Politics
National Election: 15-17 security men to guard every polling station
A team of 15-17 security members will be posted at each polling station in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the 12th parliamentary elections slated for January 7.
According to a notification issued by the Election Commission on Thursday, tighter security would be taken for vulnerable polling stations.
There are some 42,000 polling stations throughout the country and a total of 11,96,91,633 voters will have rights to cast their votes in the 12th general election.
Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development
The commission designed separate security plans for the polling stations located outside the metropolitan area and the stations located inside the metropolitan areas.
Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 15-16 security personnel including two police with arms, one ansar with arms, one ansar with arms or stick, 10 ansar with sticks, one or two village police members with sticks will protect each normal polling station.
But in case of each important polling station (which is considered as vulnerable stations), there will be a team of 16-17 security men including three police with arms.
Inside the metropolitan area, a 15-member security team consisting of three police members with arms, one ansar with arms, another ansar with arms or stick and 10 others ansar members with sticks will ensure security for each polling station.
Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania
But in case of an important polling station, a 16-member security team will guard it and the number of police members with arms would be four instead of three.
The structure of the security team for special areas – Chittagong Hill Tracts and hard-to-reach areas—would be the same as was taken for other rural places outside the metropolitan areas.
The law enforcement agency members will remain deployed for five days (including travelling time) from two days before the balloting and they will stay there till a day after the voting.
Besides, the members of armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, Police, Armed Police and Ansar Battalion will be deployed in the election areas as mobile teams and striking forces. They will be engaged in election duty for 13 days (including their traveling time) from December 29, 2023 to January 10, 2024.
Moreover, a good number of judicial magistrates and executive magistrates are there deployed in the election areas to check violation of election code of conduct.
Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are contesting in the election, while BNP and some others are boycotting the polls demanding the election under a neutral government.
A total of 1895 contenders are running in the parliamentary election. The candidates are now carrying out electioneering and they can continue the electoral campaign till January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development
The electoral fervor has gripped Faridpur-3 (Sadar) constituency as candidates and their supporters tirelessly engage with voters to secure their ballots from dawn till dusk.
The primary contenders for this seat include Awami League candidate and District Awami League President Shamim Hossain (Boat) and the district Awami League advisor and former president of FBCCI, AK Azad (Eagle).
Independent candidate Azad has actively reached out to the commercial hub of Sadar Upazila known as Kanaipur, initiating his election campaign in various areas, including Kanaipur Bazar, on Friday.
During his interactions with the public, Azad expressed his joy at the warm reception and declared promises for development. He pledged to establish a training center in each union if victorious, aiming to provide employment opportunities after completion of training.
Azad assured the electorate, saying, "If elected, I will eradicate terrorism from Faridpur. There will be no extortion, and no businessmen will have to pay any illegal fees. I am a businessman, and representing you is my moral duty. Protecting you is my responsibility. I will address and solve every problem you have."
On the other hand, Awami League candidate Shamim Hossain has been actively campaigning since morning, connecting with party workers and voters by boat in the Dholadi Rajapur, Omediya, and Ambikapur areas of Sadar Upazila.
Shamim emphasized the continuous development of the area if voters choose the boat symbol. He envisioned the expansion of youth employment opportunities through the growth of business and commerce in the region.
He stated, "The government, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, has undertaken various initiatives for the betterment of the lives of the people. If she comes to power again, this country will reach new heights of development. Therefore, for a bright future for your children, cast your vote for the boat symbol."
As the election battle intensifies, both candidates are vying for the trust and support of the people of Faridpur Sadar constituency.
Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania
Clashes have escalated among rival candidates in Chattogram-15 constituency, Satkania centering the 12th parliamentary election, scheduled for January 7.
Since the beginning of the campaign, clashes between supporters of Awami League candidate Abu Reza Mohammad Nezamuddin Nadvi and independent candidate MA Motaleb, a leader within the Awami League, have involved shootings and chases, escalating tensions.
On Thursday evening, an election campaign rally led by Rizia Reza Chowdhury, the wife of AL-nominated candidate Nezamuddin Nadvi and a female Awami League leader, was attacked allegedly by the supporters of independent candidate MA Motaleb in Charati Union of the upazila.
Also read: Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
At least 15 leaders and activists, including Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadwi's brother-in-law Charati UP Chairman Ruhullah Chowdhury, were injured.
The injured were admitted to different hospitals, including Satkania Upazila Health Complex.
Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadvi alleged that Awami League leader Saiful Islam led the attack on his leaders and activists at the behest of independent candidate MA Motaleb.
Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milton Biswas, Additional Superintendent of Police (Satkania Circle) Md Shibli Noman and Officer-in-Charge of the police station Priton Sarker visited the spot.
Earlier on Wednesday night, supporters of MP Nadvi allegedly vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb, his car, and opened fire at his supporters' house in the West Dhemsha Ichamati Alinagar area.
Meanwhile, Dr AMM Minhazur Rahman, chief coordinator of the election management committee of independent candidate MA Motaleb, said a group of 20-30 outsiders, including Nadvi's follower Riazuddin Riyadh, came with arms and vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb and flung posters and chairs.
“At that time, the supporters of Nadvi fired more than 100 rounds of bullets to create an environment of fear,” said Rahman. “A microbus, a small truck, and two CNG auto rickshaws were vandalised.”
Later, the supporters of the incumbent attacked the house of Md. Riduanul Haque Sumon, chairman of Motaleb’s election management committee, and fired bullets, alleged chief coordinator Mizanur Rahman.
Regarding the escalating violence, Satkania Police Station Officer-in-Charge Priton Sarkar said legal action will be taken if official complaints are received.
Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
Six candidates of Jatiya Party (JaPa) have not yet entered the election campaign in six constituencies of Khulna, since the official campaign for the 12th parliamentary election started three days ago.
Three of them have taken a stand in favour of withdrawing from the election contest now. The remaining three agreed to monitor the situation for two or three more days.
Also read: Awami League shares 32 seats with Jatiya Party, allies
However, most of the leaders of the party's district, metropolitan, thana, upazila and ward committees expressed their opinion in favour of withdrawing from the election.
A meeting was held at the Jatiya Party office at Dakbungalow intersection in the city from 11am to 2pm on Thursday.
Six candidates of the party, presidents and general secretaries of the metropolitan, district, thana, upazila and ward committees and associate organizations were present in the meeting.
At the meeting, most of the leaders expressed anger and said that they are not satisfied with the overall situation of the election.
Also read: Jatiya Party to field 283 candidates in upcoming polls on its own: Chunnu
According to party sources, leaders and activists of Jatiya Party expressed anger and frustration as the Awami League did not give concession to the Jatiya Party in any of the six seats in Khulna.
They thought that the Awami League would leave the Khulna-6 seat to the Jatiya Party, but it did not happen.
Jatiya Party’s Khulna-4 constituency candidate Md Farhad Ahmed said most of the leaders in their speeches favoured withdrawing from contesting the election.
“The issues will be informed to the central leaders of the party in Dhaka within a day or two. If they do not get a satisfactory solution from there, the six candidates can return to Khulna and boycott the election through a press conference,” said the Jatiya Party candidate.
Several leaders present at the meeting said that Al Mamun of Khulna-3, Shahid Alam of Khulna-5 and Shafiqul Islam Madhu of Khulna-6 constituency have expressed their desire to withdraw from the election immediately.
Also read: Ganatantra Mancha urges voters to boycott lopsided polls
Khulna-3 constituency candidate and metropolitan Jatiya Party general secretary Abdullah Al Mamun said, "The anger among the leaders and activists is mainly over the sharing of seats. Complications have arisen as the Awami League has revealed that the Jatiya Party will be given 26 seats.”
“Arrangement has been made so that we do not get votes outside those seats, said Al Mamun. “Now people are calling us brokers. What will we say to the voters?”
Asked why the election campaign has not yet started even after three days, Jatiya Party’s Khulna-2 constituency candidate Gausul Azam said, "We have not started the campaign yet as there is anger and dissatisfaction among the party leaders and activists."
Echoing Gausul Azam, Kazi Hasanur Rashid, the Jatiya Party candidate for Khulna-1 constituency, mentioned that they haven't started the campaign due to unresolved issues.
“We’ll go to Dhaka and decide out next steps after discussing with central leaders,” said Hasanur Rashid.
Shahid Alam, the party candidate for Khulna-5 constituency, mentioned that Jatiya Party didn't receive any seat from Awami League in Khulna, leading to frustration among party leaders.
“During the meeting, party leaders advised us against contesting the elections,” he told UNB.
‘Politics of denial, instigating violence’: Minority leaders, rights advocate slam Tarique’s recent remarks
Minority community leaders and rights activists have come down on BNP’s acting chief Tarique Rahman – currently living in London and convicted in a number of cases including corruption and colluding with militants over the attempt to assassinate then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina – for what they called an attempt to justify “undemocratic action to grab power and mislead the world with lies and denials.”
Referring to BNP-Jamaat opting to stay out of the electoral race in 2013 and unleashing street violence that left scores of people burnt and hundreds of homes belonging to members of the minority community burnt, they stressed that the acting BNP chief’s recent speeches and remarks were a “chilling instigation.”
Tarique sought to frame Awami League for the ongoing spell of violence and did not acknowledge the reported involvement of his party men in the attacks, they added.
“As the main opposition party, we see it as our duty to restore the power that was unjustly taken away from the citizens,” Tarique was quoted in a recent interview.
Read: Minority leaders, rights activists raise safety concerns over Tarique’s call for party men to mobilize on the streets for ‘regime change’ on Oct 28
“Unfortunately, Tarique Rahman – fleeing justice and living a comfortable life in London – is the leader of BNP. In multiple cases, he has been convicted. A convicted criminal is now acting as the chairman of the party,” said Prof Mizaur Rahman, a law teacher at Dhaka University and former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh.
Referring to Tarique’s remark on “BNP’s duty to restore power,” he said, “Every political party has the right to protest peacefully against the government. But no democratic state gives the opposition parties the license to commit crimes in the name of protest.”
“Tarique’s call for ‘insurrection’ in an interview with The Diplomat openly challenges the law and order situation in Bangladesh – breakdown of which will cause human and economic losses,” the former NHRC chairman said.
Read: Renewed attempts to absolve Tarique Rahman from his role in Aug 21 grenade attack?
Since Tarique’s interview was published on December 18, BNP leaders, activists and supporters have vigorously shared it on social media. Hours later, a train was set on fire in Dhaka that saw four passengers, including a mother and her child, burnt to death — just before the hartal called by BNP and likeminded opposition parties began on December 19.
Prior to BNP’s October 28 grand rally in Dhaka, Tarique made a similar appeal to “decide the country’s fate on the streets.” A police constable was killed in a clash, surrounding the rally, with BNP supporters in Dhaka. Since October 28, BNP’s anti-government blockades and hartals have led to the burning of almost 400 vehicles nationwide, according to the government. During this time, arson attacks and acts of sabotage, including cutting off rail track, have caused deaths and critical injuries.
“Tarique has no connection with ground reality and has incessantly fabricated stories to draw foreign intervention,” added Prof Rahman. He believed that with this latest interview, Tarique is again attempting to mislead the world and sweep his proven crimes under the rug.
Read: How Tarique, BNP unleashed militants for Aug 21 grenade attack and framed Joj Mia,’ Sajeeb Wazed writes
“Our party adheres to a policy of not using religion as a political tool,” Tarique was quoted in the interview as saying. Regarding BNP’s stance on minorities and past records, Nirmal Rozario, president of Bangladesh Christian Association, remarked, “Tarique’s statement is laden with hypocrisy. The difference between his and his party’s words and actions is like day and night.”
“This latest claim comes after teaming up with Jamaat that openly advocates for Shariah law, and continued denial of BNP-Jamaat’s orchestrated violence against minority communities over the years,” he added.
“Tarique’s father, the first military ruler of the country who assumed power after the assassination of the Father of the Nation, brought communal amendments in the constitution and introduced the politics of communalism by opposing the ideals of secularism. When his mother assumed power in 1991, a deadly spell of persecution descended upon the minorities. And the last term between 2001 and 2006, when Tarique reportedly wielded influence on his mother’s government, witnessed state sponsored attacks on minorities. From 2013 to 2015, hundreds of houses belonging to minorities were vandalised, burnt and looted. There has never been any acknowledgement or remorse,” said Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the country’s largest minority platform, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad.
Read: BNP’s denial of state role and Tarique’s involvement in Aug 21 grenade attack wanes its credibility, political analysts say
He also questioned how responsible it was of the publication to circulate statements of a convicted criminal. He rejected Tarique’s claim of “another 62 political parties” not contesting the upcoming polls. The number of registered parties stood at 44. Of these, over 26 parties have decided to take part in the election.
He also recalled that portraying Tarique as a symbol of “kleptocratic government and violent politics” in Bangladesh, the US embassy in Dhaka recommended blocking his entry to the United States, according to a US embassy cable leaked in September 2011.
Hero Alom seeks security during electioneering
Bangladesh Congress candidate for Bogura-4 constituency Ashraful Alam, better known as “Hero Alam”, on Thursday sought security from police during the campaign for 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7.
He made the request to the district's Superintendent of Police Sudip Kumar Chakraborty after visiting his office around 2:30pm.
SC upholds HC order to dispose of Fakhrul’s bail pleas
“I will start the election campaign from Friday. So, I have come to meet SP sir before the campaign. I have informed sir because if any untoward incident occurs during the campaign in Kahalu-Nandigram, I can get police support immediately," he added.
Regarding Hero Alam’s meeting, SP Sudip Kumar Chakraborty said, "Police will provide equal support to 55 candidates in seven constituencies of Bogura. There is no opportunity to see anyone separately."
Hero Alom will withdraw candidature from national poll
Hero Alam sought security and we assured him that Kahalu and Nandigram police will cooperate in accordance with the election rules, added the SP.
Hero Alam had participated in elections three times from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-4 constituencies as an independent and had been subjected to attacks by his opponents.
Hero Alom’s nomination cancelled over multiple errors
Earlier, he received “coconut” as his electoral symbol from Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Saiful Islam.
SC upholds HC order to dispose of Fakhrul’s bail pleas
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a High Court order that directed the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate to accept and dispose of the bail petitions of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in connection with 10 cases.
Justice M Enayetur Rahim, Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division of the SC, passed the order following a petition filed by the state challenging the HC order.
The Chamber Judge also sent the petition to its full bench and fixed January 15 to hear in this regard.
Narayanganj-4: This may be my last election, says Shamim Osman
Senior lawyer Zainul Abedin , A M Mahbub Uddin Khokan, and Advocate Sagir Hossain Leon appeared in the court on behalf of Mirza Fakhrul, while Attorney General A M Amin Uddin, Deputy Attorney General Md Sarwar Hossain and Tushar Kanti Roy represented the state.
Eleven cases were filed at Paltan and Ramna police stations on charges of vandalism and attack on the Chief Justice's residence during a BNP rally on October 28.
Of them, the High Court issued a rule asking the government to explain why Fakhrul should not be granted bail in a case filed over the attack on the Chief Justice's residence.
Ganatantra Mancha urges voters to boycott lopsided polls
He sought bail in the remaining 10 cases. But on December 12, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court of Dhaka rejected the bail petitions.
Later, a writ petition was filed with the HC on December 14.
Following the petition, a High Court bench on December 18 directed the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Courts in Dhaka to accept and dispose of the bail petitions of BNP Secretary General in the nine cases as Mirza Fakhrul was shown arrested in one of the cases filed with Paltan police.
Equal opportunities will be ensured for all candidates: EC Ahsan Habib
The BNP secretary general was arrested in a case on October 29.
Later, a bail petition was filed with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court of Dhaka. The court sent him to jail rejecting his bail petition.
Narayanganj-4: This may be my last election, says Shamim Osman
Shamim Osman, Awami League’s candidate for Narayanganj-4, on Thursday expressed concerns about an attempt on his life, asking for prayers from supporters.
"I know that an attempt is being made to kill me. Please pray for me so that I can repay your love.”
He acknowledged the support received from the community, saying, "I'm touched by the affection shown by my mothers and sisters today. I see politics as a form of worship and not a mere vote-seeking act."
Read: Equal opportunities will be ensured for all candidates: EC Ahsan Habib
Osman, speaking after a campaign in Kashipur union on Thursday afternoon, highlighted the developmental work undertaken in the area.
He hinted that this might be his last election, suggesting the need for fresh leadership.
"By the grace of almighty, I have been able to do a lot of (developmental project) work in this area. We want a better future for our children. This may be my last election. I don't want to participate in elections anymore, let someone else come.”
Osman boasted about infrastructural developments, citing road constructions worth billions while emphasising that his aim isn't merely to secure votes but to ensure a prosperous future for the area’s children.
Read: Any party can peacefully ask voters not to go to polling stations: EC Alamgir
He urged voters to exercise their rights responsibly, emphasising the importance of participation in the upcoming election.
He urged citizens to vote for any candidate of their choice, stressing the significance of their participation to prevent destabilisation similar to other conflict-ridden countries.
"No matter how big a power comes from abroad, nothing can stop the election from taking place on January 7. 2024. They have targeted our map (nation). If you don't want [to see Bangladesh turning] into countries like Syria and Libya, come to vote. Don't vote for me, vote for whomever you want. But come to the polling centres,” said the AL leader.
He accused BNP leaders and activists of committing arson based on orders from London.
Read: 12th parliamentary election will be competitive and fair, says CEC
Narayanganj City Awami League Joint General Secretary Nizam, Fatullah Thana Awami League President and Kashipur Union Parishad Chairman Saifullah Badal, Enayetnagar Union Parishad Chairman Asaduzzaman, various Union Parishad chairmen, members and local Awami League leaders were present on the occasion.
Ganatantra Mancha urges voters to boycott lopsided polls
Ganatantra Mancha, an opposition platform for parties opposed to election under the incumbent government, today (Thursday) called upon the country’s people to take to the streets and boycott the ‘ones-sided’ election to be held on January 7.
Zonayed Saki, a top leader of the platform and chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, made the call while speaking at a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.
Tejgaon train arson a plot to crack down on opposition: Ganatantra Mancha
“No patriotic people of Bangladesh can vote in an election for snatching voting rights. If we have even the least bit of commitment to the present and future of Bangladesh and to the citizens of the country and the present generation, then none of us can support this vote. We can’t justify this vote," he said.
The Ganosamhati Andolon leader also said the people of Bangladesh are faced with a terrible situation.
Government pushing country towards catastrophe through Jan 7 polls: Ganatantra Mancha
“All the people have to now take to the streets by forging a greater unity for the sake of the country. Let's all come to the field from our respective positions…the throne of this repressive regime will fall apart if a greater unity of people is forged in the field,” he said.
Saki said it is high time for the country’s people to strongly resist the government with courage to save the country and restore the voting rights of the people.
Ganatantra Mancha announces dawn-to-dusk hartal Thursday
“I would like to tell the people that this country belongs to all of us. There’s a call to protect the country. So you don't have time to sit idle anymore. They (govt) can shoot and intimidate us, but they can't kill all of us. Pakistan army could not do that. So, this Awami League government which has lost the ground under its feet has no power to subdue us. We must boycott a joke in the name of election on January 7,” he said.
Ganatantra Mancha organised the rally protesting the one-sided election and demanded the resignation of the Awami League government to pave the way for holding a credible election under a non-party administration.
Later, the leaders and workers of the platform brought out a procession towards Motijheel.
Saki urged people from all walks of life not to cooperate with the current illegal regime which is arranging a farcical election by snatching people’s voting rights. “Our mass campaign and mass processions will continue. We’ll announce even bigger programmes in the future.”
He also alleged that the government has taken a strategy to suppress its opponents by killing people through torching trains and shifting the blame onto the opposition parties.
"I tell the government that you carried out these acts of sabotage in the past. People now don't believe this blame game anymore. People have understood that your main purpose is to persecute the opposition. You did the acts of sabotage to put the blame on the opposition and arrest the opposition leaders and workers through a crackdown,” he said.
Saki alleged that the government is using the members of different agencies to carry out acts of sabotage like torching trains and vehicles.
Equal opportunities will be ensured for all candidates: EC Ahsan Habib
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan has said that equal opportunities will be ensured for all candidates in the upcoming 12th parliamentary election.
He was talking to journalists after attending a view-exchange meeting at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on the election code of conduct and other issues ahead of the national polls on Thursday.
Read: EC is doing everything needed to hold fair election: Commissioner Rashida
Briefing reporters after the meeting, the election commissioner said, “The purpose of today's view-exchange meeting was to assure the candidates participating in the election with security and equal opportunities during the election.”
Election Commission authorities and law enforcers have assured the candidates in front of everyone that all candidates will be treated equally and that there will be no partiality, he said.
“It is my hope that the 12th national election will be held in a fair, free, neutral, and festive atmosphere. We'll create a conducive environment and provide security so that all voters can come to the polling centres and cast their votes to whomever they want," he added.
Additional Divisional Commissioner (general) of Khulna Saroj Kumar Nath presided over the meeting.
Read: EC appoints 23 judicial magistrates to check poll-related irregularities
Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mozammel Haque, Range DIG Md Moinul Haque, senior officials of BGB and Coast Guard, returning officers of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat districts, assistant returning officers, law enforcement agencies, election-related officials, and candidates were present at the meeting.