United News of Bangladesh

The government has approved a three-year project titled “Basic Self-Defence Training for Youths” to equip young men and women in Bangladesh with essential self-defence skills aimed at boosting their confidence, discipline, and ability to face unsafe situations. The Ministry of Youth and Sports will implement the project through the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) at an estimated cost of Tk 27.82 crore, entirely funded by the Government of Bangladesh, according to the project document. The project will be implemented from September 2025 to February 2028. It received final approval from the Planning Ministry on October 13, 2025, following a review by the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC). According to project documents, the training will be conducted at BKSP’s main centre in Savar, Dhaka, along with its regional training centres in Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet. Participants from Rajshahi and Mymensingh divisions will be trained at either the Dhaka or Dinajpur centres. The initiative will reach young people from all 64 districts, ensuring wide access to self-defence training opportunities, according to the project document. During the project period, a total of 8,850 youths — including 8,250 young men and 600 young women — will receive basic self-defence training. The project has been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for FY2025–26 under the list of unapproved new projects. The main objective of the initiative is to build the physical and mental capacity of the country’s youths by equipping them with practical self-defence techniques and promoting self-confidence, discipline, and resilience. The training is designed to prepare them to respond effectively to any unexpected or threatening situation and to ensure their personal safety. Officials said that the project will also contribute to the development of a more confident and health-conscious generation of young people. Sports Ministry officials said providing self-defence training to the younger generation is essential for building a confident and resilient society. Beyond personal protection, such training develops physical fitness, enhances mental alertness, and cultivates discipline and self-control. It also encourages civic responsibility and awareness of community safety, particularly among young women who are often more vulnerable to harassment and violence. By introducing structured training at BKSP and its regional centres, the government aims to make self-defence an accessible life skill for all youths, regardless of their background or location. Around Tk 16.51 crore has been allocated for training activities, which include instruction, materials, and participant support. Approximately Tk 7.08 crore will be spent on sports and training equipment, while Tk 2.17 crore has been earmarked for furniture. The project also includes Tk 67.22 lakh for the renovation of trainee dormitories, Tk 44.03 lakh for the procurement of machinery and tools, and Tk 42.45 lakh for vehicle hire. Officials from the Youth and Sports Ministry said the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on national youth development. It will empower participants with practical self-defence skills, promote gender equality, and help build a generation that is both physically capable and mentally prepared to handle difficult situations.

As early Aman paddy is harvested and threshed across Rangpur, farmers are not only celebrating bumper yields and lucrative prices but also profiting from a soaring demand for straw, which has brightened their harvest season. This year, the price of straw, an essential feed for livestock, has risen significantly compared to last year. Experts attribute the increase to an imbalance between supply and demand, adverse weather events, reduced paddy yields and the scarcity of grazing land. Golam Mostafa, a farmer from Mominpur village in Rangpur Sadar, said, “Earlier, cattle could graze freely in the fields, but now almost no fallow or low-lying land remains vacant. As a result, dependence on cultivated fodder and straw has increased.” Another farmer, Siraj, explained that floods between September and October damaged both natural and cultivated grasslands across the region, intensifying the shortage of fodder. Consequently, farmers who cultivated early paddy are experiencing high demand for straw and are able to sell it at premium prices. Agricultural officials anticipate that the sale of early Aman paddy and straw could generate over Tk 2,500 crore for farmers in the Rangpur region this season.

Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka is on the edge ahead of Thursday’s (13th November 2025) planned ‘lockdown’, as reports of arson and crude bomb explosions have heightened public anxiety. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed across the city to prevent potential violence. At a press conference on Wednesday, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjad Ali said the force was fully prepared to avert acts of sabotage associated with the lockdown. “We hope Dhaka residents will stand with us to resist this lockdown and maintain peace,” he said, adding that additional police personnel had been stationed at all city entry and exit points. BGB deployment Fourteen platoons of the BGB have been deployed in Dhaka and surrounding districts since Wednesday morning, according to BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam. Read more: 14 platoons of BGB deployed in Dhaka, adjoining districts Twelve platoons are stationed at key points within the capital, while two are deployed in nearby districts. “BGB members are patrolling strategic areas including Hotel Intercontinental, Dhanmondi-32, Airport, Abdullahpur, Kakrail, Shishu Park, the High Court area, and Abrar Fahad Avenue,” he said. Violence The unrest has already left its mark on the city. On Tuesday night, miscreants set fire to a Malanch Paribahan passenger bus near Sutrapur Fire Station. Crude bomb explosions were also reported in Hatirjheel, Karwan Bazar and other parts of Dhaka. Another bus set on fire in Dhaka’s Sutrapur An official from the Fire Service and Civil Defence told UNB, “At least five arson incidents have been reported in the capital in the past 24 hours. However, no casualties were reported.” Political Backdrop The planned ‘lockdown’ follows an announcement by the Awami League ahead of a verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others in a case involving crimes against humanity. Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh to India on 5 August 2024, and political instability has since deepened. Read more: Security tightened countrywide ahead of Nov 13 ‘lockdown’: Home Adviser Public Anxiety Despite repeated assurances from law enforcement agencies, fear remains palpable among residents. “We’re scared because buses may not run tomorrow. We’ve already heard about fires breaking out in some areas over the past several nights,” said a passenger at Gabtoli Bus Terminal. Police Warning & Advice The DMP Commissioner warned of strict action against anyone involved in violence or vandalism. “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said, urging residents to remain vigilant.

In the quiet village of Buropara at Alamdanga upazila in Chuadanga, where the hum of engines mingles with the rustle of paddy fields, lives a man whose vision lies not in his eyes, but in his heart and hands. Zahurul Islam Mangal, a sexagenarian mechanic, cannot see the world around him, yet he perceives machines with uncanny precision. Blind since birth, Zahurul has mastered the intricate language of nuts, bolts and gears, guided solely by touch, instinct and faith. He knows by heart which wrench to pick, which bolt to tighten, and where the pulse of a machine falters. His fingers glide across metal surfaces, tracing faults invisible to others and with effortless grace, he brings life back to lifeless engines. For more than a decade, Zahurul has repaired everything from bicycles, vans and shallow engines to power trolleys and tube-wells — entirely on his own. His fascination began early, at the age of seven, when he watched and listened to a local mechanic, absorbing the rhythm of the craft. In 1984, he opened his first repair shop near Chuadanga Sadar Hospital. Later, he returned to his native village to expand his skills, taking on the challenge of shallow engines, power trolleys and a range of complex machines. Since 2004, his modest workshop in Buropara has been a lifeline for farmers and villagers alike. After six years of struggling to find a job, Zahid finds success in strawberry farming “Being able to work without sight is Allah’s blessing,” Zahurul said, his weathered hands moving skillfully over an engine. “I may not have eyes to see outside, but I see with the eyes of my heart. My hands tell me where a screw should go and which wrench to use.” During a recent visit, this UNB Correspondent watched Zahurul at work, diagnosing a farmer’s faulty shallow engine merely by turning its handle. Within minutes, the machine was running smoothly once again. Without resting, he hurried off to another home to repair a tube-well, his movements brisk and assured. “Even after 40 years of working with machines, I cannot fix a single nut,” said local farmer Taijal Sheikh with admiration. “But Zahurul bhai fixes machines without seeing. It’s a gift from Allah.” Another villager, Nazim Uddin, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Though blind, he can dismantle an entire engine and reassemble it perfectly. His work is flawless.” The young entrepreneur who brought orange farming to Naogaon

Once famed for its vibrant water lilies, Lal Shapla Beel in Sylhet's Jaintapur upazila now struggles under invasive water hyacinth, leaving locals and nature lovers frustrated with the committee entrusted to safeguard it. Formed by the upazila administration, the Red Lily Protection Committee has come under fire as residents witness the gradual disappearance of the iconic red lilies that once painted the Dibir Haor region in breathtaking shades of ruby. The region, comprising Yam, Harafkata, Dibi and Kendri beels, together creates the naturally sculpted Lal Shapla Beel, sprawling over approximately 900 acres. The wetland first captured national attention in 2016, drawing tourists both domestic and foreign, enchanted by the dazzling spectacle of red lilies swaying over its serene waters. Read more: Commute woes for Rangamati HSC examinees as Kaptai Lake clogged with water hyacinth Today, however, large swathes of Yam Beel, a prominent section of Lal Shapla Beel, are smothered by the relentless advance of water hyacinth, prompting fears that the ‘Red Lily Beel’ may soon be forgotten, replaced by a sea of invasive greenery. The committee was supposed to identify problems and work with the administration to preserve the red lilies and control aquatic plants, lamented several local residents and nature lovers, speaking on condition of anonymity. Instead of red lilies, they said, hyacinth flowers are now blooming, ruining the beauty of the wetland. Locals have proposed a pragmatic measure to fund the beel’s upkeep: levying a Tk 100 fee on tourist boats, which could be used to finance regular cleaning drives and maintenance efforts to remove the invasive plants. Read more: How to Visit Saint Martin’s Island in Tourist Season 2025-26 They also urged the authorities to undertake an immediate environmental survey, warning that inaction may transform the beloved Lal Shapla Beel into a cautionary tale of neglect. When approached for comment, Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) George Mitra Chakma acknowledged the issue, noting that he had not received prior reports. “We will take initiatives to remove the water hyacinth and protect the red lilies after discussing the matter with the conservation authorities,” he assured. As the waters of Lal Shapla Beel shimmer under the fading light, the fate of its crimson jewels hangs precariously, locals said. Read more: Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in Habiganj: A Comprehensive Travel Guide They said without swift action, one of Sylhet’s natural treasures risks being lost beneath a blanket of green, its fiery blooms reduced to memory.

Despite repeated calls for administrative reform, much of the bureaucracy reportedly remains dominated by contractual officials, leaving career officials disheartened over limited decision-making power and stalled promotions. “From the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, at least 20 key ministries and departments are currently headed by secretaries on contract,” said a frustrated official wishing anonymity. Even within the seven-member Superior Selection Board (SSB) which recommends promotions, four of them are contractual appointees, he said. Many of these officials, he said, have returned to the administration after spending nearly a decade away, creating confusion, stagnation and deep dissatisfaction among regular officers. “Their decisions are influencing promotions, postings and appointments, while their long absence from mainstream administration has led to a loss of continuity and coordination,” the official lamented. Meetings, gatherings inside Secretariat banned; permission required after 6pm Administrative expert and former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder told UNB that while some contractual officers are performing well, many are failing to deliver as expected. “Contractual appointments are holding back the promotion of regular officers, which has caused anger and frustration,” he said, adding, “Opportunities should be given to capable new officers, and the administration should move forward through regular promotions.” According to government data, 71 senior officers are currently serving, including 20 on contract in senior secretary and secretary positions. They include Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Principal Secretary M Siraj Uddin Mia, Public Administration Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque, Home Ministry Senior Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani, Planning Commission Member Dr Mokhles Ur Rahman, Women and Children Affairs Senior Secretary Momtaz Ahmed, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, Expatriates’ Welfare Senior Secretary Dr Md Neamat Ullah Bhuiyan and Land Ministry Senior Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed, among others. Calm returns to Secretariat area as students finally leave after day of drama Other contractual appointments include Dr Md Mahfuzul Haque, now Bangladesh’s ambassador to Portugal, and Begum Sharifa Khan, serving as Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank — both holding secretary-level ranks. Several officials from various ministries told UNB that many contractual secretaries, having been away from the core administration for years, are struggling to adapt to current practices. Some reportedly continue to follow outdated administrative methods and have formed tight networks around their own BCS batch (1982), limiting opportunities for younger and more qualified officers. Insiders say that discipline has not returned to the civil service even after the fall of the Awami regime. Corruption, irregularities, favouritism and abuse of power remain widespread, while political influence in appointments to key posts continues to surface. Following the July uprising, incidents of confrontation during the appointment of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) were reported, including one case where a senior official of the Ministry of Public Administration was allegedly locked inside a washroom. Recent controversies also involve the politically influenced appointments of the Education Secretary and Public Administration Secretary. One senior party leader reportedly held a secretariat meeting with the Cabinet Secretary to retain administrative control, a move widely discussed within bureaucratic circles. Allegations have also surfaced against the then Public Administration Secretary, Dr Mokhles Ur Rahman, over irregularities and financial dealings in DC appointments. He was later transferred to the Planning Commission in September, replaced by Ehsanul Haque, another officer serving on contract. For nearly two decades, the Ministry of Public Administration has not remained without a secretary for even a single day. After a vacancy of about a month, the Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department under the Ministry of Education has been appointed. However, the increasing number of contractual reappointments is now eroding trust and morale within the service, according to the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The shortage of skilled officers at the field level particularly for DC positions has become more evident, highlighting the growing strain on the administrative system, they added.  

In a shocking surge, onion prices have doubled in just 10 days, forcing consumers to shell out an extra Tk 3.5 crore every single day. Amid this price turmoil, the government’s ‘hesitation’ over import approvals has left both shoppers and farmers stranded, caught in a tightening grip of uncertainty and financial strain. Consumer rights groups and market experts say the crisis is driven by delayed imports, weak market management and syndicate activities. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has calculated that the country’s daily consumer demand for onions stands at around 7,000 metric tonnes. With prices rising from Tk 60–70 per kg to Tk 110–120 per kg in a short span, the extra daily burden on consumers’ pockets reaches Tk 3.5 crore. Read more: Govt may allow onion imports if prices remain high this week Former director general of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Rights Protection and CAB president AHM Safiquzzaman criticised the government’s indecision. “The government is indecisive on onion imports. Meanwhile, consumers are losing crores of taka daily,” he said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said the government would allow imports if prices do not come down this week, but warned that local farmers could suffer losses as a result. Safiquzzaman argued that import approval should have come in September–October. “By delaying imports until after the price surge, consumers are suffering. Limited imports earlier could have prevented the current shortage,” he said, adding that some unscrupulous traders are exploiting the situation while the Commerce Adviser searches for syndicates. The CAB president also questioned the Agriculture Ministry’s claim of 3.5 million tonnes of onion production this year, saying it is unreliable. Currently, onions are scarce in farmers’ hands and largely held by wholesalers, leaving imports as the only viable solution. On Thursday, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) recommended onion imports to the commerce and agriculture ministries, citing weak market management and manipulation by intermediaries as reasons behind runaway prices. Read more: Onion prices skyrocket in Dhaka; from Tk 70 to Tk 120 per kg Data shows that while onion prices remained relatively stable over the past two to three months, they surged 37–42 per cent in the last week. BTTC said the abnormal price hike indicates market mismanagement and syndicate activity. Abdul Bayes, former vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University and an agricultural economist, said, “Without breaking syndicates and corporate oligarchies in agriculture, such dilemmas will recur. Unscrupulous groups exploit these situations at the expense of farmers and consumers.” Most onion imports come from India, where prices are around Tk 16 per kg (USD 195 per tonne). BTTC noted that even with a 10 per cent import duty, prices could drop by Tk 50 per kg domestically. The Agriculture Ministry, however, said 75,000 tonnes of domestic onions would arrive within a week, with early December seeing the harvest of small ‘murikata’ onions. “We have informed the Commerce Ministry that new onions will reach the market within two weeks. Whether any import decision has been formally made is not yet known to us,” said Additional Secretary Mahmudur Rahman. Read more: Onion import through Benapole Port resumes after 2.5 years Historical analysis by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) shows onion prices typically spike by over 100 per cent in November compared to March, providing opportunistic traders with profit margins while farmers lack produce. In districts like Pabna, Faridpur and Rajbari, farmers have planted ‘murikata’ onions, with production costs around Tk 1,500 per maund. Rokonuzzaman, a farmer from Goalanda in Rajbari, said, “Last year’s 'murikata' crop incurred losses. With Indian onions entering the market, the price per maund drops to Tk 1,200–1,400, forcing farmers to sell at a loss. This year, prices below Tk 2,000 per maund would still cause losses.” Market stakeholders blame the ministry’s lack of foresight for creating a situation where consumers bear the brunt while farmers face uncertainty. Read more: Onion farmers in Shailkupa hit by fertiliser shortage during peak season

Nearly four decades have passed since the construction of Mohammadpur sub-jail in Magura district, yet the facility has never housed a single inmate. Built with the vision of decentralising judicial and correctional services, the complex today stands as a silent monument to bureaucratic inertia and policy neglect, officials said. Located in Bauijani village under Mohammadpur upazila, the sub-jail was constructed in 1985 during the regime of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad. It was part of a wider plan to establish courts and detention facilities at upazila level, aimed at easing the burden on district jails and expediting the judicial process. The project, however, was abruptly shelved following a change in government, and the sub-jail was never inaugurated. Its gates have remained locked ever since before it could even begin operation, according to the officials. Spread over 2.71 acres of land, the complex was designed to accommodate 20 male and five female inmates. Khulna new jail opens with 100 convicted prisoners The site includes separate cells for men and women, an administrative office, a kitchen, guard quarters, a pump house, and residential quarters for officers. But time and neglect have taken their toll. A recent visit revealed a picture of decay: walls with peeling plaster, corroded ironwork, and doors and windows missing from their frames. What was once envisioned as a secure correctional facility now stands in ruins, overrun by weeds and disrepair. Prashanta Kumar, an employee of the Upazila Social Services Office, lives in one of the officer quarters with his family and has been informally maintaining the abandoned premises. “Despite the risks, I stay here and try to take care of the property,” he said, pointing to the crumbling buildings around him. Locals have long voiced frustration over the wasted infrastructure, calling it an example of mismanagement and poor utilisation of public resources. Many urge the government to either revive the sub-jail or repurpose it for public welfare. Upazila Social Services Officer Md Abdur Rob confirmed that the site now falls under the jurisdiction of his department but lamented the lack of funds and manpower needed for renovation. “With proper support, it could be turned into a training or rehabilitation centre for the poor, orphans, and persons with disabilities,” he suggested. Govt declares building in Dhaka Cantonment as temporary jail District Social Services Officer Md Zakir Hossain echoed the idea, saying a proposal has already been made to convert the premises into an integrated child rehabilitation centre. According to the Department of Social Services, the Mohammadpur sub-jail is not an isolated case. There are 23 such sub-jails across Bangladesh—none of which are functional. All remain caught in the limbo of policy stagnation, their walls quietly crumbling as years go by. Once envisioned as a cornerstone of local justice and correctional efficiency, the Mohammadpur sub-jail now serves as a reminder of unfulfilled promises and the high cost of administrative neglect.

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur, long hailed as a leading higher education institution in northern Bangladesh, has recently come under intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism and corruption. Sources at the university report that since its establishment, 33 students, faculty members and staff have fallen victim to sexual misconduct, raising serious concerns among educationists and civic society leaders. Fahkrul Anam Benju, an educationist in Rangpur and president of the Sujon Forum, voiced deep apprehension over the situation, saying, “When students in a leading university feel unsafe, words fail us. We are both angry and disappointed.” The issue came to public attention following allegations against Dr Shakibul Islam, an associate professor in the Disaster Science and Management Department, who has been relieved of all departmental duties. A notice issued by the department head, Professor Md Imdadul Haque, cited urgent action in response to complaints from students of the 2020–21 academic year. Dr Islam has been barred from supervising or examining fourth-year, second-semester courses, including DSM4207 (Research Project). Read more: BRUR Prof Rashidul Islam suspended over harassment allegation Several victims have claimed that their pursuit of higher education has placed their personal safety at risk. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Showkat Ali described the situation as both ‘embarrassing’ and ‘shameful’. Meanwhile, separate allegations of corruption and nepotism have resurfaced involving five former university officials, including a previous Vice-Chancellor. Two of the accused were suspended at one point, while three others remain in their positions, with no visible administrative action taken. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a case 12 years ago against former VC Prof Dr Muhammad Abdul Jalil Miah over alleged financial irregularities, recruitment malpractice, and nepotism. The university’s anti-corruption mancha first reported the VC’s alleged misconduct to the ACC on 5 March 2013, triggering an investigation. Abdul Karim, then Deputy Director of ACC Rangpur, confirmed that a case was filed on 12 December 2013 against the former VC and two others at Kotwali Police Station. Another accused was then-Registrar Md Shahjahan Ali Mondal. Over the course of a nearly three-year investigation, ACC Deputy Assistant Director Md Akbar Ali found further involvement of university officials, including Planning and Development Deputy Director ATGM Golam Firoz, Assistant Registrar Md Morshed Ul Alam Roni and Finance and Accounts Assistant Director Khandakar Ashraful Alam. The investigation revealed irregularities in appointments: Golam Firoz was promoted from an ad hoc Grade-9 position to Grade-5 Deputy Director without the required experience. Md Morshed was appointed Assistant Registrar within two years of completing his postgraduate degree, falling short of the mandatory five-year experience. Khandakar Ashraful was initially hired on an ad hoc basis and later regularised as Assistant Director (Budget) without meeting standard protocols. Read more: Panel formed to settle BRUR teacher Mahmudul’s seniority, promotion In July 2017, former VC Jalil and Registrar Shahjahan surrendered to the court and were sent to jail, while arrest warrants were issued for the other three officials. The university syndicate suspended Shahjahan, Firoz, Md Morshed, and Khandakar Ashraful. However, in October 2017, the court granted temporary relief to the three officials, allowing for administrative discretion by the university in case of questionable appointments. Later, the orders were mysteriously revoked, and their positions were regularised. The ACC appealed, and the High Court subsequently nullified the lower court’s relief, ordering the formation of charges. The case remains pending, with hearings delayed due to adjournments requested by the accused. VC Showkat Ali said, “The administration had not informed me about these issues. After learning of them through investigations, I inquired further. No department had brought this to my notice, so I could not take action. The corruption case involving the former VC and others is extremely important.” He added, “I am consulting with their lawyers and will act according to legal procedures. If departmental action is possible, it will be taken. I have never compromised on integrity, and any measures will be transparent.” The ongoing controversies at BRUR, ranging from sexual harassment to allegations of nepotism and corruption, underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform in one of northern Bangladesh’s flagship universities. Read more: Rokeya University teacher Mahamud gets bail; OC transferred

Moving into the election mode, the Election Commission will start a series of dialogues with registered political parties this week to lay the groundwork for the upcoming national election scheduled for February. But the political parties would be invited in groups to join the discussions due to time constraints before the election schedule to be announced in early December, according to EC officials They said the dialogues, considered the Commission’s last major task before the election schedule, will take around two weeks to complete ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. “The dialogues with political parties will begin next week. It will have to invite them in groups due to time constraints (before the announcement of election schedule),” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday (6th November 2025). Replying to a question, he told UNB that it will not be possible to complete the dialogues within a week rather it would take two weeks. EC registers 66 local election observer organisations, identifies 16 more eligible As part of preparations for the dialogues with political parties, the Commission has already made changes to the electoral code of conduct in line with an ordinance promulgated on November 3, bringing further amendment to the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules 2025 will soon be published in the official gazette, with the code expected to be one of the key discussion issues during the dialogues. “We have sent the code of conduct (to publish it in the official gazette). So, the dialogue will be opened next week,” said the EC Secretary. The Election Commission traditionally holds talks with registered political parties before each national election. Each party was usually invited to join the dialogue separately. However, this time it is still uncertain whether the Jatiya Party and some other registered parties, known as the allies of Sheikh Hasina's regime toppled through the 2014 mass uprising, will be invited to the talks. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC on Tuesday last published notifications seeking objections, if any, against the registration to three new political parties –National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist). The Commission will finally recognise them as the registered parties after November 12. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Then the EC sat in another discussion with the representatives of teachers on the same day. On October 06, the Commission held two separate dialogues with senior journalists from different media outlets. Besides, the EC held dialogues with election experts and election observers in October last. In a bid to conduct the next election in free, participatory and fair manners, the EC sat in a views-exchange with different law enforcement agencies and intelligences on October 20 and with top government officials, including secretaries of key ministries, directors general of important agencies on October 30 last. According to the electoral roadmap unveiled in August 2025, dialogues with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society members, journalists, observers, and election experts, were scheduled to begin in late September and conclude within about one and a half months. The Commission either completed or almost finished all important tasks, including amendment to the electoral laws,delimitation of constituencies, updating the voter lists, finalisation of polling stations, registration of new political parties and registration of election observers. The EC has already amended different electoral laws including RPO; as well as revised the three separate guidelines for journalists, observers and installation of polling stations:  The Commission on September 04 last finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, redrawing the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 different districts across the country ahead of the 2026 February election. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ The EC on October 27 released the final list of 42,761 polling stations throughout the country for the upcoming national election, raising the number by around 611 from what was in the 2024 national election. The Commission on November 02 released the draft updated electoral rolls with more than 12.76 core voters in the country, which would be the final voter lists for the 2026 February election. The electoral rolls would be finalised on November 18. The Commission on Thursday last registered 66 organisations as local election observers as well as identified 16 more firms as eligible for registration as local election observers. The final decision over the 16 organisations will be taken following settlement of objections if any to be received by November 27 next. The EC will launch a mobile app for the expatriates and others to register first to vote through the postal ballot during the 2026 election. So, the upcoming dialogues with political parties will mark the Commission’s final major engagement before announcing the election schedule next month. Read more: No application for voter relocation to be accepted after Nov 10