United News of Bangladesh

The National Citizen Party and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) have received final registration from the Election Commission (EC). As no objections were filed against the parties, the EC issued the official gazette on Monday. With this, both parties will be able to contest the upcoming election with their own symbols. The two parties have also been invited to join the EC’s dialogue scheduled for Wednesday. However, the Bangladesh Aam Jonogon Party has not yet received final approval, as objections were submitted against it. Bangladesh Election: EC to launch mobile app for postal balloting Tuesday On November 4, the EC issued a public notice announcing its preliminary decision to grant registration to three parties. It also fixed until November 12 inviting objections, if any, against the registration of the parties. A total of 10–15 objections were filed against the Bangladesh Aam Jonogon Party, which is under further review.      

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Jamaat-e-Islami and some of its like-minded allies have already stepped back from their ‘Jamuna-centred’ agitation and will soon turn towards election activities at the grassroots. “Some groups have been creating unnecessary complications over the July National Charter. One side is still ‘examining’ the order before signing it, while another says the order alone reflects the people’s intent, yet they are raising fresh questions about the proposed referendum,” he said. Speaking at a seminar, the BNP leader said Jamaat and seven other parties are now becoming election-oriented, stepping back from their earlier stance of pushing for proportional representation and a referendum before the national election. “In another five to seven days, this movement will drift away from the Jamuna (Chief Adviser’s residence) and move towards the villages, close to the election. I heard yesterday that their movement is no longer at Jamuna. Whatever they may be thinking now, in the end they will have to stand for the election,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the people of Bangladesh struggled for 16 to 17 years to achieve a free environment where they can exercise their voting rights. “The entire nation is now waiting for this election so we can build a democratic system where dictatorship or fascism can never return.” ‘White Panel’, the pro-BNP teachers’ forum at Dhaka University, organised the seminar titled “Transforming the Future of Education in Bangladesh: A Strategic Roadmap” at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building. Salahuddin said a section of actors is questioning the legal validity of the interim government and approaching the High Court with the intention of creating chaos. “Their aim is to obstruct or delay the election so they can enjoy power. These people are not part of the government.” He said the interim government appears committed to holding the national election in the first half of February. “There is no situation yet to question its commitment… Some individuals inside the government may have different motives, but the Chief Adviser remains committed to holding the national election in the first half of February. Even if, for some reason, the election cannot be held at that time, we will still thank him,” the BNP leader added. Salahuddin warned that attempts to impose legal questions around the July National Charter were unnecessary and politically motivated. He said the referendum proposal was made only to seek the people’s sovereign consent, as some political actors still demanded legal guarantees even after signing the Charter. The BNP leader said the state cannot run on emotion or “people’s intent” alone. “The country must run on the Constitution and the law.” “Once a full caretaker government is in place, there will be no scope for any form of authoritarian rule to emerge in the country,” he observed. Salahuddin said BNP’s reform proposals aim to ensure balance among all organs of the state, including a truly independent Election Commission and a fully independent judiciary. “If every organ of the state works within its constitutional limits without interference, then no dictatorship or fascism will rise in the future,” he said. The BNP leader criticised those who only want to control the executive branch as a way to prevent dictatorship, saying such ideas are flawed. Salahuddin hails ICT verdict against Hasina, calls it a lesson against dictatorship “The executive alone does not run the state. If the executive is not allowed to function, there can be no progress. Real stability comes only when every organ of the state works within its constitutional limits without interfering with each other. Only then will there be complete harmony among all organs of the state and a truly balanced system of governance. This is what we have proposed,” he said. Salahuddin, however, said genuine state reform requires a change in mindset before anything else. “We must change our outlook first. Without a change in mentality, no matter how many laws we make, they will be of no use.”    

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Monday said the party is happy with the death sentence handed down to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the case over last year’s July-August mass killings, but insisted that the Awami League as a political party must also be brought to justice. Taking to reporters at the NCP’s central office on Monday, Nahid said the verdict is against “individual Hasina,” but the Awami League, as a political organisation, was also involved in the mass killings and other acts deemed crimes against humanity. Hasina, Asaduzzaman sentenced to death; Mamun gets 5 years jail “This verdict proves the party’s role. Our appeal to the tribunal is to begin the trial of the Awami League now. As a party, they are equally responsible. Hasina, as party chief and head of government, ordered and planned the mass killing,” he said. Calling for the swift execution of the verdict, he said, “She must be brought back within a month and the sentence carried out. Our souls will find peace only when the execution is completed in her lifetime.” Govt calls death sentences for Hasina, Asaduzzaman a historic verdict Nahid said the families of those killed in July would get justice only when the verdict is executed. “We vowed to ensure justice on the day Abu Sayed was shot dead in Rangpur. Today the verdict has honoured that commitment,” he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the verdict delivered against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marks ‘the burial of all forms of dictatorship’ in Bangladesh. “We believe that today’s verdict is not just a judgment on Sheikh Hasina’s crimes, but a burial of all forms of dictatorship on the soil of this country,” he wrote in a post on his verified Facebook page, reacting to the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1). ICT verdict to uphold fair trial with international standards, hopes Fakhrul Earlier in the day, the tribunal convicted Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, in which more than 1,000 people were killed. The ICT-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death, while former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal also received the death penalty. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who gave testimony as a state witness, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The court further ordered the confiscation of the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal in favour of the state.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) verdict convicting deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others delivers justice and serves as a warning against future dictatorship. “Justice has been established today in the International Crimes Tribunal. But the sentences given to the accused—fascist Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Kamal and former IGP Mamun—are far too lenient compared to the crimes they committed,” Salahuddin said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a seminar at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban at Dhaka University. Salahuddin, a BNP standing committee member, said the verdict also shows that any offender, no matter how powerful, must eventually face trial. “This verdict is not enough compared to the gravity of the crimes, but it is not only a step towards justice — it is also an example for the future. It sends a message that no one can ever again establish a fascist regime in this country, no one can become a fascist ruler, and dictatorship must never return. This is a lesson for the future, not just a judgement for the past, and we must remember that,” he observed. Earlier in the day, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) convicted and sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August uprising, which claimed more than 1,000 lives. The tribunal also awarded former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal the death penalty, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who became a state witness, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The court also ordered the confiscation of the properties of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal in favour of the state. Salahuddin said there is no harsher punishment than what was awarded to Sheikh Hasina. “That is why the judges handed down the death penalty for one crime of Sheikh Hasina, and another death sentence for her separate crime… Asaduzzaman Kamal was sentenced to death, and IGP Mamun’s sentence was reduced to five years for his cooperation with the court.” He said there are still many cases pending against the accused, and he hopes justice will be served in those as well. “Through today’s verdict, several things are proven: no matter how strong a fascist dictator may be, or how long they exercise power illegally, they must eventually face trial. Sheikh Hasina tried to establish a one-party state and government, and to impose her rule through oppression, enforced disappearances, killings and inequality. But she could not succeed,” the BNP leader said. He also recalled that the country’s people suffered greatly under long-term misrule and fascist rule. “The country’s development and progress have been delayed for many years. We do not want to look back anymore.” Salahuddin said justice and the rule of law will be established in every sphere, and through this, in the days ahead, a strong democratic state will be built. That will be the Bangladesh of the future. “We are committed to establishing that Bangladesh. We will achieve this through reforms. We will establish the rule of law, and create a balanced state system and government, Insha’Allah. We will continue our relentless struggle to build a state where every citizen receives justice. Today, a milestone has been achieved for it,” he added.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday expressed hope that the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will ensure a fair trial in line with international standards. Mirza Fakhrul made a post on his verified Facebook page in the morning saying, “In Dhaka, the verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina will be announced within a few hours. I hope a fair trial consistent with international standards will be ensured. The nation is waiting.” ICT-1 reading out verdict in Hasina’s case  “Mughdha, Wasim, Abu Sayed and many others are waiting, Bangladesh future is waiting,” he added. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver the verdict today in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July mass uprising which led to the fall of Hasina’s government.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday (November 17) alleged that the fascist Awami League is using ‘money looted from various banks and mega projects’ to buy cocktails and carry out acts of sabotage. “Those who committed crimes during the fascist era are now the ones shamelessly setting buses on fire. Cocktails are being bought with money looted from different banks. Funds misappropriated from projects like the Padma Bridge and Metro Rail are being used to finance acts of sabotage,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. During the fascist rule, he said the Awami League controlled the media and carried out vicious propaganda against BNP leaders and activists who were fighting for democracy, falsely linking them to arson attacks. “Even then, we repeatedly said that pro-democracy people had no connection with these arson incidents, and BNP leaders and activists had no involvement. We also presented clear evidence at the time that pro-democracy activists and the BNP had absolutely no link to arson violence,” he said. The BNP leader said the true perpetrators of arson violence are now visible to everyone. Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He said their party wants a peaceful Bangladesh where people of all opinions can speak freely, and where elections take place smoothly, fairly, and in an inclusive environment. Rizvi said the crimes committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure must face due punishment. “If Sheikh Hasina is properly punished for her crimes, it will stand as a powerful example. The previous fascist government controlled the media to spread propaganda. People believe there will be no more dictated courts like in Sheikh Hasina’s era. The country’s people want fair justice, and they are now witnessing it and will continue to witness it,” he said. He recalled the brutal mass killings during the July–August uprising carried out by the Hasina regime using law enforcement agencies. “We still remember how Abu Sayed, Mugdho, and Waseem Akram were brutally murdered, and how many children were mercilessly killed. Those horrific memories remain with us.” The BNP leader alleged that Sheikh Hasina has been making unfair statements from India to create chaos in Bangladesh. “Why is India allowing this? By sheltering a criminal and giving her the scope to incite violence and carry out subversive activities against Bangladesh, India is violating the law. The people of Bangladesh do not view this positively. Such behaviour is unacceptable.” Replying to a question, Rizvi said, as in the previous year, instructions have been given not to hold any programmes, including cutting any cake, on Tuesday (20 November) to mark BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s birthday. Read more: Fakhrul calls for resistance against ‘vested quarter’ ahead of Hasina verdict

Political parties participating in Sunday’s electoral dialogue, urged the Election Commission (EC) to strictly uphold neutrality, to be bold and remain uncompromising on enforcement of electoral rules and the code of conduct to hold the upcoming national election in a free, fair and credible manner. The EC held two separate discussions with a total of 11 parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on the second day of its ongoing electoral dialogue with registered political parties. Six parties attended the morning session and five others joined the afternoon session. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin presided over both sessions, while election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, as well as EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present. Gonoforum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikyajote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party took part in the first session; Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Bangladesh Jasod), Bangladesh National Awami Party (Bangladesh NAP), Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolan Bangladesh joined the second session. Gonoforum’s acting President Subrata Chowdhury said those who worked in the previous election commissions were competent, but unfortunately neutrality was missing among them. “There were invisible forces around them,” he said. He urged the current Commission to ensure neutrality at all levels. “During your tenure, you need to uphold impartiality both in the national and local government elections and the neutrality must be visible to the people. We still have confidence in you… There will be a national election in February and a referendum as well,” he added. About the referendum, he questioned the format of single option ‘yes’ or ‘no’ against several questions -may make it ineffective. “Make sure the referendum does not become a matter of mockery. You must stand firm.” He stressed the responsibility of political parties to follow the code of conduct. “The current EC must ensure a good election,” said Subrata Chowdhury. Gono Front Secretary General Ahmad Ali Sheikh said the Commission must ensure it has every capacity necessary to conduct a proper election. Bangladesh Jatiya Party’s acting chairman ANM Sirajul Islam recommended arrangement of the divisional-wise balloting and installing CCTV cameras at polling stations to make the election fair as well as reducing security deposits. Bangladesh Jatiya Party (Matin) Secretary General Jafor Ahmed Joy expressed worry whether the commission can uphold the rules it issued: "You have taken the oath. The responsibility of the nation is on your shoulders. If you cannot perform your responsibility due to pressure from someone, then there is a better way, take that path. But don't bow down (to anyone)." Islamic Front Bangladesh Chairman Syed Bahadur Shah Mojaddedi placed nine proposals. “The last three elections held over the past 15 years were all controversial. They created a crisis of confidence over voting. The entire electoral system is in crisis,” he said. He asked for ensuring a level playing field and holding the next election in four phases instead of a single day. Addressing the first session, the CEC sought cooperation from political parties to create a safe environment for voters during the upcoming national election. Nasir Uddin said the commission’s main objective is to hold the next election in a fair, acceptable environment. “To achieve this, we need your cooperation,” he said. “We need your support in bringing voters to the polling stations and creating a safe environment,” he said. The CEC said the Election Commission has already formulated a code of conduct for the upcoming election. “A fair election largely depends on the proper implementation of the code of conduct. If candidates comply with it properly, the election will be fair. In this regard, we seek your cooperation.” Opening the afternoon session, the CEC said if the parties cooperate, the burden on them regarding enforcement of the code of conduct becomes far lighter. “If the parties cooperate with us, we won't have so many headaches with the code of conduct. Many people think that if we work for them, the commission is their man. We can't work for anyone." Noting both misinformation and disinformation as one of the biggest challenges in the upcoming election — a challenge previous Commissions did not have to face. “This has become a major concern,” he said. Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Kader Siddique said he hadn’t joined discussions with the government in the last 15 months despite getting invitations, but he came to attend the EC’s dialogue as a mark of respect for its constitutional positions. He claimed that the current government divided the country completely: “There are 40-50 registered political parties, but they invite only two-three parties. It’s neither neutral nor universal.” Bangladesh NAP Chairman Jebel Rahman Ghoni said the dialogue should have been held earlier and expressed concern that the Commission did not collect opinions from all stakeholders while amending the RPO and the code of conduct. “If we make recommendations now, these things may not be implemented,” he said. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Jalal Uddin Ahmed emphasised the need for EC’s neutrality. “If neutrality is questioned, the national election itself will be questioned,” he said. Islami Andolan Bangladesh Senior Presidium Member Syed Mosaddeq Billah Al Madani opposed holding the referendum and general election on the same day. “If both are held together, the referendum loses its importance. We want the referendum on a separate day,” he said. Pointing at Awami League, Bangladesh Jasod General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan said the leaders of a political party fled the country and it won’t participate in the election. “Those who are participating must have a congenial environment. The EC must ensure that environment. The Commission must create it,” he said. The Commission will sit with 12 more political parties in two separate sessions on Monday. On November 13, the EC opened its pre-election dialogue with registered political parties and already held talks with a total of 23 ones out of 53 registered political parties on the first two days of the electoral dialogue. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC recognised three new parties, including NCP, as registered parties. The Commission aims to complete the dialogue with all registered political parties within this month before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists frm different media outlets, election experts and election observers.

Eight like-minded political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced plans to be present on the streets on Monday as the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three others, accused of crimes against humanity, is delivered. Speaking at a joint press conference on Sunday at Al-Falah Hall in Moghbazar, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the ‘eight-party alliance’ would defy the ‘lockdown’ called by the ruling Awami League in connection with the verdict. “We have been active in previous programmes, and this time too, the nation will not allow any sabotage in favour of fascism. The Awami League will not get that chance. The eight-party alliance will be on the ground,” Parwar said. He said the coalition had decided to vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum and would encourage the public to support the proposed reforms. “The advisory speech delivered to the nation has partially fulfilled public expectations for free and fair elections. We will continue our programmes to achieve the remaining demands,” he said. Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case Earlier, on Sunday, leaders of the eight-party alliance met at Al-Falah Hall under the chairmanship of Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Senior leaders present included Mufti Syed Md Rezaul Karim (Pir Saheb, Chormonai), Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis; Principal Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, Ameer of Khilafat Majlis; Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Senior Naib Ameer of Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party; Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Co-President and Spokesperson of JAGPA; Advocate Anwarul Haque Chan, Chairman of Bangladesh Development Party; and Maulana Yusuf Sadiq Haqqani, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan. At the meeting, they discussed the country’s current situation, the advisory speech, and the next steps in their ongoing movement. The ‘alliance’ emphasised that their five-point demands remain central to their agenda and vowed to continue activism until all objectives are achieved.

Youth participants on Sunday urged all political parties to include a firm commitment to enacting a comprehensive Road Safety Law in their election manifestos, ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. Marking the “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”, the call came during a youth march and candlelit vigil organised by the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Shyamoli playground around 5pm on Sunday. The event was held in memory of those killed in road crashes. Speaking at the programme, young participants said road crashes have taken the form of an “epidemic” as lives continue to be lost on the country’s roads every day. They noted that youth remain the most vulnerable group among road users and that road crashes are one of the leading causes of death for young people. They stressed the need for integrated safe road management to prevent further loss of lives, and said political parties must pledge to formulate and properly enforce a strong road safety law in their upcoming election platforms. More than 50 youths, including road crash victims and their families, officials from the Dhaka Ahsania Mission’s Health Sector, and people from various professions joined the candlelit vigil. The participants demanded the adoption of an effective Road Safety Act aimed at reducing road crash-related deaths and injuries in Bangladesh by half by 2030, says a press release. Earlier, a 4-hour workshop on the Safe System Approach and road safety was held for youth from noon.