United News of Bangladesh

With barely a third of its sanctioned workforce, the Lalmonirhat Technical Training Centre (TTC) is pressing ahead—quietly but resolutely—to keep its skill-building mission alive. Despite having 81 approved posts, only 39 are currently filled. The challenge deepened when 16 officers and staff were transferred following an institutional merger, leaving the centre to operate with just 23 personnel. Yet, training continues without interruption, thanks to determined staff and revived leadership. A recent UNB visit found the centre bustling once again after years of stagnation. A total of 412 trainees are now enrolled across two shifts, receiving instruction in 13 courses. Established in 2006 beside the Haribhanga air base, around three kilometres from Lalmonirhat town, the TTC was created to produce skilled manpower under the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). Read more: ADB, Bangladesh sign $150m deal to boost technical training for employment creation Today, it prioritises high-quality technical education tailored to the needs of both domestic industries and overseas labour markets, including the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Under a new government initiative to boost skill development, the centre is adopting updated programmes designed to prepare competitive workers for international employment. Trainees are provided with a supportive learning environment, and the centre assists in arranging employment after course completion, an approach that has significantly increased interest among local youth. The TTC offers courses of two, three and six months, along with a 30-day housekeeping programme for domestic workers heading abroad. There are also specialised training options for SSC graduates to encourage self-reliance. Read more: Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres Driving instructor and trade in-charge Kamruzzaman said the centre has evolved into a meaningful platform for producing skilled human resources. He acknowledged that past leadership was marred by irregularities, which stalled progress and damaged the institution’s reputation. “Under the new leadership of Principal Engineer Md Ainul Haque, the quality of training has improved considerably,” he said. Senior Instructor (Electrical) Shri Jageshwar Barman said the TTC is now focused on producing technically competent workers capable of contributing both at home and overseas. Courses such as mobile phone servicing have been modernised and made more practical, he added. Read more: Crisis of care: Manpower shortage cripples Chuadanga Sadar Hospital Trainees Saiful Islam and Habibur Rahman, who are preparing for overseas employment, praised the sincerity of the instructors and the harassment-free learning environment. Principal Engineer Md Ainul Haque, who recently assumed charge, said the centre had long operated in a fragile state but has now regained stability and is conducting regular training programmes. “With only 23 staff against 81 approved posts, we face limitations. But I am confident that our trainees will acquire the skills necessary for self-employment and overseas work as capable, qualified professionals,” he said.

A deepening bottleneck at the Benapole-Petrapole trade gateway has stranded about 150 export-bound trucks loaded with betel nuts worth an estimated Tk 100 crore, exposing Bangladesh’s second-largest betel-nut industry to mounting financial risk as delays stretch into a second month. Exporters say the logjam is burning through roughly Tk 3 lakh a day in penalties and truck rental charges, with each vehicle costing around Tk 2,000 daily as it sits immobilised near the border. The slowdown, they said, originates on the Indian side at Petrapole, where officials are allegedly dragging out quality assessments and introducing what traders describe as artificial barriers.  The friction threatens a trade segment that has expanded sharply: Bangladesh’s share of India’s betel nut imports surged to 37% in FY2024–25 — nearly four times the levels of previous years — underscoring India’s growing reliance on higher-quality nuts from across the border. Read more: 13,528 tonnes of rice imported from India thru Benapole That dependence has not shielded exporters from escalating delays.  More than 150 trucks have remained stuck for weeks, creating a backlog and leaving drivers stranded in difficult conditions. Shah Alam, who has been waiting with his shipment for one month and 27 days, says traders suspect Indian counterparts are intentionally slowing intake to manage domestic market prices.  “We suspect Indian traders are deliberately delaying the intake of these trucks to control the betel nut market,” he said. Read more: Bangladesh’s shrimp sector eyes $5bn boost with better policies Ashraful, representing exporter Aulia Enterprise, said Petrapole officials continue to cite testing-related issues to justify the holdup. 

As winter settles over Chuadanga, vast stretches of farmland have turned white — not with frost, but with the blooming heads of cauliflower that mark one of the district’s most profitable vegetable seasons in recent years. The bumper yield, coupled with favourable market prices, has brought long-awaited smiles to the faces of farmers who suffered losses just a year ago. Farmers said that they are spending Tk 30,000–35,000 per bigha and selling produce worth Tk 80,000 to Tk 1.3 lakh, earning profits of Tk 50,000–70,000 from each bigha of land. Read more: Coloured cauliflower cultivation gains round in Naogaon  According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target for cauliflower cultivation in Chuadanga this year was set at 2,975 hectares. Early Harvest, Early profit Traders said that the price of cauliflower is higher this time compared to last time. Because it reached the market earlier, farmers are getting a good price.  Mohammad Tarikul Islam, a farmer from Gaidghat village in Sadar upazila of Chuadanga district, said he spent Tk 40,000 to cultivate cauliflower on two bighas of land. “I sold it for 1.20 lakh. Last year I had a loss, but this time it has been fully recovered. If the prices stay this good, I will expand cultivation next year,” he said. Read more: Jhenaidah farmers making good profit by cultivating off-season cauliflower, cabbage Mohammad Hasanur Rahman, a farmer from Garabaria Baganpara, said he brought seven bighas of land under cauliflower cultivation. “I sold each bigha for 1.10 lakh. After expenses, there has been a profit of 60–70 thousand taka per bigha. Last year I sold it for 60–70 thousand, but this year the price has jumped by Tk 50,000.” New Hope for Young Farmers Among the new generation of growers is Mohammad Arafat, a student who manages his father’s farm. “I cultivated three bighas. One and half bighas of early cauliflower sold for Tk 1.25 lakh per bigha,” he said with pride. “Regular cauliflower is now selling for Tk 80,000–90,000. Even after expenses, I will earn Tk 50,000–60,000 per bigha.” Arafat’s story reflects a trend seen across the district—young people actively participating in vegetable cultivation, motivated by rising profits and growing demand. Favourable Weather Fuels Success Another local farmer, Mohammad Shahjan Ali, said favourable weather conditions helped ensure an excellent harvest. Read more: Jashore emerges as Bangladesh’s winter vegetable seedling hub “I sold cauliflower for Tk 1.2 lakh per bigha in advance. With production costs around Tk 30,000–35,000, I made Tk 60,000–70,000 in profit. Last year’s losses have been fully recovered this season,” he added. Vibrant Market The enthusiasm is not limited to farmers. Wholesalers are also finding strong business opportunities. Moniruzzaman, a trader from Belghachi village in Sadar upazila of the district said demand for cauliflower is stronger than last year.

Along the quiet banks of the Gomti River in Cumilla, an environmental crisis is unfolding in plain sight. As the winter dry season settles in, the river’s embankments, which shield nearby homes, farms and infrastructure, are being carved away by a surge of illegal soil extraction. Local residents say the scale is unprecedented as soil is being removed almost continuously along both banks of the river, often in the presence of authorities and transported to brick kilns and construction sites across the district. From Palpara to Golabari in Adarsha Sadar upazila, tractors move in and out of the riverbanks throughout the day. Villagers describe it as an ‘open season’ for soil lifters. Read more: Six jailed for illegal soil extraction from govt land in Feni A five-kilometre stretch on the northern bank and nearly 25 kilometres along the southern side have turned into extraction zones, locals say. The result is visible erosion -- sections of the embankment are collapsing, and parts of an adjacent paved road have already begun to break apart. During a recent visit, at least 20 tractors were seen operating along the southern bank — in areas stretching from Durgapur to Samar Char. So relentless is the activity that operators have cut into the embankment itself to create makeshift access routes. The northern side is no different. Soil is being dug out near electric poles, beneath tree roots and even in front of a police outpost at Chhatrokhil. Extraction continues near Chanpur Bailey Bridge and the western edges of Kaptanbazar. Read more: Two jailed for illegal soil extraction in Chandpur Residents say at least seven temporary ghats have been set up to load and transport the excavated soil across the river. They accuse local administrations of ‘silent permission’, allowing the practice to carry on despite widespread environmental damage.

The government has taken a project aimed at streamlining and strengthening the management of medical, population and nursing education services across the country. The project “Integrated Improvement in the Management of Activities of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), NIPORT and the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM)”, undertaken by the Health Education and Family Welfare Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, involves an estimated cost of Tk 211.90 crore. It will be implemented between July 2025 and June 2026. Read more: Barishal Nursing College remains dysfunctional for 4th day According to project documents, the initiative seeks to mainstream essential activities previously carried out under the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programme (HPNSP), which concluded its fourth phase in June 2024. Although the sector programme played a central role in improving healthcare delivery since 1998, the ministry identified an array of structural limitations, including duplication of tasks and overlapping responsibilities across operational plans. The proposed project aims to gradually transition critical activities from the HPNSP framework into the regular institutional structure of the health education and service system, ensuring continuity through a more stable and recurring budget. The project intends to upgrade medical, nursing and midwifery education through modernised simulation laboratories in five government medical colleges, the development and customisation of ten software modules, and hands-on training programmes for faculty members in medical and dental colleges. It will also strengthen digital record management for medical students, improve online-based e-library services and enhance the Performance Management Information System (PMIS). Besides, the DGME will store and manage academic and administrative data under a unified digital platform, while the training provided through hospital management modules is expected to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Collaborative efforts can elevate nursing education in Bangladesh: Speakers The programme also focuses on strengthening human resource and facility management. The DGME, DGNM and NIPORT will introduce digital registries, automate hostel seat allocation and fee management, and upgrade utilities and administrative systems in education and training institutions. Alongside 3,030 units of medical and surgical equipment, 145 computers, 2,397 educational tools, 2,696 pieces of furniture and 600 bedding sets will be procured to address existing shortages. Ninety-six office equipment items will be purchased for improving workplace conditions. NIPORT will implement a large portion of the training component. The organisation is expected to deliver 600 batches of training, involving 15,000 participants across its 35 institutions, while the DGNM will conduct 320 batches for an additional 9,600 nurses and midwives. The NIPORT will also update three training curricula, complete twelve unfinished studies under the fourth sector programme, and carry out two major national surveys: the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) and the Bangladesh Health Facility Survey (BHFS). These data-driven activities are considered essential for evidence-based policy-making in health, population and nutrition planningsaid officials. Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Bill, 2023 passed in JS Officials said the selection of project areas has been based on the administrative and operational jurisdictions of the three implementing agencies. DGME activities will cover all government medical and dental colleges, IHTs and MATS institutions across all divisions. NIPORT’s coverage includes its headquarters in Dhaka, fourteen Regional Population Training Institutes located at the district level, and twenty-one Regional Training Centres at the upazila level. Nursing and midwifery institutions, as well as government hospitals with nursing staff across the country, fall under the DGNM component. A pre-appraisal assessment reviewed the activities and expenditures of the three directorates under the previous operational plans and incorporated technical estimates verified by the Technical Specification Committee. The Project Evaluation Committee (PEC), in its meeting held on 8 September 2025, recommended approval of the proposal subject to compliance with its observations. The ministry has agreed to restructure the Development Project Proposal (DPP) accordingly. The Planning Commission said the project will significantly contribute to improving medical, nursing and midwifery education while enhancing family planning services. NIANER hosts seminar on innovations in nursing education and practice It added that the project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, the Bangladesh Population Policy 2025 and the broader objectives of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division to ensure quality health education and affordable, high-standard family planning services for all. Officials believe that once implemented, the project will help modernise competency-based clinical education, improve institutional transparency, support digital transformation across training facilities and contribute to strengthened health service delivery nationwide.

With winter already underway, Beanibazar in Sylhet is witnessing an alarming disappearance of migratory birds.  Once a vibrant winter habitat, the region’s wetlands, including the Muria Haor and several small and large beels, are now largely devoid of the seasonal visitors. Local residents said that despite the seasonal chill, migratory birds have almost vanished this year.  Waterbodies, reservoirs, canals and rivers in the upazila no longer echo with their familiar calls. Read more: Decline in guest birds at Jahangirnagar University: A growing concern for biodiversity Even a decade ago, various wetlands, rivers, creeks and canals across Beanibazar teemed with numerous species of migratory birds as soon as winter approached.  But with forest areas shrinking and natural habitats deteriorating, the birds appear to have changed their routes. In recent years, the upazila has seen widespread deforestation.  Concrete expansion has replaced greenery, while the use of pesticides and grass-killing chemicals in farmlands has made natural grasslands scarce.  As a result, experts said,  ecological diversity is declining and bird populations are steadily reducing. Locals say that bird calls no longer wake up villagers as they once did.  They said chirping in homestead yards, the fluttering on tree branches, and the lively movement of native species such as doyel, parrots, doves, crows and cuckoos have largely faded. Read more: Vanishing winged visitors: Beanibazar sees sharp decline in migratory birds Previously, they said, migratory birds would arrive in Muria Haor and other wetlands with the onset of winter.  As water receded towards the end of Ashwin, large flocks—along with native egrets—descended to feed on small fish like puti. The birds stayed through January and February before returning to their native habitats in spring.  This year, however, even familiar sanctuaries show no sign of their presence, with the arrival rate dropping sharply. Local observers said that extensive damage to natural environments—often in the name of modernisation—has severely affected biodiversity in the area. Members of the local civil society also point to bird hunting as a major factor.  Despite legal restrictions, they said, indiscriminate hunting continues in several parts of the upazila.  Witnesses said hunters often apply toxic chemicals in paddy fields to incapacitate birds, alongside setting traps and nets that easily capture them. Beanibazar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Mobin Hai said rapid urbanisation, deforestation, climate change, environmental pollution, unrestricted tree-felling and excessive pesticide use are among the main reasons behind the declining bird population.  Read more: Large influx of migratory birds enhances scenic charm of Ramrai Dighi in Thakurgaon He said the destruction of habitats and food sources, unregulated hunting, lack of enforcement and poor conservation efforts have compounded the problem. Upazila Livestock Extension Officer Dr Shamim Hossain said indiscriminate clearing of forests and bushes is reducing the birds’ natural habitats, resulting in a decline in their movement and diversity.  “We have conducted several drives to stop bird hunting. But hunters usually get advance warning, making it very difficult to catch them," he said.  Beanibazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Golam Mustafa Munna said migratory birds no longer find sufficient food in the region.  He added that climate change is also a significant factor in the declining number of birds arriving in the area. As winter deepens, residents fear Bianibazar’s once vibrant wetlands may continue to fall silent unless stronger conservation measures are taken. Read more: Migratory birds under threat in Kushtia’s Padma Char

In a major push toward clean energy, the government has taken up a plan to ramp up renewable power generation and reduce reliance on coal and fuel-based electricity that contributes to environmental degradation. The project titled “Construction of Sonagazi 220 MW Solar Power Plant,” will be implemented by the Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh Ltd (EGCB) under the Power Division. Once completed, it will stand as one of the largest utility-scale solar installations in the country. A Major Step Toward a Greener Power Mix The proposed plant will be set up in Sonagazi upazila of Feni district, marking a substantial stride in Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify energy sources and align with long-term climate and clean energy commitments. According to the project proposal, the solar plant will require an estimated investment of Tk 1,888.10 crore. Read more: BRAC Bank, IDCOL fund 64.55 MW solar project Of this, Tk 147.56 crore will come from the government, Tk 1,623.63 crore from foreign financing, and Tk 116.91 crore from EGCB’s own resources. The project is expected to run from July 2025 to June 2028. Officials said the move corresponds with national plans to boost renewable energy’s share in the power mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  It is also designed to help achieve the target of generating 20 percent of Bangladesh’s electricity from renewable sources as highlighted in the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023. Under the plan, the government aims to raise renewable capacity to 38 gigawatts by 2050. Key Infrastructure and Technical Features The plant’s construction will involve installing 469,560 solar PV modules and 26 grid-connected inverters, supported by a 240MVA electrical substation. It will also include four 230/33kV transformers, auxiliary transformers and a 13.3km second circuit of a 230kV transmission line. Read more: BSTI opens state-of-the-art solar panel testing lab A new GIS bay at the BEZA substation and an AIS bay at EGCB’s existing 75MW substation will also be developed to facilitate uninterrupted transmission. Beyond its electrical infrastructure, the project includes building 6.9km of embankments, laying CC blocks along 2.67km of the southern dyke, excavating and renovating two canals spanning 3km, constructing 10.98km of internal roads, and developing a control room and a five-storey dormitory. A Vision Rooted in Earlier Planning EGCB’s journey in developing renewable energy in Sonagazi dates back to 2017, when it acquired 999.65 acres in Purba Bardhali mouza. Of this, 285 acres were used for a 75MW solar plant already in operation. The new 220MW facility will be built on 634 acres of the remaining land. Once operational, the electricity generated will be fed into the national grid via PGCB’s Mirsarai substation, ensuring distribution across the country. Read more: Solar power projects face delays amid challenges: Adviser Fouzul Kabir The Planning Commission officials said the project would add 220MW of clean energy to the grid, reduce carbon emissions, and support improved service reliability. It also said the initiative would help develop skilled manpower in advanced solar technologies. Solar Expansion Gains Momentum Nationwide Bangladesh’s renewable energy landscape has been expanding in recent years, with several high-capacity plants already operational. These include 275MW Beximco Gaibandha Solar PV Park, Rangpur (commissioned 2021 134.30MW Mongla Solar PV Park, Khulna (2021),134.30MW Orion Khulna Solar PV Park, Khulna (2021), 73MW Mymensingh Solar PV Park (2021), 20MW Teknaf Solartech Energy Limited Plant, Cox’s Bazar (2018) Large-scale initiatives under development include 1,000MW Swarna Dwip Solar Plant, Noakhali — a Bangladesh Army Welfare Trust project, 300MW Rampal Solar Power Plant, a Saudi-Bangladesh joint venture. Other projects in the pipeline involve capacities of 300MW in Sreemangal and 200MW each in Mongla and Thakurgaon, reflecting a strategic nationwide shift toward solar-driven power generation. As Bangladesh positions itself for a renewable-focused future, the massive Sonagazi solar plant is expected to play a transformative role—cutting emissions, easing pressure on fossil fuel imports, and ensuring cleaner, more reliable energy for millions. Read more: Walton installs country’s largest floating solar power plant

A deep crack at the joint of the vital ‘Matlab Bridge’ over the Dhonagoda River has sparked alarm among residents and motorists, raising concerns about a serious disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out. The bridge, which connects Matlab South and Matlab North upazilas and serves as a major route for travellers heading to Dhaka from Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Raipur, Ramganj and Hajiganj, sees thousands of vehicles pass over it every day. ‘It wasn’t there before quake’ Locals say the problem became visible only after the 5.7 magnitude earthquake on 21 November, which shook much of the country. During a visit to the site, it was found that shifting soil beneath the approach roads has created a large cavity, exposing iron rods and lifting sections of concrete. Read more: Earthquake Alerts: Best Free Mobile Apps in 2025-26 A sizeable hole has also opened on the approach road, turning it into a hazard for unsuspecting drivers. A noticeable gap has developed in the bridge’s central joint, and the structure visibly trembles when heavy vehicles pass, leaving regular users fearful. “There were no such issues before the earthquake,” said Mojibur Rahman, one of the residents, who urged the authorities to conduct a thorough inspection before it is too late. Others, including Kamrul Hasan and Golam Nabi, echoed the call, pointing out that emergency service vehicles, students and ambulances carrying patients are forced to use the compromised bridge daily. People are crossing it at great risk, they said. An essential structure at risk Built under a government project initiated in the 2015–16 fiscal year, the bridge was designed to ease communication between the northern and southern parts of Chandpur, reduce travel time to Dhaka and improve regional connectivity. The project originally carried a cost of Tk 84 crore, including Tk 56 crore for the bridge and Tk 28 crore for land acquisition. Read more: Only 3,252 out of 21 lakh buildings in Dhaka, Gazipur assessed for earthquake safety: RAJUK However, the structure—comprising seven spans, each 10.25 metres wide, and approach roads stretching 1.86 kilometres—was ultimately completed in June 2018 for Tk 92 crore. Since its inauguration, it has become a lifeline for thousands of commuters. Now, its deteriorating condition has left users anxious. College teacher Md Joynal Abedin described the situation as “very alarming”, while schoolgirl Nusrat Jahan said she feels unsafe every day: “It shakes a lot when heavy vehicles go over it.” Badiul Alam Babu, general secretary of Nirapad Sarak Chai for Matlab South, said the issue extends beyond the bridge itself. “The approach roads are also in very poor condition. This is an essential bridge. The department concerned must repair it without delay.” Promise of Action Matlab South Upazila Engineer Anwar Hossain said repair work would begin ‘very soon’. Chandpur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Aliul Hossain added that engineers were being sent to assess the bridge. “Necessary action will be taken based on the enquiry report,” he said. For now, however, thousands continue to cross the compromised structure each day, hoping it will hold until repairs begin. Read more: Ceiling And Wall Cracks After An Earthquake: When To Worry

The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, will meet on Sunday (Dec 7) to review overall preparations and finalise the date for announcing the schedule for the upcoming national election and referendum, both slated for February 2026. The Commission has finished all necessary preparations to announce the election schedule and the date for the election schedule is most likely to be finalised in Sunday’s meeting, said EC officials. “We’ve completed 100 percent preparations and the date for the election schedule has not finalised yet,” EC’s senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed told a training workshop at the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) in the city’s Agargaon area. He, however, trashed news published by several media outlets that disclosed the specific dates for schedule and election saying that the dates have not been fixed yet. Read more: BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule Quoting the CEC, he said the election schedule will be declared in the second week of December. The Secretary said the white ballot paper would be used for the general election, while the pink ballot papers would be for the referendum.    Later talking to UNB, the Secretary said they reviewed pre-schedule preparation in a meeting on Saturday as well.  Replying to a question if the polls schedule date to be decided on Sunday’s meeting, he said, “It’s up to the commission and it may finalise the date tomorrow (Subnday).”   About the preparation regarding amendment to electoral laws, he said the amendment to Representation of the People Order has already been approved by the government (the Council of Advisers), while the revised election code of conduct and election conducting rules are in the Law Ministry for vetting. The gazettes of these laws will be published within a couple of days, he added. According to the EC officials, there will be nine agenda for Sunday's meeting. The agenda includes the overall preparation for arrangement of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, pre- and post-schedule activities, coordination with field-level administration, registration of political parties and reviewing National Identity Card (NID) correction application system and finalisation of SOP in this regard. Read more: BD Polls: EC rejects proposal to increase polling centres, cites voting time Since this time the national election and referendum on July National Charter (reform charter) will be held simultaneously in a single day, the EC considers setting up two marking (secret stamping corners) places in each booth of the polling stations if there is enough space, while increasing the number of booths in other polling stations. But the Commission has yet to assess how many additional polling booths will be installed and how many polling booths will have two marking places. In this regard, the EC Secretary said the decision over installation of additional booths and two marking places in a booth could be taken later even after the announcement of the election schedule. Besides, the Commission considers extending the eight-hour balloting period by one hour (from 7:30am to 4:30pm) as every voter will need to cast two votes –one for an MP candidate and another for the referendum. Read more: Bangladesh Polls: EC considers picking a symbolic number of returning officers from its own staff The Election Commission on October 27 released the list of 42,761 polling stations throughout the country for the 13th parliamentary election, raising the number by around 611 from what was in the 2024 national election.

The Election Commission (EC) is considering appointing a symbolic number of returning officers (ROs) from its own officials—alongside Deputy Commissioners—for the first time in a parliamentary election in Bangladesh. The Commission has begun preparing a list of qualified senior officials, primarily regional election officers and senior district election officers, with the intention of appointing a small number of ROs from within the EC during the upcoming national election and referendum, likely to be held in a single day in February, 2026, officials said. Election experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening the Commission’s control over the electoral process. Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker hinted that the Commission may appoint some ROs from its own staff in the 13th parliamentary election if suitable officers are found. Read more: EC urges caution against creating confusion over election schedule, voting date “If we find fitted persons among them, they might be made returning officers,” he told UNB on Thursday. The Election Commissioner, however, said no decision has been taken yet in this regard. Although EC officials have previously served as ROs in various local government elections—city corporations, upazilas, municipalities and union parishads—they have never been appointed to the role in a national election or by-election. Former commissions argued that EC officials lack full control over the entire local administration including magistrates, different service officers and law enforcement agency members, which is a barrier for them to conduct a peaceful and fair parliamentary election. BNP has recently demanded the appointment of ROs and assistant returning offices (AROs) from the EC officers. Several political parties, civil society members and EC officers themselves have also long been urging the Commission to appoint ROs from among EC officials. Besides, the Electoral System Reform Commission formed by the current interim government recommended the EC’s own staff shall be prioratised in appointment of ROs and AROs in the election. If there is no adequate number of EC’s staff to perform such duty, then appointment shall be made from the administration and other cadre services, the Reform Commission’s report recommended. BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule Chief of Electoral System Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar told UNB that the move to appoint some ROs from their own staff would be a positive initiative, noting that the Commission often distances itself from responsibility for flawed elections. “The Commission usually says returning officers—not they—are liable for a bad election. If the returning officers are chosen from their own staff, the Commission will no longer be able to shift the blame,” he said. According to the Article 7 of the Representation of the People Order 1972, the Commission shall appoint a Returning Officer for each constituency for the purpose of election of a member for that constituency; and a person may be appointed as Returning Officer for two or more constituencies. The RPO Article also states that the Commission may appoint as many Assistant Returning Officers as may be necessary but provided that no Assistant Returning Officer shall be appointed for more than one constituency. On November 19 last, a BNP delegation headed by its Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan at the EC’s pre-election dialogue demanded the Election Commission to appoint returning officers (ROs) and assistant returning officers (AROs) from the EC’s own staff in the elections to bring a positive change in the country’s politics. “If you show courage once to take a decision that the returning officers and assistant returning officers would be appointed from the dedicated persons of your election commission, Bangladesh would witness a qualitative change in its politics,” said Dr Moyeen Khan in the dialogue. Read more: Over 156,000 Bangladeshi expats registered so far to vote The EC usually appoints a returning officer for all the constituencies in a district with some exceptions.  In the last 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024, a total of 66 returning officers were appointed for the country’s 300 constituencies – one RO for each 62 district and two ROs each for Dhaka and Chattogram districts. Deputy Commissioners were made ROs for 62 districts, while respective Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for the constituencies in Dhaka and Chattogram districts at that time.  The RPO article also defined the duty of ROs stating that it shall be the duty of a Returning Officer to do all such acts and things as may be necessary for effectively conducting an election in accordance with the provisions of this RPO and the electoral rules. The RPO article 7(4) also states “Subject to the superintendance, direction, and control of the Commission, the Returning Officer shall supervise all works in the district [or constituency] in connection with the conduct of elections and shall also perform such other duties and functions as may be entrusted to him by the Commission. Read more: BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule