United News of Bangladesh

Amid growing dissatisfaction among alliance partners over BNP’s unilateral announcement of candidates without any discussion, the party has decided to finalise seat sharing soon with its partners ahead of the 13th national election. Talking to UNB, some senior BNP leaders indicated that the party is likely to start formal talks with its partners in the anti-fascism simultaneous movement from Wednesday (December 10) to settle the seat-sharing issue. They said BNP has decided to leave seats mainly for those alliance candidates who have a strong chance of winning, considering rival contestants and the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO), which now prohibits using the electoral symbol of another party. “Simply leaving seats for allies is not enough — we must also ensure their victory. For this reason, senior alliance leaders who may not have a strong position in the voting field will be given important roles in the state structure, including the proposed upper house of parliament, if BNP forms the next government,” said a BNP Standing Committee member, requesting anonymity. He said the Standing Committee at its meeting on Monday night discussed the issue of seat-sharing at length and chalked out a strategy to reach an understanding with like-minded parties by assuring them of proper evaluation if BNP is voted to power. The BNP leader said the meeting decided to begin talks with the partners from Wednesday, as frustration has grown among some alliance leaders for not engaging in discussions over the matter. Earlier, BNP announced a total of 272 primary candidates out of 300 --237 in the first phase on November 3 and 36 more on December 4. Only 28 seats now remain vacant, which BNP says, have been kept mainly for alliance partners. Several partners in the simultaneous movement, however, have expressed anger and surprise, claiming BNP announced nominees in 272 seats without any consultation, even though the allies already submitted lists of their preferred constituencies. In at least six constituencies-- Kushtia-2, Moulvibazar-2, Narail-2, Kishoreganj-5, Jhalakathi-1 and Jashore-5 --candidates from different alliance parties were expecting nomination, but BNP fielded its own leaders. Another BNP Standing Committee member said the meeting also discussed the need to maintain good relations with alliance partners by allocating a reasonable number of seats. He said the party may review nominations in a few constituencies where allies have strong expectations. “BNP wants to keep the unity of the anti-fascism alliance intact through a fair and logical seat-sharing deal.” The BNP leader said Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will lead a negotiation committee to sit with alliance partners to remove misunderstandings and finalise seat sharing issue. As part of the move, he said BNP is likely to sit with the 12-party alliance on Wednesday, while talks with Ganatantra Mancha, the Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote and other like-minded parties will take place soon. The BNP leader admitted that the amended RPO is a major challenge in seat-sharing, since each registered party must now contest using its own symbol. Previously, alliance partners could contest using another party’s symbol within the alliance. In this situation, he said, BNP believes the electoral symbol is now a very important factor. “We think it will be very difficult to make voters familiar with the symbols of other alliance parties in the election field.” He also said BNP leaders and activists can easily and spontaneously campaign for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, but it may not be possible to do the same for other symbols. “Even then, for the sake of unity, we have taken a policy decision to allocate seats for those alliance leaders who are well-known, have strong grassroots support, and have a real chance of winning.” He said BNP already has a good understanding with the LDP and a few Islamist parties on seat-sharing. “Victory in each seat is the top priority. Those who can win will get seats, and the others will be honoured in different ways.” The meeting also decided to launch extensive election campaign programmes highlighting BNP’s major pledges, including sector-wise promises on farmers’ cards, family cards, healthcare, employment, education and sports. The BNP leader said the party aims to reach every voter through leaflets, advertisements, professional network engagements and mass campaigns once the election schedule is announced, as BNP believes the country will fully enter the election process through the announcement of the schedule. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said they will soon sit with alliance partners to reach an understanding over seat-sharing issue. He, however, said it is not possible to satisfy every partner by giving them seats, as winning the election must remain the priority. “So, we consider sharing seats only with those who have the potential to win.” Tuku said BNP has finalised its candidates after careful assessment of many factors. “We have still kept 28 seats vacant and many of those will be shared with our alliance partners. Everyone needs to be patient.”

The Representation of the People Order (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has been promulgated empowering the Electoral Enquiry and Adjudication Committee with jurisdiction and magistracy powers to try summarily some specific electoral offences and criminal offences during the national election. “The Electoral Enquiry and Adjudication Committee shall have the jurisdiction to try summarily the offences under Articles 73, 75, 77 and clause (3) of Article 91B of this Order, and shall have the powers of a Magistrate of the first class to try such offences summarily in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898,” states the Article 91AA of the RPO Ordinance promulgated on Monday. During the parliamentary election, the Election Commission usually forms an electoral enquiry committee for each constituency to ensure the prevention and control of pre-poll irregularities, but such committee had no jurisdiction and magistracy power to try summarily some specific electoral offences and criminal offences. The committee used to send its inquiry reports to the Election Commission and could place recommendations before the commission. Mandatory Support for Committee As per the latest RPO, the Returning Officer, the Assistant Returning Officer, District Superintendent of Police, Police Commissioner, Inspector of Police or any police officer in charge of a station must provide all necessary assistance as may be required by the committee. “District Superintendent of Police, Police Commissioner, Inspector of Police or any police officer in charge of a station and the commander or any officer in-charge of any force engaged in election duty, shall provide striking force and render such other assistance as may be required by the Committee for the due discharge of its functions under this Order; and if any of the aforesaid persons fails, refuses, or neglects to comply, without any reasonable cause, he may be deemed to be guilty of inefficiency or misconduct,” it states. “The Returning Officer and the Assistant Returning Officer shall provide all necessary assistance as may be required by the Committee for the due discharge of its functions under this Order,” it also states. The same article also states that the Electoral Enquiry and Adjudication Committee shall also have power to take cognizance of other offences under this Order, not being offences mentioned in Article 89A; and, upon taking cognizance, shall forward the case to the competent Court having jurisdiction for trial in accordance with law. About the committee, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told media on Tuesday evening that the Electoral Inquiry Committee and Adjudication Committee will have authority to try electoral offences and also criminal offences this time. He said the committee will not only conduct enquiry but also try electoral and criminal offences. The committees will start working after the announcement of the election schedule and will continue till the election is over.

The Election Commission (EC) has launched an IT-supported hybrid postal ballot system to enable both out-of-country and in-country postal voting ahead of the national election and referendum scheduled for early February 2026. Officials have warned that postal ballots could be rejected for six specific reasons, underscoring the importance of following the voting guidelines carefully. The EC on November 19 opened the ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app initially for 53 countries and then for a total of 143 countries. More than 280,000 expatriates so far registered through the app till Tuesday evening. Besides, the ICPV (In-Country Postal Voting) registration process for the government staff on duty outside their voting places, polling personnel, and the persons under the legal custody (jails) will start after the announcement of election schedule and continue for 15 days. But a postal ballot paper will not be counted on six reasons in line with the Article 27 of the Representation of the People Order (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which was promulgated on Monday, incorporating several provisions related to the postal balloting system. “A postal ballot paper issued under this Article shall be excluded from the count in favour of any contesting candidate if: (a) no tick or cross mark is placed against any symbol; or (b) a tick or cross mark is placed against more than one symbol; or (c) a tick or cross mark is so placed that it cannot reasonably be ascertained for which candidate the vote has been cast; or (d) the postal ballot is not received by the Returning Officer before the count under Article 37A; or (e) any change in the list of candidates of a particular constituency or constituencies is made by any court at relevant time; or (f) no declaration is made by the voter,” said the article of revised RPO. According to the amended RPO, the office of the Returning Officer shall, for each constituency, be deemed to be a polling station solely for the purpose of counting all postal ballots duly received by the Returning Officer up to the official closing time of the poll. It also states that the Returning Officer shall appoint a Presiding Officer and such number of Polling Officers as he may deem necessary to conduct the counting of postal ballots. And the Presiding Officer shall, in the presence of the contesting candidates or their election agents or polling agents, open the postal ballot envelopes and count the votes cast in favour of each contesting candidate in such manner and in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the Commission. Upon completion of the counting of all postal ballots, the Presiding Officer shall prepare a duly authenticated statement of the postal ballot count in the prescribed form and shall submit the same to the Returning Officer without delay, said the Article 37A of the RPO. The Returning Officer shall incorporate the postal ballot count, as submitted by the Presiding Officer, into the consolidated result of the constituency, as per the article. As of 7:15pm on Tuesday, a total of 280,267 expatriates registered from different countries to vote in the 2026 election. Among the registrants, the highest number came from the Saudi Arabia (76,758) followed by USA (20,360), Qatar (20,185), UAE (17,486), Malaysia (15,877), Singapore (14,383), UK (12,871), Oman (10,168), Canada (9,659) and South Korea (9,580). Among the registered expats, the highest 32,294 will vote in Dhaka district from abroad, while 30,664 in Cumilla, 23,939 in Chattogram, 18,079 in Noakhali and 14,982 in Sylhet. In terms of constituencies, the highest 4,763 registered expats will vote in Noakhali-1, while 4,599 in Feni-3 constituency, 4,357 in Sylhet-1 constituency, 4,323 in Chattogram-15 constituency and 4,128 in Noakhali-3 constituency. The Commission will announce the election schedule in the current week to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Reform Charter) simultaneously in a single day in early February 2026. There are some 12.76 crore voters under 42,761 polling stations in the country's 300 constituencies.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday pledged that his party will fully ensure the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to effectively control corruption in the country if its returns to power. “Today is International Anti-Corruption Day. We must pull the reins on corruption and we have the track record to do it. BNP has a proven record of controlling corruption,” Tarique said while speaking virtually at the closing session of the third day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme. During the tenure of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader said the ACC was set up with a strong authority so it could investigate any corruption allegation related to the government without needing permission from anyone. “It was completely independent. This shows how confident and committed Khaleda Zia was in fighting corruption. She made that commission fully independent. Insha’Allah, we will establish that same system again,” he said. Tarique accused the ‘autocratic Awami League government’ of later changing the law, making government permission necessary before starting any corruption probe involving government officials. “If it is needed and if it is in the interest of the country, we will change that rule again. Let us pull the reins on corruption,” he said. Tarique said BNP has a strong record in key areas, including food production, employment, the expansion of internet services and support for women’s education. He said BNP also improved industry, ensured overseas jobs and strengthened the economy in the past. “Only BNP has the track record of success. Only BNP has the plans. Nice words cannot give people food. Nice words cannot create jobs. Development needs planning — and only BNP has that planning.” Tarique urged party leaders and activists to take BNP’s plans to every village and every household, including women, young people, community elders and religious leaders. “There is no time to sit quietly. We must go to the streets and reach the people. Everything — including the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy — now depends on the BNP,” he said. The BNP leader stressed the need for unity to restore democracy and protect Bangladesh’s future. “We must stand by the people. If we fail to unite the nation now, the very existence of our country may come under question in the future.” Tarique said ensuring law and order is also crucial for the success of their development plans, claiming BNP always believed that no one should be above the law, even if the wrongdoer is from their own party. He said people are tired of hearing constant arguments and political blame games in the media. “Voters now want clear answers about what a party will do for them. Students want to know what kind of education system they will get. Young people want clear guarantees about their future and employment.” Tarique expressed strong confidence that BNP will be able to form the next government with the people’s vote, and he urged all party leaders and activists across the country to support that goal with full commitment. The third day of the programme was inaugurated in the morning by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders and activists of the Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal from across the country joined the session. They received training on how to reach out to voters and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises ahead of the polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will collect public opinion through an online platform to prepare its manifesto for the upcoming 13th national election. Party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced the initiative in a post from his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Jamaat to form national govt even if it wins 200 seats: Ameer “One meaningful suggestion from you can help shape the future of Bangladesh. The manifesto for the upcoming national election will be prepared with your opinion,” he wrote. The party also said a dedicated platform titled ‘Janatar Ishtehar’ (People’s Manifesto) will be launched soon to receive suggestions from citizens.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday said he feared some political parties might try to disrupt the upcoming national election after being disappointed by an opinion survey conducted by a leading newspaper, warning that people will foil any such attempts. “A survey report was published today. One of the questions was which party is likely to win the most seats in the next election. Sixty-six percent of respondents said BNP, while 26 percent said Jamaat-e-Islami. The difference is 44 percent,” he said. Speaking at the opening session of BNP’s third day of the ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, Nazrul Islam said the support for other parties is much lower, with even many well-known parties getting less than one percent. “Out of frustration and despair, some may try to use conspiracies. But the people, who have already made up their minds, will not allow any conspiracy to succeed… this must be remembered,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the country has already taken one step towards restoring democracy with the fall of fascism. He said full democracy will come through holding a free and fair national parliamentary election under a non-partisan caretaker government. The BNP leader also said the people of Bangladesh, just a few days ago, overthrew a repressive and fascist government that had ruled oppressively like a monster for the last 15 years. “That same people will not allow any conspiracy to succeed. No plot has ever defeated them, and none will be able to, Insha’Allah.” Nazrul said the country has seen development, including big buildings, expressways, and new trains, but the basic needs and hopes of the people remain unmet. “We have read in newspapers that Bangladesh leads the world in producing millionaires relative to its population. Yet every year, millions of people fall below the poverty line. On one side, some become millionaires, and on the other, millions live in poverty. This situation is not acceptable. This cannot be called development,” he said. The BNP leader also said in a country where people are unemployed, starving, and poor, building large buildings, roads, and bridges is like decorating a graveyard with lights. “It may look beautiful, but darkness surrounds it. That is not development.” On November 27, BNP announced a six-day programme called “Plans to Build the Country,” involving its affiliated groups, including Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, ahead of the upcoming national election. Leaders and activists of Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal from across the country joined Tuesday’s programme to receive training on different issues so they can reach out to people and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto, and promises before the polls.

As the Election Commission gears up its preparations for folding the national election, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Tuesday said the Commission is not barring any registered political party from participating in the polls. “Those who are allowed in line with the laws, they can submit (nomination papers) to the Election Commission. And the returning officers will scrutinize these. Usually we’ve not barred anyone,” he said, replying to a question whether all registered political parties will be allowed to join the upcoming polls. Rahmanel Masud made the remark while talking to reporters at his office in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban. He, however, confirmed that the ‘boat’, the electoral symbol of Bangladesh Awami League whose registered remains suspended, will not be in the ballot papers. The Election Commissioner said the law and order situation will gradually improve after the election schedule is announced. He said the matter of ensuring the level-playing field will fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. He said the polls schedule will be announced, while telecasting Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin’s speech by Bangladesh Television and Betar. Rahmanel Masud said no preparatory work remains unfinished to declare the election schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and referendum to be held in early February 2026. Both the Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar have already asked to record the CEC’s Speech on Wednesday. The Election Commission earlier said the election schedule would be announced by this week. Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin met Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming election. The CEC and four election commissioners are also scheduled to go to Bangabhaban to meet the President on Wednesday.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) urged political leaders and people to remain united in safeguarding the gains of last year’s July mass uprising, saying the sacrifices of the young people who lost their lives must not go in vain. “Let us work together to consolidate the victory we achieved through the movement of July 2024,” he said while addressing the publication ceremony of four books written by prominent economist Professor Mahbub Ullah and his wife Umme Salma Alo. Fakhrul said the differences of opinion may exist among political parties, but those must not undermine the hopes and dreams of the nation. “The sacrifices of the young men who gave their lives must not go in vain — we must remain united to turn our dreams into reality.” The programme, organised at the Jatiya Press Club, also coincided with the 81st birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah. Read more: BNP worked to curb corruption, fake voter claims baseless: Nazrul Praising the noted economist, Fakhrul described Mahbub Ullah as one of the most respected intellectuals in the country. He said Mahbub Ullah has long been associated with BNP’s reform efforts, playing a key role in policy discussions and initiatives taken by Begum Khaleda Zia. Fakhrul recalled Mahbub Ullah’s contributions to the party’s political, constitutional and economic reform proposals, including those placed in 2016 as part of BNP’s Vision-2030 for Bangladesh. He said the main points of the BNP’s Vision-2030 emerged from the thoughts Mahbub Ullah. “He has a connection with BNP, and denying that would be denying the truth. Whenever Begum Khaleda Zia wanted to hold discussions on any matter in the country, she would call him,” Fakhrul said. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique He also mentioned that Mahbub Ullah also played a key role in forming Oikayfront-led by BNP against Awami League’s authoritarian government before the 2018 national election. Fakhrul said the renowned economist always advocated for shaping the country into a democratic state, establishing an economy free from inequality, and ensuring that ordinary people enjoy their voting rights and other freedoms. “He has always been at the forefront of efforts to create a democratic and anti-authoritarian Bangladesh, and his contributions can never be denied. From the books of Prof Mahbub Ullah that I have read, the same message resonates — a vision of a truly democratic, equitable, and free Bangladesh. I want to thank him again today and wish him a very happy birthday,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul also mentioned that it is the birthday of another remarkable woman, Begum Rokeya, who played a pioneering role in awakening women in the country and across South Asia, as well as the birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah’s third daughter, and extended greetings to them. “I also hope that Mahbub Ullah will continue to guide and support Bangladesh’s politics and economy with his wisdom, scholarship, and experience,” he said. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) rejected allegations that the party created fake voters and made Bangladesh the ‘champion of corruption’ during its tenure, calling the claims politically motivated and factually incorrect. Speaking at the inaugural session of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country,’ discussion at Khamarbari Krishibid Institute, Nazrul said the party worked sincerely to curb corruption after coming to power, particularly in its final two years in office. “But eliminating corruption built up over many years is not something that can be done overnight,” he added. Nazrul Islam said corruption perception reports were not published before 2001. BNP assumed office in October that year, and Bangladesh’s position in the index reflected corruption under preceding caretaker and Awami League governments, he claimed. Read more: ‘Religion card’ no longer fooling citizens, says Salahuddin He also dismissed claims that BNP created 1.5 million fake voters, saying those making such allegations “are not aware of the facts.” Nazrul Islam said BNP had sought to update the voter list, but the Awami League moved to court to block the process. “While people are eager to register as voters, there is little incentive for relatives to remove names after someone dies. Many of those labelled as fake voters had already passed away. Their names simply weren’t removed. BNP tried to renew the list but was prevented,” he explained. Nazrul Islam also spoke against using religion for electioneering, noting that Bangladesh’s Muslims are among the most devout in the world. “People here don’t need to vote to secure a place in heaven. They will achieve that through their own deeds,” he said. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters He assured that BNP has clear plans for the country, promising greater income equality and overall development if the party is voted into power. Urging party activists to avoid internal divisions, Nazrul said, “You may not get nomination, may not become an MP or minister, or even a district secretary. But if BNP forms the government, your dignity and importance will increase. Keep working for the party with that in mind.” Nazrul Islam described BNP as most organised under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. “Ziaur Rahman founded BNP, Khaleda Zia established it as a political force, and Tarique Rahman strengthened the organization further,” he said. BNP is currently more organised than ever, with significantly lower levels of defection compared to previous years, and that the party’s main priority is improving people’s quality of life, he added. Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) said his party is ready to lead a fresh strong and comprehensive drive against corruption if voted to power as graft has become deeply rooted in Bangladesh and continues to disrupt the daily lives of millions of people. “Fighting corruption will be an uphill battle after years of systemic abuse. But Bangladesh’s own history proves progress is possible. With commitment, discipline, and public support, meaningful reform can return. If entrusted by the people, BNP is prepared to lead that charge, once again,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page, marking International Anti-Corruption Day. Tarique said corruption now affects every part of life--from graduates seeking jobs on merit, to farmers waiting for services, young families struggling for healthcare and education, and entrepreneurs paying extra just to keep their businesses running. Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters “From food prices to school quality to road safety, corruption cripple’s daily life for millions,” he wrote. The BNP leader mentioned that early governance reforms under President Ziaur Rahman prioritised administrative discipline, clean public service and economic liberalisation that reduced bottlenecks and discretionary power. Later, he said the administrations of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia modernised institutions through procurement rules, financial administration laws, strengthened audits, and clearer oversight mechanisms. Tarique pointed to the formation of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2004 as a “major milestone”, replacing the Bureau of Anti-Corruption and enabling independent investigation and prosecution in line with global standards “Development partners such as the World Bank and ADB recognised this as a significant step toward accountability.” Read more: Tarique slams Jamaat for ‘propaganda’ against BNP echoing Awami League “Despite reservations about Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) methodology at the time, even they reported improved CPI performance: Bangladesh’s score rose from 1.2 in 2002 to 1.7 in 2005. Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer (2003) found that 66% of citizens felt corruption had decreased. These gains reflected reforms that strengthened clarity, reduced discretion, and expanded oversight,” he observed. Tarique said BNP takes pride in reforms made in those years, including stronger financial governance, improved treasury systems, tighter budgets, better audits, and early anti-money-laundering and banking regulations, competitive procurement rules, expansion of media and telecom sectors, and early digitisation and decentralisation efforts that reduced bureaucratic discretion. “The record speaks for itself: BNP is the only party so far to make sustained progress in reducing corruption,” he claimed. Outlining the party’s future agenda, he said BNP plans to ensure complete institutional independence for the judiciary, ACC, election bodies, public service and law enforcement, introduce open procurement and real-time audits, modernise policing, prosecution and case management, expand e-governance, protect whistleblowers, strengthen ethics and civic education, and closely monitor public spending through independent audits and stronger parliamentary oversight. Read more: ‘Religion card’ no longer fooling citizens, says Salahuddin