Election
DCs asked to finalise list of polling stations by Sept 24
The Election Commission (EC) has directed the deputy commissioners to finalise the list of polling stations for the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections by September 24.
Letters have been sent to senior district election officers and district election officers to take appropriate action in this regard, EC officials said.
Besides, copies have been given to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO).
Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers are the conveners of the committee that determines polling stations at the field level.
Under a new policy enacted by the Election Commission, a seven-member committee has been formed at the district level with the DC as the convener to determine polling stations for the parliamentary elections. The committee consists of the divisional commissioner's representative, superintendent of police, metropolitan police commissioner's representative, district education officer and district primary education officer. Senior district election officer or district election officer has been made member secretary of the committee.
On the other hand, a five-member committee has been formed at the upazila level with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer as its head. The committee consists of upazila education officer, upazila secondary education officer and officer-in-charge. And the upazila or thana election officer has been made member secretary.
In a letter sent to the district election officers, the EC has set a deadline for the concerned committee to finalise the list of polling stations.
The last date for publishing the draft voters list is August 16, the last date for taking claims and objections on that list is August 31, the last date for disposal of claims and objections is September 11 and the final list of draft polling stations has been given till September 17.
The election organising body has asked the concerned committee to send the final list of the draft polling stations to the EC secretariat by September 24.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said the schedule for the 12th parliamentary election may be announced in the last week of October or the first week of November.
The election is scheduled to be held between the last week of December and the first week of January.
At the time of the 11th parliamentary election, there were 10.42 crore voters. At that time, 40,199 polling stations were set up.
At present, the number of voters in the country is 11.90 crore. Therefore, the number of polling stations is expected to increase further.
Foreign observers have confidence in EC to conduct free and fair elections: Hasan Mahmud
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said that foreign observers seem confident about the Election Commission's ability to conduct free and fair elections in line with the constitution.
He said this to reporters after a meeting with a group of foreign election observers at his secretariat office on Monday afternoon.
U.S. political analyst Terry L. Easley, and Irish European Union affairs reporter Nick Powell were the two foreigners in the delegation. The others were the Election Monitoring Forum's Chairman Abed Ali, and directors Dr Abul Kalam Azad, Dr Azadul Haque, and Mohammad Iqbal Bahar.
Awami League Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Aminul Islam Amin attended the meeting.
Hasan Mahmud said, "The election monitoring team came to meet me and asked me many questions about the upcoming election. In particular, they discussed what the government is preparing for the next election or what is the present situation of the Election Commission."
"I have told them that the election will be held under the Election Commission and the present government will only play the role of a facilitator during the election," Hasan said.
The minister said after the announcement of the election schedule, the government does not have authority over the field administration, police, public administration and other institutions that are engaged in election work. "The government cannot transfer any official or take any disciplinary action against any officer without the permission of the Election Commission."
"I think they have realised that it is possible to hold a free and fair election in Bangladesh in the light of the current constitution under the Election Commission," he added.
Hasan Mahmud said, "They came to know that the city corporation elections were very free and fair and the voter participation was more than 50 percent.... All those who harassed a candidate in Dhaka-17 constituency have been arrested."
Replying to a question on BNP's participation in the election, Hasan Mahmud said, "Most of the BNP leaders want to contest the election. BNP is a party that is not allowing anyone from the party to participate in any election to the Union Parishad or the City Corporation. But almost everyone in their party wants to contest elections."
EC explains why 10 political parties not given registration
The Election Commission (EC) has sent letters to 10 political parties including Gono Odhikar Parishad, AB Party and Nagorik Oikya, explaining the reasons for not giving them registration.
Abdul Baten, joint secretary of EC’s election management branch gave the information on Wednesday.
Also read: We want to stay above criticism by holding a fair election: CEC
Of the 12 teams that survived the preliminary selection, 10 were excluded due to lack of accuracy of the upazila committee. But their central and district committees are alright, he said.
Several objections have been filed against two parties on the list. There will now be a hearing. In this case, if the allegation is proved at the hearing, they will not get registration, he said.
Also read: Nur-led Gono Odhikar Parishad to lay siege to Election Commission on Tuesday
When the Election Commission invited applications to register new parties, 93 parties applied. Of these, 12 survived the preliminary selection. The parties are Bangladesh Gonotrantik Andolon (BNM), AB Party (Amar Bangladesh Party), Bangladesh Humanist Party (BHP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Sanatan Party (BSP), Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Bangladesh People's Party (BPP), Democratic Party and Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP).
Also read: Nur threatens to ‘throw Election Commission officials in the drain’ over his party not getting registered
Of these 12 teams, eight were excluded after further investigation. The EC formed four investigation committees to register Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Gonotantrik Andolan (BNM) and AB Party. After the committee re-examined and submitted its report, it decided to register both BNM and BSP parties. In this case, the EC also issued a public notice inviting objections to the two parties by July 26.
EC wants to form judicial inquiry committee to investigate attack on Hero Alam
The Election Commission (EC) demanded on Thursday that authorities form a judicial inquiry committee to investigate into the attack on independent candidate Ashraful Alam alias Hero Alam in Dhaka-17 by-election.
The commission will send a proposal to the government, EC Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath told the media on Thursday.
He said that the documents for sending a proposal are awaiting the approval of the EC.
Read: Those attacking Hero Alam were trying to make Dhaka-17 by-polls controversial: Arafat condemns incident
Debnath said if the approval is received, a letter will be sent to the Cabinet Division to form a three-member committee headed by a judge.
Earlier on Monday, Hero Alam was physically assaulted while leaving a polling centre in Dhaka’s Banani area.
Awami League-backed candidate contesting the Dhaka-17 by-election, Mohammad Ali Arafat, immediately condemned the attack on his rival candidate.
Read: Action against those involved in Hero Alam assault: EC Alamgir
Alongside, foreign missions in Dhaka on Wednesday called for a full investigation and accountability of the perpetrators involved in the assault on Hero Alam.
In a joint statement, the foreign missions said, “We condemn the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alam, popularly known as Hero Alam. Violence has no place in the democratic process.”
“Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,” said the diplomatic missions in Dhaka.
Read: Won’t join any election again under Awami League govt: Hero Alam
The joint statement was signed by the embassies or high commissions of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, United States and the delegation of the European Union.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also said they will investigate if any police negligence led to the assault on Hero Alam.
Awami League candidate Mohammad Ali Arafat wins Dhaka-17 by-polls
Awami League nominated candidate Mohammad Ali Arafat was unofficially declared winner in the by-election to Dhaka-17 constituency held on Monday.
Arafat bagged 28,816votes while his nearest rival Independent candidate Ashraful Alam, better known as “Hero Alam”, secured 5,609 votes.
Senior District Election Officer Md Munir Hussain Khan, returning officer of the Dhaka-17 by-election, announced the results of all 124 centres.
Also read: Dhaka-17 by-polls peaceful, voter turnout low: Election Monitoring Forum
Among other candidates, Jatiya Party’s candidate Sikder Anisur Rahman (Plough) got 1,328votes, Zaker Party candidate (Rose) Kazi Rashidul Hasan got 923 votes, Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote (Cane) candidate Akter Hossain bagged 64 votes, independent Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan (Truck) got 52 votes, Swapan of Bangladesh Congress (Green coconut) candidate Rezaul Karim bagged 43, Trinamul BNP (Golden fiber) candidate Sheikh Habibur Rahman got 202 votes.
A total of 37, 420 voters cast their votes in Dhaka-17 by-polls.
The voter turnout in Dhaka-17 by-polls was recorded at 11.51%, according to the returning officer.
Also read: Dhaka-17 by-polls: ‘No alternative to Awami League’ Arafat says, optimistic about win
Voting in the Dhaka-17 by-election began at 8 am and continued till 4 pm without any break.
The seat comprising Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and part of Dhaka Cantonment fell vacant after the death of popular actor and freedom fighter Akbar Hossain Pathan Farooque MP on 14 May this year.
However, Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan, an independent candidate contesting the Dhaka-17 by-polls, boycotted the election this morning amid allegations of irregularities. Tariqul made the announcement after voting began around 8 am on Monday morning.
Also read: Hero Alam physically assaulted ‘in front of law enforcers’ in Banani area, says his chief election agent
In the evening, “Hero Alam” was physically assaulted while leaving a polling centre in the Banani area.
Hero Alam was attacked by some miscreants in the afternoon while he was leaving the Banani Bidyaniketan School polling centre, UNB photographer reported from the spot.
The Election Commission (EC) observed the Dhaka-17 by-polls through CCTV cameras from the control room in Dhaka.
Also read: Those attacking Hero Alam were trying to make Dhaka-17 by-polls controversial: Arafat condemns incident
The Election Commission set up 853 CCTV cameras for Dhaka-17 constituency to monitor the election, said EC sources.
On June 01, the Election Commission announced the by-election schedule for Dhaka-17 which fell vacant following the death of ruling Awami League MP Akbar Hossain Pathan alias Farooque.
Also read: Action against those involved in Hero Alam assault: EC Alamgir
Voting underway in Benapole municipality amid allegations of obstructing polling agents
Voting in the election in Jashore’s Benapole municipality is underway on Monday amid allegations of preventing polling agents and voters from entering the centers .
Despite voters being present at the centers since the morning, there have been complaints of harassing polling agents, and barring them from entering the centers.
Furthermore, some centers experienced a slow voting process due to the unfamiliarity with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) among voters.
Independent candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan boycotts Dhaka-17 by-polls
Mofizur Rahman Sajan, an independent mayor candidate of the Benapole municipal election, voiced his concerns, saying, “Some people are infiltrating from outside the municipality and spreading fear. Our polling agents have been forced out of the centers, and voters are being prevented from reaching the polling stations. Despite repeated complaints to the administration, no solution has been provided.”
Nasir Uddin, the Awami League's nominated boat candidate, dismissed Sajan's claims, saying, “Complaining is a ploy often used by independent candidates during elections. I am not concerned about any rival candidate. I am 100% confident of victory.”
EC monitoring Dhaka-17 by-polls, elections of 2 municipalities through CCTV cameras
Azim Uddin Gazi, the councilor candidate of ward number 5, deemed the center unsafe and demanded increased monitoring from the administration. However, he said that polling was proceeding peacefully at the center.
Azim Uddin explained, “The voting process at some centers is slightly delayed due to the use of EVMs. The general public is not yet accustomed to this system. However, with time, everything will return to normal.”
Anwar Hossain, a voter from Dighirpar Ward number 5, shared his experience, saying, “It took me about ten minutes to cast my vote as the machine malfunctioned after pressing the button four times. If you understand the process, it is good, but if you don't, it becomes problematic.”
Dhaka-17 by-polls: Hero Alam says his agents 'assaulted' by AL activists, determined to remain in the race
Md. Anisur Rahman, the Senior Election Officer of Jashore District, said, “I have visited all the centers, and voting is progressing peacefully. Two platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), three platoons of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the police have been deployed. As this is the first time we are using EVMs, the voting process is slightly slower. However, we anticipate completing 100% of the voting within the specified time.”
Dhaka-17 by-polls: ‘No alternative to Awami League’ Arafat says, optimistic about win
Awami League nominated candidate Mohammad Ali Arafat today (July 17, 2023) cast his vote at the Gulshan Model School and College centre during the parliamentary by-polls to Dhaka-17 constituency this morning.
He exercised his voting rights around at 10 am, said chief co-ordinator at the office cell of Dhaka -17 by-election, William Proloy Samadder Bappy.
Read: Dhaka-17 by-polls: Hero Alam says his agents 'assaulted' by AL activists, determined to remain in the race
Arafat told media that there is “no alternative to Awami League.” People will gather at polling centres to cast their votes for boat, he hoped.
He was also optimistic that he will win the race.
Read: Independent candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan boycotts Dhaka-17 by-polls
The voting started at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm without any recess.
In the Dhaka-17 constituency, eight candidates are running in the race to be elected a member of the parliament. The seat comprising Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and part of Dhaka Cantonment fell vacant after the death of renowned actor and freedom fighter Akbar Hossain Pathan Farooque on May 14 this year.
Read: EC monitoring Dhaka-17 by-polls, elections of 2 municipalities through CCTV cameras
The number of voters is 325,205 under 125 polling stations in Dhaka-17 constituency which comprises wards 15, 18, 19 and 20 of Dhaka North City Corporation as well as Dhaka cantonment area.
Dhaka-17 by-polls: Hero Alam says his agents 'assaulted' by AL activists, determined to remain in the race
Dhaka-17 constituency MP candidate, Ashraful Hossain Alam -- better known as "Hero Alam" -- has alleged that his agents are being barred from entering the polling stations and that several of them were harassed by the AL activists and leaders.
“The ruling party’s activists have resorted to intimidating tactics to oust my agents. They physically assaulted some of our agents, including women, and barred them from entering the polling centres,” said the independent candidate at Banani Model School centre this morning (July 17, 2023).
Independent candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan boycotts Dhaka-17 by-polls
Asked in which polling centres his agents faced trouble entering, he mentioned Bhashantek Govt Primary School, Adamji Cantonment College, Matikata High School, and Jamia Madrasa centres.
He expressed concern about the fairness of the election.
EC monitoring Dhaka-17 by-polls, elections of 2 municipalities through CCTV cameras
“However, I’m determined to remain in the electoral race until the end,” he said.
Voting for Dhaka-17 by-polls, election in 7 municipalities underway
Independent candidate Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan boycotts Dhaka-17 by-polls
Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan, an independent candidate contesting the Dhaka-17 by-polls, boycotted the election this morning amid allegations of irregularities.
Tariqul made the announcement after voting began around 8 am this morning (July 17, 2023).
“A fair election is not possible under the current government,” Tariqul told media at Dhaka’s Banani Model School polling centre.
Read: EC monitoring Dhaka-17 by-polls, elections of 2 municipalities through CCTV cameras
He said that he withdrew from the polls as his polling agents were “obstructed” from entering polling stations.
“None of my agents were allowed to enter polling stations. Awami League leaders and activists have created a hostile situation outside the centres; even police are obstructing my people from entering the polling centres," he claimed.
Voting in Dhaka-17 constituency started at 8 am, and it will continue till 4 pm without any break.
Read: Voting for Dhaka-17 by-polls, election in 7 municipalities underway
EC monitoring Dhaka-17 by-polls, elections of 2 municipalities through CCTV cameras
The Election Commission (EC) is observing the Dhaka-17 by-polls and elections of Pirojpur Bhandaria and Jashore's Benapole municipalities through CCTV cameras today (July 17, 2023) from the control room in Dhaka.
The Election Commission has set up 1,058 CCTV cameras, including 853 for Dhaka-17 constituency, to monitor the elections, said EC sources.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibur Awal; Election Commissioners Brigadier General (retd) Ahsan Habib Khan, Rasheda Sultana, Md Anisur Rahman; Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath; NID Director General AKM Humayun Kabir; and IDEA-2 Project Director Brigadier General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Sayem have been monitoring the polls since this morning.
Read more: Voting for Dhaka-17 by-polls, election in 7 municipalities underway
Election monitoring is being done by installing two CCTV cameras in each polling station.