United News of Bangladesh

BNP will hold its final election rally on Sunday in the capital on February 8, ahead of the national election. The rally will take place at the party’s central office in the capital’s Nayapaltan area at 2:00 pm, with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman set to address the gathering as the chief guest. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed shared the information with reporters on Thursday morning after a joint meeting at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Rizvi said all preparations have been completed to make the final election rally a success. He said Tarique Rahman will speak at the event, while BNP candidates from Dhaka and nearby areas will also be present. Expressing hope for a peaceful election, Rizvi said voters are expected to be able to exercise their right to vote without fear. He said BNP has always come to power with support from people and that despite severe repression, the party could not be suppressed. “The people of the country see the sheaf of paddy not just as a symbol, but as an emotion. Carrying that spirit, people will cast their votes on February 12,” Rizvi added.

The International Crisis Group has said the incoming administration in Bangladesh will need to address a raft of challenges, from weak institutions to a sluggish economy heavily dependent on garment exports and remittances to the growing effects of climate change in one of the world’s most densely populated countries. It will also need to 'navigate tricky foreign policy issues, particularly relations with India, the implications of the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry' and the lack of progress toward resolving the status of more than one million Rohingya refugees languishing in camps near the Myanmar border, said Thomas Kean, Crisis Group’s Senior Consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh. He said an elected government with a five-year term will be better positioned to manage the country’s political rancour and social and economic challenges than an interim administration, but the tasks at hand are many and complex. "If the result is contested, it could spiral into a political crisis, testing the fragile consensus that has underpinned the transition," said Kean. He made the remarks while commenting further on the latest Q&A, 'Curtain Falls on Bangladesh’s Interim Government as Critical Elections Approach', which examines what is at stake in Bangladesh’s 12 February election. Even if the vote passes peacefully, Kean said the next government will face mounting pressure to meet the aspirations of a youthful and frustrated population and to deliver reforms, starting with the July Charter, or risk reinforcing perceptions that the promised political change has been largely cosmetic. “Predicting the outcome of the 12 February poll is challenging because Bangladesh’s electoral landscape has shifted so much," he said. The biggest risks revolve around security: political violence is already on the rise - at least sixteen politicians have been killed since the election schedule was announced, Kean said. He said there is a real danger of further attacks on candidates, as well as reprisals against Awami League supporters or Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world. Crisis Group has offices in Bogotá, Brussels, Dakar, Istanbul, London, Nairobi, New York and Washington, DC and has a presence in more than 25 different locations in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Highlighting the main challenges facing the next government, Kean said the 12 February elections are crucial for several reasons. There are also concerns over the growing influence of radical Islamist groups, such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, which have become more prominent since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, and the capacity of state forces to watch out for violent extremist activity, he observed. Perhaps, Kean said, the most important threat to stability in the years ahead would stem from a failure to meet the aspirations of Bangladesh’s youthful population. Roughly half are under 30, and many struggle to find work that matches their education level, leaving a deep sense of frustration. Any stumble in seeing through reforms, starting with the July Charter, would risk reinforcing a perception that the political change they were promised has been cosmetic, he said. The incoming government will also have to grapple with the 'thorny issue of political reconciliation.' Given its prominence in the country’s history and its strong electoral base, the Awami League cannot remain on the sidelines forever, Kean said. But the party’s actions under Hasina, particularly in July-August 2024, mean that allowing it to come back to the electoral arena, even under new leadership, will be politically fraught, he said. India and other foreign governments with influence could help broker dialogue between the party and the future government to come to an agreement, Kean said. Foreign governments, he said, many of which have cheered on Prof Muhammad Yunus and his colleagues, should extend support to the incoming government as it seeks to turn the page on Bangladesh’s recent turbulence.          

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the BNP has failed to field any ‘credible challenger’ in the national election scheduled for February 12. Talking to reporters during electioneering in Malibagh, Nahid alleged that the candidates contesting against them are either loan defaulters, dual citizenship holders, or involved in land grabbing, terrorism and extortion. “We are facing candidates who are either loan defaulters or dual citizens; otherwise, they are land grabbers, terrorists or extortionists. The opposition alliance could not nominate any worthy opponent,” he said. Referring to what he described as multi-layered conspiracies surrounding the election, Nahid claimed that both domestic and foreign plots are underway, with indications of ‘major conspiracies’ originating from a neighbouring country. Expressing confidence about forming the next government, Nahid said public response in favour of the 11-party alliance has been unprecedented. “You can see it yourselves—the people are responding overwhelmingly. I am hopeful that this alliance will secure the required number of seats in Parliament to form the government.” Claiming a strong position in his own constituency, Nahid said voters in Dhaka-11 are rallying behind them. “On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against corruption, extortion and terrorism. The ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol will emerge victorious in this constituency.” Nahid also alleged that a political party is exerting pressure on the media, accusing it of influencing coverage ahead of the polls. “The media is giving coverage to a particular party. There are also attempts to ensure that incidents like the takeover of polling centres on February 12 do not get reported,” he claimed.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism during election duties, warning of severe consequences for any form of bias. Speaking at a medal distribution ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Jahangir Alam said the force must play its role with honesty and integrity to ensure that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, scheduled for 12 February 2026, are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. He said there was ‘no scope whatsoever’ for Coast Guard personnel to engage with any political party, individual or agenda during the election period. As state employees, the adviser added, their primary responsibility was to uphold the law, ensure public security and serve the public interest. Home Affairs Adviser directs strict action against election code violations The Home Adviser warned that any member found supporting a candidate or implementing a party agenda would face strict departmental and legal action, with no leniency. Even minor displays of bias would not be tolerated, he said. According to Jahangir Alam, the credibility of the election would largely depend on the honesty, efficiency and professionalism of those deployed on duty. He also cautioned against unethical conduct, negligence or yielding to temptation, saying such actions would invite severe punishment. Extra forces, drones, CCTV to guard risky polling centres: Home Adviser Describing corruption as the ‘greatest enemy of the state’, he said it weakened institutions from within and eroded public trust. Pursuing personal gain or political benefit, he added, was not only illegal but also damaging to the foundations of the state. The Home Adviser reminded personnel that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and exists solely to ensure national security and public welfare. On election security arrangements, he said around 3,585 Coast Guard members had been deployed alongside nearly 900,000 personnel from various law enforcement agencies. He said some 100 Coast Guard platoons were currently operating across districts in the Barishal, Chattogram and Khulna divisions. Jahangir Alam also highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the Coast Guard. He said procurement was underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations. Twelve surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force had already been inducted, he added. Further development plans include the construction of a multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Future initiatives would also involve the induction of helicopters, rescue drones and a coastal surveillance system. The Home Adviser congratulated the medal recipients and expressed hope that Coast Guard personnel, guided by patriotism, would continue to serve the country with honesty and dedication to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Bangladesh.  

Bangladesh Army has recovered 179 firearms and 1,941 rounds of ammunition during joint operations across the country ahead of the national election, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, also saw the detention of 1,774 people. Read More: Chattogram army operation seizes weapons and drugs, 2 arrested The drives have been going on since the election schedule was announced on December 11, 2025 and continued until February 1, the ISPR added.

BNP on Sunday alleged that an unusually large number of voters had been migrated to certain constituencies in Dhaka city and other parts of the country, and demanded constituency-wise data on voter migration from the Election Commission. The allegation came as a BNP delegation, led by Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan, met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. “A large number of voters migrated to some specific constituencies, which is unusual,” said Nazrul Islam Khan while briefing reporters after the meeting. In response, the EC told them the number of migrated voters to each constituency is not more than 2000-3000, he said. The BNP leader said they are not happy with the EC’s reply as the number is not true and the EC was not provided with exact data from the department concerned. “We think they were not provided with untrue information. In fact the number of migrated voters is so high…. We demanded for the constituency-wise migration.” Nazrul Islam Khan alleged that leaders and activists of a particular party are carrying out campaigns using the sentiments of religious belief which is a clear violation of the Representation of the People Order. “Someone of a party was heard telling that a Muslim would have to answer the 4th question in the grave if he or she casts votes for a specific symbol. They are doing this using religious belief and sentiment, which is a clear violation of RPO,” Nazrul Islam added. He said BNP also raised objections over reports that BNCC cadets might be engaged in election duties. “We’ve heard that BNCC cadets, who are students, may be involved in election work for the first time. We told the Commission that involving young students in a complex process like a parliamentary election is not appropriate,” he said. He warned that such involvement could make both the cadets and the institution controversial, adding that it could eventually lead to demands to involve Scouts or Girl Guides. Nazrul Islam, also the BNP standing committee member, said they expressed concern over reports that a so-called “peace committee” might be formed in every election area to maintain order during the election. “The term ‘peace committee’ itself is unpleasant to us, although we are peace-loving people,” he said, adding that the EC told them it is not aware of any such decision. Regarding the restriction on election campaigning 48 hours before the balloting, Nazrul Islam said activists of some political parties are now working outside their constituencies, which is not illegal. “We requested that to ensure that they leave those areas at least two days before the balloting,” The BNP leader also said the party raised concerns over the EC’s approval of more than 55,000 local observers from 81 domestic organisations to monitor the upcoming national election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next. “Some of these organisations are not well known, and we noticed a large number of observers under their names. We asked the EC whether these approvals were given after thorough proper consideration,” he said. Other BNP delegation members are BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP election steering committee chief coordinator Ismail Jabiullah, and its member Dr Mohammad Zakaria. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the polls schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would invite rival political parties to take part in running the country if Jamaat comes to power with a parliamentary majority. Speaking at a rally at Chouddagram High School ground in Cumilla , he said, “If we achieve a majority, we will offer those who are now competing with us to play a role in governing the country. However, the condition is that they must not engage in corruption and must implement July charter.” He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami would form a unity government if it secures a majority in the next national election. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh has historically stood by the oppressed and would continue to do so. “We do not want victory for Jamaat-e-Islami alone, we want a collective victory for 18 crore people,” he said. Condemning violence against women, the Jamaat ameer said the country’s nine crore mothers and sisters would never be safe under those who assault women, describing protest against such oppression as a moral responsibility. He warned that Jamaat would not allow anyone who assaults women to go unpunished. Jamaat Ameer warns fascism-free Bangladesh impossible without reforms The Jamaat leader also called for unity among candidates of the 11-party alliance to ensure victory in all 300 parliamentary constituencies. He expressed hope that a new chapter would begin after February 12, with young people as well as the country’s mothers and sisters playing a central role. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the party no longer wanted fascism or corruption in government. “If you vote for us and we come to power, you will see Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as a senior member of the cabinet,” he said. Referring to past repression, he said Jamaat leaders and activists had remained in the country despite difficulties. “We were there, we are here, and we will remain, InshaAllah.”

With the national election only two weeks away, the government on Thursday called on all political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. "Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process," said the interim government in a statement, expressing deep concerns over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, said the government. "The interim government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election," according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser's press wing. The police in Sherpur have launched an investigation into the clashes and the murder. All perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security in the district has been stepped up, the government said. All parties, leaders, and campaigners must play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means, it said. The government said the future of the nation depends on calm, discipline and democratic conduct from all sides. Read More: EC estimates Tk 3100 cr cost for Feb-12 election, referendum A local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami died after being injured in a clash between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening. Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit, succumbed to his injuries around 9:30 pm while on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will deploy 38 platoons across 14 parliamentary constituencies under Dhaka Battalion (5 BGB) to maintain law and order, safeguard voters’ rights and ensure a peaceful environment during the upcoming national election. According to BGB headquarters sources, 11 platoons will be stationed in five constituencies of Dhaka North City Corporation, six in two constituencies of Savar and Dhamrai upazilas, 13 in four constituencies of Faridpur district, and eight in three constituencies of Manikganj district. Specialised K-9 units will also be deployed for search operations. The paratroopers will operate from 12 base camps, said Lieutenant Colonel Taimur Hasan Khan, Commanding Officer of Dhaka Battalion (5 BGB). He urged political leaders, activists, voters, and media personnel to cooperate with the force, stressing that the BGB is fully committed to political neutrality and ensuring a level playing field for all parties and candidates. “The primary objective is to create an environment that maximises voter participation, protects voting rights, prevents vote rigging, and maintains overall election security,” he added. BGB will support a neutral, festive and safe election atmosphere while assisting with polling and post-election activities. During the election period, the force will conduct law and order duties independently or jointly as mobile and striking units, coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and maintaining regular patrols. Rapid Action Teams, helicopters, and Quick Response Forces will remain on standby to respond promptly to any emergency. BGB personnel will use body-worn cameras, night vision devices, metal detectors, APCs, and other modern signalling equipment. Govt orders deposition of licensed firearms by Jan 31 ahead of election A dedicated monitoring cell at battalion headquarters will track election developments around the clock. On polling day, mobile and static patrols, check-posts, and vehicle and suspect searches will be conducted to prevent sabotage or instability. BGB expressed confidence that, through combined efforts with the government, Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and the public, the 13th parliamentary election will be conducted in a peaceful, fair and festive manner, with public trust and safety as the top priority.

Bangladesh will maintain a  real-time engagement with Meta to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation on Facebook during the upcoming 13th national election scheduled for February 12, said Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi on Tuesday. Lutfey Siddiqi made the remarks at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy, where he briefed the media on Bangladesh’s participation and outcomes at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, last week. He said Meta itself is keen to establish real-time communication with Bangladesh during the election period. “We have a meeting with Meta’s legal team on Wednesday morning. They want real-time engagement with us during the election.” Election officials can’t campaign for or against referendum: EC Anwar He also said Meta is already in contact with the Election Commission (EC). “Meta has its own tools to counter misinformation during elections, and they are discussing those with the EC. In serious situations, Meta will assist Bangladesh in stopping misinformation or shutting down provocative pages.” Addressing concerns over Bangladesh’s data protection ordinance, Lutfey Siddiqi said initial tensions with Meta have now been resolved. “They misunderstood a few issues, which we clarified. Compared to any other time, our relationship with Meta is now quite strong.” Lutfey Siddiqi  also mentioned discussions with PayPal on the sidelines of the WEF meeting, saying the global digital payments platform has shown interest in entering the Bangladeshi market. No possibility of postponing or destabilising Feb-12 election: Home Adviser “PayPal has held talks with the Bangladesh Bank governor and CEO of several private banks and has taken a positive view of Bangladesh. They will discuss the matter at their governing board,” Lutfey Siddiqi said, adding that PayPal expressed satisfaction after engaging with local entrepreneurs, business leaders and banking analysts.