Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday assured a visiting US Senator that the upcoming election will be conducted in a free, fair and festive manner. "There will be big celebrations on the election day, like the ones we have seen in the past," the Chief Adviser said when US Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. During the hour-long meeting, the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to deepen relationships between the two friendly countries. Senator Peters enquired about the reform initiatives of the interim government, the reports of key commissions and the interim government's plan to hold free and fair elections. The Chief Adviser said the government would hold the election in December if the political parties agreed to fewer reforms. But the general election would be held a few months later if the parties wanted a bigger package of reforms from the interim government. Prof Yunus said the political parties would sign a July Charter once they agreed to the reforms proposed by the major commissions. "The July Charter will set the future course of the country," he said. Peters appreciated the reform agenda of the government, saying the US was looking forward to a smooth democratic transition in Bangladesh. Senator Peters said many Bangladeshi-origin people reside in his constituency in Michigan, including the city of Detroit. Some of them have expressed concern over the attacks on the minorities in recent months, he added. Bangladesh, Australia want cooperation to enable mobility of skilled workforce He said there have also been massive amounts of misinformation over the minority attacks. Some of this misinformation has permeated into the US, raising concerns among minority groups, he said. Prof Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to upholding the human rights of every citizen of the country irrespective of their colour, creed, race, sex and gender. He said the attacks on the minorities, notably Hindus, following the changeover in August last year were politically, not religiously, motivated, but his government has taken prompt actions against the culprits. Dr Yunus has urged the US Senator to visit cities and towns across Bangladesh and invited other US political leaders, journalists and activists to tour the country to know the actual information on religious harmony. "We need your help. Please tell your friends to travel to Bangladesh. This way we can combat these misinformation campaigns," he said. The two leaders also discussed social businesses, a world without poverty and microcredit as a tool to fight poverty both in the US and the rest of the world.

The government will soon take decision whether it will hold local government elections before the national polls, said Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Tuesday.  “Although discussions are in progress no final decision has been made yet. Either election will be held or administrators will be appointed to run local government institutions," he told reporters at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the final day of the Deputy Commissioners' (DC) Conference.  The adviser said officials who are currently managing local government institutions alongside their primary responsibilities are facing challenges. "Divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners are burdened with multiple works. I personally believe that electing public representatives is necessary to ensure proper governance," he said.  Adviser Rizwana directs DCs to protect rivers, hills and forests Responding to a question,  Asif Mahmud said that elected representatives would help maintain law and order and contribute to smoother election management. “However, the final decision rests with the government.”  Now a common complaint is the difficulty in obtaining birth, or death certificates due to the unavailability of dedicated officials, he said.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the interim government should proceed with the national election in a manner that leaves no room for doubts about its impartiality. “This interim government should move towards the next election impartially, and no question should arise in anyone's mind about its impartiality. If any question arises, it will be a betrayal of those who shed blood, gave their lives and made immense sacrifices during the 15-year movement,” he said at a discussion on Sunday. National People’s Party (NPP) organised the programme titled “The role of martyred President Ziaur Rahman in establishing a democracy and an independent and sovereign state” at the Jatiya Press Club on Sunday.  Khosru, a BNP standing committee member, said they all supported the current government as there was a need for a neutral administration until an election is held following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime. “We didn’t take part in this government. BNP and other political parties have all decided together that no political party should play a role in this government, as its character is neutral,” he said. The BNP leader said political parties must come to power with a mandate from the people through a credible and neutral election. He said the interim government must restore people’s ownership of the country, their voting rights and bring back democratic order through a neutral election. Khosru said people's will would be reflected in the future of Bangladesh through the restoration of democratic order and an elected government accountable to people. “The democratic process is a way of correction and filtration. The mistakes of the past will be corrected and filtered through this process. There is no other way but this,” he said. The BNP leader warned that if any party or quarter attempts to choose a different path, excluding the people, the people of Bangladesh will not accept it, and BNP will not accept it either. “If anyone tries to do that, they will make a mistake. Those who attempted it in the past could not survive because the people rejected them,” he said. The BNP leader said their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia proposed reform proposals, including limiting the tenure of any individual as Prime Minister to two terms, introducing a bicameral parliament, and ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, through placing Vision-2030 six years ago. He said BNP, in consultation with other parties that waged a simultaneous movement, also presented a 31-point proposal for reforms. Khosru said the 31-point proposal will be implemented by forming a national government if BNP wins the next national election. He said the reform proposals must be passed in parliament by winning the election with the mandate of the people. “If any party or quarter thinks they have any reform proposal, they need to go to the people to obtain their mandate.” The BNP leader said there is no scope for some wise people to decide what the future of Bangladesh will be, as only the people can do it. “There’s no scope for anyone to be wiser than the people, who are the owners of Bangladesh.” He, however, said it should not take more than one month to complete the reform proposals on which there is national consensus. “On issues where there is no consensus, we have to go to the people to get their mandate, no matter whether it is the proposal of the BNP or anyone else. No one has the right to reform without the mandate of the people,” the BNP leader said. Khosru, a former commerce minister, said the current government should formulate an interim budget. “It’s a wrong step to implement the budget placed by the fascist and corrupt regime. Rather, the government can cut much expenditure by suspending that budget as it’s more important to alleviate public suffering than that budget.” He said a democratic government is now crucial in Bangladesh, one that will be elected by the people and remain accountable to them, upholding the democratic process. “That’s why the government should move towards an election as early as possible to restore the people’s ownership of the country.” Those discovering 'Ziaism' have bad intentions: Amir Khosru Khosru said the 31-point proposal will be implemented by forming a national government if BNP wins the next national election. He said the reform proposals must be passed in parliament by winning the election with the mandate of the people. “If any party or quarter thinks they have any reform proposal, they need to go to the people to obtain their mandate.” The BNP leader said there is no scope for some wise people to decide what the future of Bangladesh will be, as only the people can do it. “There’s no scope for anyone to be wiser than the people, who are the owners of Bangladesh.” He, however, said it should not take more than one month to complete the reform proposals on which there is national consensus. “On issues where there is no consensus, we have to go to the people to get their mandate, no matter whether it is the proposal of the BNP or anyone else. No one has the right to reform without the mandate of the people,” the BNP leader said. Khosru, a former commerce minister, said the current government should formulate an interim budget. “It’s a wrong step to implement the budget placed by the fascist and corrupt regime. Rather, the government can cut much expenditure by suspending that budget as it’s more important to alleviate public suffering than that budget.” He said a democratic government is now crucial in Bangladesh, one that will be elected by the people and remain accountable to them, upholding the democratic process. “That’s why the government should move towards an election as early as possible to restore the people’s ownership of the country.” No scope for reforms without democratic process: Khosru  

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to investigate officials related to the 11th National Election. The Commission had received complaints regarding election manipulation during the 11th National Election, and a five-member team had been formed to investigate these complaints, ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain told reporters at a briefing held at the ACC headquarters on Wednesday. The investigation team, formed by the Commission, will specifically examine the actions of officers from the administration, the Election Commission, and the police, he added. Akhtar also said that allegations had been made regarding abuse of power, criminal misconduct, fraud, voting at night during the 2018 National Election, and the election of Members of Parliament through financial transactions. BFIU prepares to recover Tk 15,000 crore from seized accounts In the 2018 National Election, various irregularities, such as voting at night, ballot fraud, vote counts exceeding 90% in some centres, extensive financial transactions, and the use of power to influence winning candidates, were reported in the media. Some complaints had also been submitted to the ACC. The allegations were made under the leadership of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the President of the Awami League, and under the overall management of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. The accusations also implicated leaders and activists from the Awami League at various levels, including officials from the government such as former IGP Javed Patwary, former DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, former RAB DG Benazir Ahmed, former IGP Shahidul Haque, former PM’s Security adviser Major Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, HT Imam, and several other officials related to the election. ACC sues ex-secy Kabir Bin Anwar, his wife and ex-minister Shahid The investigation team will submit a report after reviewing various videos, news broadcasts from domestic and foreign media, election results, conducting seat inspections, and completing other necessary activities.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has promised that their party will remain cautious not to nominate any loan defaulter in the upcoming national election. "We’re committed to people that we’ll surely try to ensure that defaulters do not get nominations. We’ll be very careful in this regard," he said during a symposium titled "White Paper and Thereafter: Economic Management, Reforms and National Budget" at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital on Saturday. Fakhrul made the remark in response to a question from noted economist Prof Rehman Sobhan, who asked whether the BNP would support the proposition that loan defaulters should be barred from contesting elections to curb the influence of money and muscle power. He said their party is working on a future course of action to move the country forward, taking lessons from past experiences. The BNP leader, however, acknowledged that it may not be possible to change everything overnight. Announce election date to uphold dignity of 2nd independence: BNP leader to CA He stressed the need for properly rebuilding the country’s institutions. “Our democratic institutions were destroyed over the past 15 years during the Awami League government. We believe in institutional settlement. What we need most now is to fix the institutions. Enough is enough. Let’s truly build Bangladesh as per our dreams and the desires of the people.” In reply to a question about whether their party wants the fascist political party Awami League to participate in the election, Fakhrul said it is the people of the country who will decide on this matter. “As a political party, we’re not willing to make a decision on it.” Asked why BNP is insisting on an interim government to hold the national election promptly, Fakhrul said they believe only an elected government can properly resolve the country’s problems. “Since the elected government comes to power with the public mandate, they have the authority to address the people’s issues.” He said the interim government should arrange the election as soon as possible to establish an elected government as such an administration can implement all types of reforms through discussions in parliament. BNP shifts focus, demands mid-year national election amid evolving situation Fakhrul said BNP presented a comprehensive 31-point political and economic reform outline two years ago. He said BNP prioritises political reforms, including limiting the Prime Minister to two terms, establishing a bicameral parliament, and ensuring that those who do not contest elections can still participate in governance. Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s proposal for the formation of a national government after the election as the party wants to eliminate inequalities and take the country forward based on national unity. In response to a question about whether BNP will be able to implement reforms if it comes to power, Fakhrul said it is incorrect to say that BNP will not be able to do so since the party committed to carrying out reforms as per their 31-point proposal. He said many people hope an interim government will resolve all issues within six months, but he described this as unrealistic. “That is why we are focusing more on the election. Democracy was not practiced in our previous parliaments. Let’s try and see if we can,” the BNP said. BNP urges interim govt to hold national election by Aug When asked about the Rohingya issue, Fakhrul said the Awami League had not taken proper steps to resolve the crisis, including holding talks with China and India, as it was not a priority for them. He said if BNP returns to power, they will make their best efforts to find a suitable solution to the Rohingya crisis, just as they did in the past.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday conveyed a message to people from party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, urging them to remain patient to have the democracy restored through a national election. “Our acting chairman has urged you (people) to remain patient. We must all act with unity and patience to restore democracy, ensuring that the great victory achieved through the student-led mass movement becomes truly fruitful and meaningful,” he told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from London. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case Fakhrul said Tarique also urged all to focus on preparing for the next election, describing it as the first crucial step towards the restoration of democracy. The BNP leader made the remarks in response to questions from reporters about the message he had brought from Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul returned home from London, after completing a 12-day visit. The BNP leader, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at the airport in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm. He said he had a meeting with the BNP Acting Chairman during his stay in London. Besides, Fakhrul said, he spoke to expatriate Bangladeshis and BNP leaders and workers and joined meetings arranged by them. "There has been a discussion with the press there. My visit to London was productive and fruitful,” the BNP leader said. Read: BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman When asked about Tarique Rahman's possible return to the country, Fakhrul said, "As you know, he has been facing numerous false cases filed out of political vendetta. He’ll return home once these cases are withdrawn or resolved through the court." In response to another question, he said the political parties have been supporting the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus. “We hope they’ll arrange the polls after completing the necessary minimum reforms." The BNP leader said it is a wrong perception that their party prioritises the election over reforms, reminding that it was the BNP which had put forward its reform proposals two years ago. Earn public trust, Tarique tells BNP leaders, activists As his attention was drawn to a comment by an adviser that political parties are trying to fail the interim government, Fakhrul said, “I don’t know in what context he made that statement. But, such remarks are anti-political. We do not expect such statements to be made by them.” He said political parties are supporting the interim government with the aim of restoring democracy, for which they have been fighting for the past 15 years. Responding to another question about Bangladesh-India relations, Fakhrul said the issues between the two countries must be resolved through discussions. He, however, said the problems emerging within Bangladesh are challenging to address without an elected government. Fakhrul travelled to London on November 30 to meet Tarique Rahman and discuss with him the crucial political and the party’s organisational issues. Besides, his wife Rahat Ara Begum underwent health check-ups and received treatment in London. Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment. Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care. The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical center abroad.

Interim government’s Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Thursday said the much-desired national election would be held once the reform works become visible. He made remarks while responding to a question at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy in the evening. Adviser Mahfuj urges students to submit demands through proper channels Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who was present at the briefing said, election is the ultimate goal and the government wants the election after necessary reforms as soon as possible. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present. Rizwana Hasan said there has been no discussion at the meeting of the Council of Advisers regarding banning any organisation as they differentiate responsibility of an organisation and an individual.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Dr Col (retd) Oli Ahmad on Saturday called for a quick completion of reform works before holding the next national election, reminding all that the time is limited. “We are telling you that reforms need to be done quickly. Time is short, you have to work fast,” he told reporters after holding a dialogue with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at state guest house Jamuna. The LDP chief said the election should be held but before that those who were involved in killings and stealing money should be brought to justice.   AL has no rights to do politics; it should be banned: Oli Ahmad “Let us build the house first, and then you can decide in which room you want to stay,” Oli said, apparently indicating that reforms need to be done before the election. “What’s the point of doing an election if all the thieves and dacoits remain there?” he said, adding that Jamaat (top Jamaat leaders) were hanged (for their crimes against humanity), now Awami League (AL leaders) will have to be hanged. Oli encouraged the media to build an opinion to that end, saying it is their responsibility. “Nobody is above the law. It is the rule of the law in democracy, which needs to be maintained.” Noting that one of the points they forgot to share with the Chief Adviser and that is related to recovering stolen money for the looters. Election timing to be fixed under CA's leadership: Asif Nazrul “Those who looted people’s money should be kept in a hotel; or an army and police barrack so that they can sleep on floors instead of soft beds,” Oli said, seeking steps to force the looters to return the money to the State.

Awami League President  Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday requested all voters to go to the polling centres early in the morning and cast their ballots for 'boat' to let her party serve them again. “The election will be held on January 7. Please go to the polling centres early morning with other voters and cast your votes for boat (the electoral symbol of Awami League,” she said. The prime minister said this while addressing a public rally at Taraganj Degree College. Her younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present on dais. She said that boat is the symbol of the boat of Prophet Nuh that saved the human race during the Great Flood, “This boat gave your independence and developed your living standard,” she said. “Will you cast your votes for the boat? Promise me, please raise your hands,” she asked while the audience raised their hands and chanted slogans for the AL election symbol. She also introduced Awami League nominated candidate for Rangpur-2 constituency Abul Kalam Mohammad Ahasanul Huq Chowdhury (Duke) at the rally and requested all to vote for him. Read: ‘PM sounded sincere about ensuring infrastructure facilities enabling those with disabilities to move independently’ Referring to numerous implemented development programmes of the government in the last 15 years, Hasina said that it was possible for the government as the people gave votes for her party in the last three elections. She also said that there are some development programmes left unfinished to materialise the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These are to make the country free from homeless and landless people and eradicate poverty completely, she said.  

A team of 15-17 security members will be posted at each polling station in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the 12th parliamentary elections slated for January 7. According to a notification issued by the Election Commission on Thursday, tighter security would be taken for vulnerable polling stations. There are some 42,000 polling stations throughout the country and a total of 11,96,91,633 voters will have rights to cast their votes in the 12th general election. Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development The commission designed separate security plans for the polling stations located outside the metropolitan area and the stations located inside the metropolitan areas. Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 15-16 security personnel including two police with arms, one ansar with arms, one ansar with arms or stick, 10 ansar with sticks, one or two village police members with sticks will protect each normal polling station. But in case of each important polling station (which is considered as vulnerable stations), there will be a team of 16-17 security men including three police with arms. Inside the metropolitan area, a 15-member security team consisting of three police members with arms, one ansar with arms, another ansar with arms or stick and 10 others ansar members with sticks will ensure security for each polling station. Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania But in case of an important polling station, a 16-member security team will guard it and the number of police members with arms would be four instead of three. The structure of the security team for special areas – Chittagong Hill Tracts and hard-to-reach areas—would be the same as was taken for other rural places outside the metropolitan areas. The law enforcement agency members will remain deployed for five days (including travelling time) from two days before the balloting and they will stay there till a day after the voting. Besides, the members of armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, Police, Armed Police and Ansar Battalion will be deployed in the election areas as mobile teams and striking forces. They will be engaged in election duty for 13 days (including their traveling time) from December 29, 2023 to January 10, 2024. Moreover, a good number of judicial magistrates and executive magistrates are there deployed in the election areas to check violation of election code of conduct. Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are contesting in the election, while BNP and some others are boycotting the polls demanding the election under a neutral government. A total of 1895 contenders are running in the parliamentary election. The candidates are now carrying out electioneering and they can continue the electoral campaign till January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.