United News of Bangladesh

The Election Commission has brought a change in the election code a week before the parliamentary polls, relaxing the provisions for the use of maximum three microphones or loudspeakers and the content of voter slip. According to the revised Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates Rule, 2025, a candidate or anyone on his or her behalf can use the necessary number of microphones or loud speakers in a rally instead of only three ones. The Commission amended the code of conduct on January 29 last but its gazette was uploaded in the EC’s website on Wednesday. As per the changed code, a candidate or his or her behalf, the voter slips (maximum 12cm by 8cm) with name of contender and symbol can be distributed among the voters In the original code, the name and symbol of a candidate can’t be given in the voter slip. The EC brought the change in the content of voter slips following a demand placed by BNP. On January 15 last, a BNP delegation, led by its standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, in a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin drew the Commission’s attention to restrictions on voter slips under the code of conduct. After the meeting, Salahuddin told reporters that voter slips should contain information such as voter number, candidate name and symbol to help voters easily identify their preferred candidates. “Currently, voter slips cannot contain party names, symbols or candidate photographs. We believe these restrictions should be reconsidered,” he said. Election Commission imposes vehicle restrictions ahead of polls The BNP leader said every candidate distributes voter slips and voters are capable of making their own choices. “We should simplify the election process so that maximum voters can participate.” The Election Commission on December 11 last 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.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has imposed restrictions on taxi-cabs, pick-ups, microbuses, and trucks from 12am on February 11 to 12am on February 12, 2026, ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. Motorcycles will also face restrictions from 12am on February 10 to 12am on February 13, 2026. The restrictions will be relaxed for the following vehicles: law enforcement and armed forces; administration and approved observers; vehicles engaged in emergency services or carrying medicines, health-related supplies, and newspapers; vehicles transporting passengers or relatives to and from airports (with tickets or relevant proof); long-distance passenger vehicles; one vehicle per contesting candidate and one for each candidate’s election agent (with proper appointment and identity documents, and Election Commission sticker); journalists, observers, or vehicles used for election work with EC approval; motorcycles used by officials, employees, or others for election duties; and vehicles of telecom operators licensed by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Fraudsters targeting election staff for honorariums, EC warns The EC has authorised the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to allow exceptions on national highways, ports, inter-district or metropolitan entry/exit routes, and other key roads. Additionally, district magistrates and metropolitan police commissioners have been given authority to impose or relax restrictions on other vehicles according to the schedule during the election and referendum period. The announcement was made through a government notification signed by Al-Amin Md Nurul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

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.

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday directed all printing presses to refrain from printing any kind of posters ahead of the upcoming referendum and the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. The directive was issued following reports of the use of banned posters in election campaigns in different areas. In a notification, the Commission said it has recently been observed that contesting candidates or persons on their behalf used posters during electioneering, which is a clear violation of Rule 7(a) of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025 and a punishable offence. “So, any registered political party, its nominated candidate, or the persons on their behalf shall conduct electioneering activities in violation of the electoral code of conduct,” the EC said. Election campaign: Code of conduct published in gazette, banning posters-drones, AI-social media misuse “The printing presses will have to abstain from printing any type of posters intended for election campaigns also,” it said. Earlier on December 11, the EC announced the schedule for holding the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12.

The Election Commission (EC) has estimated the overall expenditures for the upcoming referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election at some Tk 3,100 crore. The Commission on Wednesday approved the budget, estimating the total cost of Tk 3,100 crore to conduct the referendum and general election simultaneously on February 12 next, said EC officials. Of the total cost, Tk 1,200 crore has been earmarked for election management and operational expenses, while Tk 1,400 crore has been allocated for deployment of law enforcement agencies. Another Tk 500 crore has been set aside for costs related to the referendum, postal ballots and other ancillary purposes. Officials, however, said the allocation might be increased, if necessary. In 2024, the expenditure for the 12th national election stood at Tk 2,276 crore. About the increased cost, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the rise in expenditure is natural as this time the referendum along with the national election and also the postal balloting system alongside the manual (traditional) balloting system were behind the rise in the cost. “The expenses are expected to be higher than before as we are arranging voting for the general election and also the referendum and using the postal ballots alongside the manual ballots,” he said. On December 11, the Election Commission announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. The EC, headed by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, introduced the IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system with the combination of digital registration and manual balloting for the first time in the country for the expatriate Bangladeshis living in more than 120 foreign countries. The Commission also is using the new postal balloting system for the government employees working outside their respective constituencies, the polling personnel and the people under legal custody inside 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.”  

Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 and convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that a level playing field has yet to be ensured for the upcoming national election. Speaking during electioneering at different spots in Badda-Satarkul area in the morning, Nahid claimed that the Jamaat alliance activists are being subjected to intimidation ahead of the polls. “Although there is no direct obstruction to campaigning, a climate of fear is being deliberately created so that people refrain from going to polling centres. But these attempts will not succeed,” he said. NCP joined Jamaat-led alliance to protect ‘July Generation’, says Nahid Nahid also accused the Election Commission of not maintaining neutrality towards the Jamaat alliance, alleging that he was served with a show-cause notice for campaigning in favour of a referendum, while no action was taken against others for promoting their respective parties. Nahid said the election would mark the end of extortionists, terrorists and land grabbers. “People expected extortion and land grabbing to stop after August 5, but that has not happened in some cases. February 12, the election day, will be the final day for extortionists.” Highlighting various local problems, Nahid assured voters that he would work to address the area’s crises if elected. “This election is not just about a change of power; it is about building a new Bangladesh. It is going to be a historic election where new dynamics will be seen in the electoral field.” Khaleda’s struggle for restoring democracy to be remembered forever: Nahid Calling on voters to cast their ballots freely, the NCP convener said, “Vote for whoever you choose, but do so after careful consideration, because this election will determine the fate of Bangladesh.” Addressing local residents, he urged them not to be influenced by money, benefits or false promises. “Think carefully and vote for a deserving candidate who is truly capable of bringing change to your area and the country.” During the campaign, Nahid called on voters to vote for the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol and to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.  

For the first time in its history, 129 prisoners at Jashore Central Jail will be able to exercise their right to vote through postal ballots. The inmates have already completed online registration, and all arrangements have been made to facilitate their voting. Abid Ahmed, the Superintendent of Jashore Central Jail, said, “Online registration for prisoners began in the first week of December and concluded on 31 December. By the end of this period, a total of 129 prisoners had successfully registered to vote.” Sources at the jail said that when prisoners were informed about the opportunity, many expressed interest. They, however, said some were unable to register online due to not having a national ID card or for other reasons. A few also chose not to apply, anticipating the possibility of being granted bail. In the end, 129 prisoners completed online registration by December 31. Once they receive their postal ballots, the inmates will also be provided with booklets containing information about the candidates and their symbols for their respective constituencies. This will allow them to make informed decisions. The jail authorities have ensured a suitable environment for voting within the facility. The Election Commission will send separate envelopes to registered prisoners. Each package will include instructions for voting, designated spaces for signatures, and the ballot paper. Prisoners will cast their votes and seal the envelopes themselves. Subsequently, the sealed envelopes, along with a copy containing their signature, will be handed over to jail authorities, who will dispatch them to the post office. The postal service will then deliver them to the Election Commission, which will count them alongside votes from the relevant constituencies. Even if a registered prisoner is released on bail, they must vote at the designated booth inside the jail. After voting, they will be allowed to leave the facility. “The jail authorities are providing maximum support to ensure registered prisoners can cast their votes. The opportunity to vote via postal ballot for the first time has generated considerable enthusiasm among the inmates,” Abid Ahned added. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ashek Hasan, who is also the Returning officer, told UNB, “All possible assistance is being provided to the jail authorities to ensure smooth voting. The administration is working sincerely to ensure prisoners can exercise their voting rights without any hindrance.”

Despite decades of pledges to ensure women’s political empowerment, the upcoming national election paints a starkly different picture, with female representation on the ballot remaining alarmingly low. The election will see participation from registered 51 political parties, yet more than 30 of them, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have failed to nominate even a single woman candidate in the 13th parliamentary election, raising fresh concerns over gender inclusion in national politics. Of the 2,568 nomination papers submitted for the election, only 109 were filed by women—just 4.24 per cent of the total, according to data reviewed by UNB. After scrutiny, the Election Commission (EC) has validated 1,842 candidates, including 1,779 men and only 63 women, meaning women make up just 3.4 percent of the final candidates. What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Later, 417 candidates regained their candidacies after appealing to the Election Commission. January 20 was the last day for the withdrawal of candidacies. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,981 candidates, including 80 women, are contesting the 13th national parliamentary election, with women making up only 4.04% of the total. Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) noted that women make up only 3.38% of party-affiliated candidates, while the share is 10% among independent candidates. While the world embraces music education, Bangladesh seen stepping backwards According to EC data, the upcoming election will have 12 crore 77 lacs 11 thousand 793 registered voters, including 64 crore 8 lacs 25 thousand 361 men, 62 crore 8 lacs 85 thousand 200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters. Legal framework and previous elections Under Section 22(ka)-(gha) of the July 2025 National Consensus Ordinance, every political party was to nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the parliamentary election, gradually increasing to 33 percent in future polls. But the ordinance has not yet been implemented, making the rule effectively non-binding. 288 BNP, 224 Jamaat candidates in Bangladesh election race Historical participation has remained low. According to Transparency International Bangladesh, women candidates accounted for 3.51 percent (55 women) in 2008, 5.55 percent (30 women) in 2014, and just 0.81 percent (73 women) in 2018. In the 12th Jatiya Sangsad, 20 women were elected, representing 6.67 percent, the highest in four consecutive parliaments. In the 9th Jatiya Sangsad, women lawmakers accounted for 3.32 percent, in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad 6.55 percent, and in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad just 3.68 percent. Party-wise breakdown Of the 51 parties contesting, only few fielded women aspirants. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had nominated women for the highest 15 constituencies but now has 10 valid women candidates following scrutiny and withdrawal, after the rejection of Fatema Khanam’s nomination (Natore-3) and non-scrutiny of three nominations of Khaleda Zia. Other women candidates nominated by political parties include: 9 from Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Marxist, 6 each from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, 5 each from Ganasamhati Andolan and Jatiya Party, 3 each from Ganaodhikar Parishad (GOP), National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from mass uprising, nominated only three women out of its 44 candidates. Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 Others including AB Party, 2 each from Gong Forum and Biplobi Workers Party, 1 each from Bangladesh Muslim League, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basosd, Bangladesh Republican Party, National People’s Party (NPP), Aamjanatar Dal, Islami Front Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Labour Party, nominated female candidates. During scrutiny, several women aspirants lost candidacy: three from Basad, and one each from Jatiya Party, Ganasamhati Andolan, Biplabi Workers Party, AB Party, NPP, and Bangladesh Labour Party. Human trafficking, instability erode global trust in Bangladesh’s passports Among 37 independent women aspirants, only six nominations were declared valid: Sabina Yasmin (Natore-2), Dr. Tasnim Zara (Dhaka-9), Meherjan Ara Talukdar (Jamalpur-4), Akhtar Sultana (Mymensingh-6), Tahmina Zaman (Netrakona-4), and Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2). Among the parties, 276 aspirants from Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party, 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and other smaller parties, each with fewer than 40 aspirants, also have no female candidates. Potential impact In a recent report, the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted that out of 51 political parties contesting the upcoming general election, 30 have not nominated a single woman candidate. The report highlighted that one of Bangladesh’s major parties, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has not fielded any women candidates in the constituencies where it is contesting. While Bangladesh has previously had two female prime ministers and witnessed significant participation of women in the student-led movements of 2024, HRW noted that women in the country are still largely deprived of the right to participate meaningfully in politics. Telling again, no uncertainty over election: Press Secretary Political parties must be held accountable for failing to nominate at least five percent women candidates in the upcoming national election despite pledging to do so under the July National Charter, said the Women’s Political Rights Forum (FWPR). The forum urged political parties to treat women’s nomination as a constitutional obligation rather than a token gesture and called for structural reforms to integrate women into leadership roles and ensure a gender-responsive political system. At a press conference titled “Nomination Crisis of Women Candidates: Gap between Parties’ Commitments and Implementation and the Accountability of the Election Commission” held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, forum leaders expressed concern over women’s extremely low participation. Forum leader Reetu Satter readout a written speech in the press conference where she said the women had prominent roles in the uprising of July in 2024, but women candidates were deprived of getting party nominations for Jatiya Sangsad. Forum leader Samina Yasmin said women voters constitute nearly 50 percent, or possibly more, of the electorate. “If women make up 51 percent of voters, our next critical task is to raise awareness about women’s rights, organize them, and ensure their active political participation. Is it realistic to come to power by excluding 51 percent of the population and relying on the remaining 49 percent? This is a fundamental question,” she said. Confusion clouds Shammo murder probe as key suspect remains elusive Samina said the forum is trying to work directly and indirectly with women leaders who are contesting the election and actively campaigning. “We are observing what kinds of challenges they are facing, how they are addressing them and what effective pathways could be developed to tackle these challenges in the future.” Despite widespread discussions on women’s rights, the number of female candidates in this election remains alarmingly low, forcing a serious reassessment of the situation, Samina added. Meanwhile, the Social Resistance Committee, a platform of 71 organizations working on women, human rights, and development issues, has expressed concern over the low number of women candidates in the upcoming election. In a statement, the committee said that given the prevailing misogynistic culture in society, women are hesitant to contest as independent candidates. It described this as a reflection of the patriarchal political culture and a strategy to maintain male-dominated politics. Highlighting the need for women’s visible participation in elections and politics, the Social Resistance Committee urged all political parties and the Election Commission to ensure women’s equal participation in political decision-making and governance, emphasizing that this is essential for building a democratic and equitable society.

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday warned that collecting voters’ personal information and national identity card (NID) details in the name of electioneering is a punishable offence. “It has come to the Bangladesh Election Commission’s notice that some people are collecting voters’ personal data and National Identity (NID) under the guise of election campaigning. According to the National Identity Card Registration Act 2010, one cannot carry or transfer another's National Identity Card (NID)," said EC in a press release. The electioneering officially began on Thursday (January 22) ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12. Referring to provisions of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates Rules, 2025, the Commission said no political party, candidate or anyone on their behalf is allowed to offer or promise any donation, contribution or gift to any person, groups or institutions residing in the electoral area. “These activities are punishable offences under these rules. The Election Commission urges all citizens and organisations to refrain from such practices,” the EC said. Earlier, on January 13, a BNP delegation lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that a particular political party has been collecting voters’ NID details and mobile phone numbers across the country. Calling the move ‘suspicious and unprecedented’, BNP Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan said such activities could be aimed at creating fake voters or influencing voting behavior. Nazrul Islam said the collection of mobile financial service numbers could indicate the possibility of monetary transactions. The election campaign began officially on Thursday after the Commission allocated electoral symbols on Wednesday to as many as 1,972 candidates contesting the upcoming election from 298 constituencies, excluding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. The number of contesting candidates would rise further once contestants from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are added. Currently, there are nine valid candidates in the two constituencies. Altogether, the total number of candidates across the 300 constituencies stands at 1,981—comprising 1,732 candidates from 51 registered political parties and 249 independent candidates. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.