratic journey. During her meeting with Chief Justice of Bangladesh Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, the Commonwealth Secretary-General appreciated his reflections on the rule of law and judicial independence – values central to their Commonwealth Charter – and on the judiciary’s role in contributing to inclusive governance under a democratic dispensation. “The Commonwealth will support Bangladesh to build the capacity of its judiciary and benefit from best practices from our family of nations,” she said. Her first meeting in Bangladesh was with youth leaders. “I was moved by their passion as they spoke about this moment of transition and their expectations for a democracy that works for all, for a future they are working hard to shape.” Read more: Bhutanese PM leaves Dhaka after 2-day state visit Botchwey said the Commonwealth will always work alongside their young people to build a just and prosperous future for all. The Commonwealth Secretary-General is listening to a wide range of stakeholders and discussing how the Commonwealth can continue to support the people of Bangladesh at this important moment and beyond. During the engagements, the Secretary-General is briefing stakeholders on the Commonwealth’s new Strategic Plan – which places democracy among its three core pillars – and listens to how tailored support can best assist the people of Bangladesh. Speaking ahead of her visit, Shirley Botchwey described Bangladesh as a valued member of the Commonwealth, noting that it was the first intergovernmental organisation the country joined soon after independence. “The Commonwealth and Bangladesh have a strong partnership, one that matters even more now as the country heads towards the polls next year,” she said.

The recent reshuffle and appointments of district commissioners (DCs) in 52 districts ahead of the national elections have sparked fresh controversies, raising concerns over neutrality, election management and administrative credibility. Experts warn that politically influenced appointments in field administration could pose risks and undermine trust in governance. Although no major financial irregularities have surfaced in the recent appointments, several civil servants perceived as beneficiaries of the Awami League government have been entrusted with crucial administrative roles, reigniting debate within the bureaucracy. Rizvi alleges govt appointing members of an Islamic party as DCs, SPs According to sources, officials who previously served as personal secretaries (PS) to ministers and secretaries under the Awami League government were among those promoted. Appointments in Kurigram and Rangpur districts have drawn criticism from senior bureaucrats, as selection committees reportedly had not recommended these officers. It is alleged that the placement of party-affiliated and controversial officers in key districts is a ‘strategy to control the electoral field’, intensifying the ongoing debate over DC appointments. Over the past week, the government reshuffled DCs in three phases. Government appoints new DCs in 23 more districts On the night of November 13, 23 new DCs were appointed through two government notifications covering nine districts in one and 14 in the other. Earlier, on November 8 and 9, the interim government appointed DCs in 15 and 14 districts respectively, though some appointments were later canceled. The latest appointments have sparked renewed criticism within the bureaucracy as seniority, experience, and recommendations from the Senior Selection Board (SSB) were allegedly overlooked. Similarly, appointments of officers with limited field experience but strong ties to Awami League have raised fears over election management and increased discontent among qualified and senior bureaucrats who were bypassed. Govt appoints new DCs in 14 more districts Several controversial appointments including those in Gazipur, Noakhali and Madaripur were later canceled amid criticism over political affiliations and past irregularities. Former secretary and public-administration expert Abdul Awal Majumder said prioritising political loyalty in DC appointments threatens the neutrality of the administration. “This poses the most serious risk. DCs serve as the chief executives of field administration during elections and the transparency and peaceful conduct of the polls depend heavily on their impartial behaviour,” he said. Dhaka, Khulna among 15 districts that get new DCs  “The Public Administration Ministry must reassess this appointment process immediately. If experienced and neutral officers are not prioritised, divisions within the administration will deepen further, ultimately harming the quality of state service,” he added.          

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming general election will be free, fair and inclusive.   “The election will be participatory. There will be a big turnout,” he said, adding that tens of millions of young people are expected to cast their first ballots, as they had no opportunity to vote during three rigged general elections during the 16-year long autocracy.   Prof Yunus made the remarks on Thursday evening during a meeting with visiting British Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman at the State Guest House Jamuna.   During their discussions, the two leaders covered a wide range of issues, including the February general election, tackling illegal migration, boosting trade, the Rohingya crisis,and enhancing cooperation in aviation and maritime sectors.   Prof Yunus reiterated that the election would be held on schedule in the first half of February, emphasizing that it would be "inclusive and participatory", with a large voter turnout expected, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday.   EU supports Bangladesh’s transition under interim govt The Chief Adviser said the Awami League would not be able to take part in the polls as its activities have been suspended under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, and the Election Commission has subsequently removed the party from the official list of registered political parties.   He said the July Charter would mark “a new beginning” for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of millions who took part in the historic July–August uprising last year.   Minister Chapman thanked Professor Yunus’s leadership since assuming charge of the Interim Government, and commended the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties over the July Charter.  

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the Chief Adviser has violated the July National Charter through his outlines on the implementation of the charter in his speech to the nation. “The Chief Adviser himself signed the July Charter. In his speech, he violated the charter by including matters beyond the signed charter and adding new elements that were not mentioned in it,” he told UNB giving his initial reaction to Prof Yunus' address to the nation. “If we analyse his speech alongside the signed charter, we will see that he has grossly breached it.” the BNP leader added. Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day. In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals of the charter and, subsequently, the formation of a Constitution Reform Council,” he said. Later, speaking to reporters at his Gulshan residence, Salahuddin said the interim government and the July National Consensus Commission have created the current political crisis by going beyond the signed July National Charter. He said the order issued by the government to implement the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) included ‘many new and personal ideas’ that were never part of the original signed charter. “We have already made it clear through our party’s press briefing that we will not agree to any matter imposed outside the signed July National Charter, and it will not be binding on the political parties that signed it,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that several issues have been forcefully added, and political parties were being asked to say ‘yes or no’ to matters not included in the signed charter. “Many of the provisions in the order issued today (Thursday) are new and reflect their (govt’s) personal preferences.” The BNP leader warned that such steps could lead to division instead of unity. “Some may be happy with this, but are we heading towards disunity in the nation? Are we creating divisions instead of harmony? Will the Chief Adviser take responsibility for that?” He said the party would review the Chief Adviser’s address to the nation in its forum and issue a formal reaction. Responding to a question about how the July Charter was violated, Salahuddin said the document was signed in a historic event witnessed by the entire nation. “The printed copies of the signed charter are available to all. Each section contains clear notes on proposals, consent, and notes of dissent from different parties.” “This was not a conventional note of dissent. It was specifically stated that if any party mentions its differing views in its election manifesto and wins the people’s mandate, it can implement those issues accordingly. Has that principle now been abandoned? If the Chief Adviser goes beyond his own signed document, it amounts to a breach of the charter,” he clarified. Referring to the proposed ‘Constitution Reform Council’, Salahuddin said the idea was never discussed or agreed upon in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the intention behind including such new ideas in the order without the consensus of the political parties. The BNP leader said the Election Commission, under the Constitution, is responsible for conducting parliamentary and presidential elections. “The MPs elected through that process will take oath as members of parliament — not as members of any Constitution Reform Council… Setting a timeframe, forming a council, and proposing constitutional reforms within 180 days are new ideas. Do they have the authority to do that?” Salahuddin asked. He questioned whether dictating the next parliament through such orders has any legal basis. “Is this not interference in the sovereign authority of parliament?” In Bangladesh, the BNP leader said, there is only one sovereign body — the National Parliament — as per the Constitution. “No court can interfere in discussions or proceedings inside parliament. So imposing such obligations would amount to interfering in the sovereignty of parliament.” Salahuddin also said the idea of forming a constituent assembly or a reform council was contradictory. “If there had been any national consensus to form such a council, the Constitution would first need to be amended to empower the Election Commission for that purpose. Are we back in the pre-independence situation where we need a constituent assembly again? Bangladesh already has a Constitution. These ideas are conflicting.” Replying to a question, he said both the government and the National Consensus Commission were responsible for the ongoing crisis. “They formed reform commissions first, then a National Consensus Commission. After nine months of discussions, the National Charter was prepared and signed. Why are you going beyond it now?” The BNP leader said the crisis began when the consensus commission, chaired by the Chief Adviser himself, made recommendations to the government going beyond the signed charter. “He signed it as the Chief Adviser and then made recommendations to himself.” He reiterated that BNP wants only the signed July Charter to be implemented. “The charter was prepared and signed based on consensus, including the Chief Adviser’s signature. Let’s just implement that.”

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday urged all to work together to build Bangladesh as a truly democratic country where people’s voting, fundamental, human and economic rights are fully ensured. “Let us all work together to build Bangladesh into a genuinely democratic country where people’s fundamental rights and their right to vote are guaranteed and where human rights are established,” he said. Speaking as the chief guest at the launch of a documentary photo album, the BNP leader also said the economic rights of millions of poor citizens must be ensured in the future Bangladesh. Dr Moyeen, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, stressed the need to promote the country’s cultural development, saying, “Without education, culture, and social values, politics cannot truly exist in any country.” Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas), the cultural wing of BNP, organised the programme at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office to launch the photo album titled “Roktakto 36 July Gonobhiplaban O Jasas” (Bloodstained July-36 Uprising and Jasas). Fakhrul calls ‘all national crises’ staged dramas to mislead people Dr Moyeen said the July-36 mass uprising was not a sudden event but the result of a long struggle spanning 17 years and the sacrifices of lakhs of Bangladeshis. “The explosion of public anger on August 5 was the outcome of that prolonged struggle.” For 17 long years, he said the people of Bangladesh endured deprivation, denial of rights, enforced disappearances, killings, false cases, and attacks. “BNP leaders and activists could not even stay in their homes during that time.” The BNP leader said such prolonged repression and injustice created an explosive political situation in the country. “In that context, the anti-discrimination student movement began in July 2024. “It acted like a matchstick that ignited a spark, leading to the flames of a nationwide uprising. The autocratic Awami League government was eventually forced to flee the country in disgrace like a coward.”  This is the true history of the July-36 uprising,” he said, expressing deep gratitude to all who contributed to the movement. Stating that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman led this movement, Dr Moyeen observed that it would not be a proper analysis to credit only the students for its success. He said the BNP, along with around 43 other political parties, had fought for years against deprivation and injustice. “Those who fought for democracy endured attacks, false and fabricated cases, and severe repression,” he said. Investment, daily life stalled as nation awaits election: Khosru “For more than a decade, our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman guided and led this movement from nearly 10,000 kilometres away, and under his leadership we participated in this democratic struggle,” the BNP leader added. He said it is true that students were at the forefront, but it was not solely their movement. “In football, eleven players play the game, but only one may score a goal — that doesn’t mean the others didn’t play. Similarly, those who try to credit only the students for the success of this movement may not be making a complete analysis,” he said. Dr Moyeen praised Jasas for its contributions to the nationalist movement and expressed confidence that the organisation would become even stronger in the coming days.  

Moving into the election mode, the Election Commission will start a series of dialogues with registered political parties this week to lay the groundwork for the upcoming national election scheduled for February. But the political parties would be invited in groups to join the discussions due to time constraints before the election schedule to be announced in early December, according to EC officials They said the dialogues, considered the Commission’s last major task before the election schedule, will take around two weeks to complete ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. “The dialogues with political parties will begin next week. It will have to invite them in groups due to time constraints (before the announcement of election schedule),” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday (6th November 2025). Replying to a question, he told UNB that it will not be possible to complete the dialogues within a week rather it would take two weeks. EC registers 66 local election observer organisations, identifies 16 more eligible As part of preparations for the dialogues with political parties, the Commission has already made changes to the electoral code of conduct in line with an ordinance promulgated on November 3, bringing further amendment to the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules 2025 will soon be published in the official gazette, with the code expected to be one of the key discussion issues during the dialogues. “We have sent the code of conduct (to publish it in the official gazette). So, the dialogue will be opened next week,” said the EC Secretary. The Election Commission traditionally holds talks with registered political parties before each national election. Each party was usually invited to join the dialogue separately. However, this time it is still uncertain whether the Jatiya Party and some other registered parties, known as the allies of Sheikh Hasina's regime toppled through the 2014 mass uprising, will be invited to the talks. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC on Tuesday last published notifications seeking objections, if any, against the registration to three new political parties –National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist). The Commission will finally recognise them as the registered parties after November 12. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Then the EC sat in another discussion with the representatives of teachers on the same day. On October 06, the Commission held two separate dialogues with senior journalists from different media outlets. Besides, the EC held dialogues with election experts and election observers in October last. In a bid to conduct the next election in free, participatory and fair manners, the EC sat in a views-exchange with different law enforcement agencies and intelligences on October 20 and with top government officials, including secretaries of key ministries, directors general of important agencies on October 30 last. According to the electoral roadmap unveiled in August 2025, dialogues with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society members, journalists, observers, and election experts, were scheduled to begin in late September and conclude within about one and a half months. The Commission either completed or almost finished all important tasks, including amendment to the electoral laws,delimitation of constituencies, updating the voter lists, finalisation of polling stations, registration of new political parties and registration of election observers. The EC has already amended different electoral laws including RPO; as well as revised the three separate guidelines for journalists, observers and installation of polling stations:  The Commission on September 04 last finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, redrawing the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 different districts across the country ahead of the 2026 February election. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ The EC on October 27 released the final list of 42,761 polling stations throughout the country for the upcoming national election, raising the number by around 611 from what was in the 2024 national election. The Commission on November 02 released the draft updated electoral rolls with more than 12.76 core voters in the country, which would be the final voter lists for the 2026 February election. The electoral rolls would be finalised on November 18. The Commission on Thursday last registered 66 organisations as local election observers as well as identified 16 more firms as eligible for registration as local election observers. The final decision over the 16 organisations will be taken following settlement of objections if any to be received by November 27 next. The EC will launch a mobile app for the expatriates and others to register first to vote through the postal ballot during the 2026 election. So, the upcoming dialogues with political parties will mark the Commission’s final major engagement before announcing the election schedule next month. Read more: No application for voter relocation to be accepted after Nov 10

The Bangladesh Army will deploy between 90,000 and 100,000 personnel across the country during the upcoming national elections, the highest-ever deployment in the nation’s electoral history. Brigadier General Dewan Md Monjur Hossain, Director of Military Operations at the Army Headquarters, shared the information during a media briefing at Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday. He said army camps would be set up at district, upazila and constituency levels to help maintain law and order throughout the election period. Will contest election, says AG Asaduzzaman “A free and fair election requires a stable law and order situation,” Brig Gen Monjur said, adding, “The Bangladesh Army is fully committed to assisting the law enforcement agencies in ensuring that stability. When the army is called upon to assist in maintaining law and order, we dedicate our utmost effort.” He reaffirmed that the army stands ready to provide all necessary support to the Election Commission to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. All measures in place for free, fair election: Adviser Jahangir Alam Responding to a question on speculation about the election schedule, Brig Gen Monjur said the army would act strictly in line with government directives and the guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure transparency and fairness. He also mentioned that the chiefs of the three armed forces have already met the Chief Adviser, with details of the discussion released through an official statement from the Chief Adviser’s Office.  

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will contest the upcoming national election with the 'Shapla Kali' symbol and plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies, said its convener Nahid Islam. In a video message to the nation on Tuesday (4th November 2025) night, Nahid said the party expects to finalise its list of candidates within November. “We have submitted all necessary documents to the Election Commission in June for registration, but the commission delayed in approving our desired symbol ‘Shapla’,” he said. “After months of back-and-forth with the Election Commission, NCP finally obtained the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol,” he added. Read more: NCP among three parties set to get EC’s registration Nahid said the party has continued working for the people throughout the period, reaching out to communities through its July campaign and gaining strong public response. “We’ve built public opinion across the country in favour of reform and continue to speak for justice,” he said. Confirming preparations for the parliamentary election expected in February, Nahid said, “We are ready for the election. Inshallah, we’ll field candidates in all 300 seats under the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol.” Calling upon new faces to join the party, Nahid said NCP welcomes everyone who wishes to engage in honest politics and rebuild Bangladesh. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP “We will nominate competent, honest, and patriotic candidates in every constituency,” he said, expressing hope that the public support the party has earned will be reflected in the election results.