Election Commission
Withdraw Kalkini UNO, OC for failure to maintain polls environment: EC
The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday directed the authorities concerned to withdraw Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Officer in-Charge (OC) of Kalkini Upazila in Madaripur for their failure to maintain a proper election atmosphere.
The Commission also asked to fill the posts of two new officers in their places.
The directive came in line with the clause-327 (4) of the Election Officers (Special Provision) Act, 1991 and the section-3 of the Local Government (Union Parishad) Election Rules, 2010, said a EC press release.
The EC earlier postponed the election to Purba Enayetnagar Union Parishad in Kalkini after some miscreants barred a chairman aspirant from submitting the nomination paper and assaulted the election’s returning officer physically on May 17 last.
The EC has given the directives over the withdrawal of the two officers following the reports of the Madaripur deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and the returning officer.
Besides, the commission has decided to ask chairman aspirant Mahbub Alam in Purba Enayetnagar Union election to show cause as to why the legal action would not be taken against him for offenses like obstructing in the submission of nomination paper and creating chaos during the submission of nomination papers.
Now the Commission will arrange the polls in the Union Parishad on June 15 next.
As per the reschedule, the deadline for nomination submission is May 23, while the date for scrutinizing nomination papers is May 24 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is May 29.
Also read: Poll panel still lacks capacity to use EVMs in all 300 seats, says CEC
EC begins nation-wide drive to update voter list
The Election Commission of Bangladesh on Friday embarked on a countrywide drive to enlist eligible voters in the electoral roll ahead of the 12th parliamentary polls.
The data of potential voters and deceased voters will be collected in four phases. In the first phase, enumerators will go for door-to-door data collection till June 09 in 139 upazilas of 64 districts.
Also read:FM highlights work towards 'free, fair and transparent' elections
During the drive, the data of eligible voters who were born on or before January 1, 2005, will be collected to publish the latest electoral roll on March 02, 2023.
Besides, the enumerators will collect the data of youths who were born before January 2, 2007, but would be eligible to cast their ballot in 2024 and 2025.
During the data collection campaign, the existing voters can apply for updating their address.
Alongside the eligible voters, the enumerators will also collect the data of deceased voters to drop their names from the voter list.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal unveiled the data collection drive at Savar Upazila Parishad auditorium in the morning.
Besides, four election commissioners unveiled the programme in four districts -- Manikganj, Sirajganj, Khulna and Shariatpur.
Since the data is being collected to update the country’s voter list for the next three years -- 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Election Commission has estimated a 7.5% voter growth following the campaign.
In 2019, the EC last collected the field-level data of eligible voters to update the voter list for three years -- 2020, 2021 and 2022.
If anyone wants to be enrolled in the voter list, the person needs to have a 17-digit online birth registration certificate, academic certificates (if applicable), and photocopies of national identity card of father or mother and that of utility bills.
This time, some 56,000 enumerators and 11,300 supervisors have been appointed to glean the field-level data to update the voter list. An enumerator on an average will collect data of 180 potential voters.
Also read: AL wants election with participation of all parties: Hasan Mahmud
There would be union-level registration centres in upazilas and ward-level registration centres in cities and municipalities to collect biometric data --pictures and fingerprints — of the eligible voters. The aspirants will be given print copies of their data during the collection.
In order to prevent the Rohingya refugees from enrolling into the voter list, the EC has taken a special cautionary measure for 32 particular areas in Chattogram.
The voter registration forms will be scrutinised by special committees in the 32 special areas. Besides, the Rohingya database containing their biometrics will be used during the voter list updation programme, UNB has learnt.
Currently, the number of voters in the country is some 11.33 crore (precisely 113,287,010). The voters include 57,689,529 males, 55,597,027 females and 454 transgenders.
BNP’s caretaker government dream to go in vain: Hasan Mahmud
Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Friday said the election will be held under the Election Commission during the present government in line with the Constitution like all other democratic countries across the world.
“BNP will gain no benefit in dreaming for the restoration of caretaker government,” he said, replying to a question from journalists.
Also read: AL wants election with participation of all parties: Hasan Mahmud
The minister was talking to reporters before joining the 11th biennial conference of the Entomological Society at the Agricultural Research Council’s auditorium in the city’s Khamarbari area.
“If BNP makes ill-attempts to create chaos in the name of movement, it (anarchy) will be resisted taking the people with us,” he said.
About BNP's demand for caretaker government, Hasan said no government resigns before the election in all the democratic countries like India, Japan, Australia, Europe and even the USA.
He said BNP tried to thwart the 2014 election, but failed. In 2018, it also raised the same demand, but finally participated in the general election forging an alliance of many parties and secured only five seats (in Parliament).
“So, I would like to tell them to take preparation for the next election without making useless rhetoric,” said Hasan, also a joint general secretary of Bangladesh Awami League.
Asked about BNP’s possible movement to overthrow the government, he said, “We’ve been hearing about the movement for the fall of the government for the last 13 years.”
Also read: Election will be held on time: Quader
“If they try to create chaos, carry out arson violence or burn people in the name of the movement as they did before, it will be resisted taking the people with us,” he said.
In the conference, the minister stressed the need for saving the agricultural lands in the country. The arable lands should not be lost due to unplanned urbanization and construction of structures everywhere in unplanned ways.
He said Bangladesh has multiplied its crop production due to agricultural research. “This trend must continue on the path of development,” he added.
Chairman of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Dr Shaikh Mohammad Bokhtiar and Director General of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Dr Debashish Sarkar, among others, spoke at the conference.
President of Entomological Society Dr Syed Nurul Alam presided over the function moderated by its general secretary Dr Md Mizanur Rahman, said a PID handout.
Election will be held on time: Quader
The national election in Bangladesh will be held on time following the Constitution, a top office-bearer of the ruling Awami League has said.
"The nation election will not be held under a neutral government but under the country's neutral Election Commission," AL general secretary Obaidul Quader told reporters in Feni on Thursday night.
Also read: Padma Bridge to be inaugurated in June: Quader
"The Election Commission of Bangladesh will be in charge of all the ministries during the poll period," he asserted.
During his interaction with the media, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, however, raised questions over the top leadership of the BNP. "Who is their leader? If the BNP comes to power, who will head the government?”
Also read: Roads better than ever, BNP lost their way: Obaidul Quader
"The Constitution of Bangladesh is praised throughout the world. So, why should the government complain to foreign diplomats for persuading BNP to fight the election? Anyway, it will be held on time as per the Constitution," he added.
FM highlights work towards 'free, fair and transparent' elections
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the government's commitment towards strengthening institutions and noted significant works over the last few years creating scope for free, fair and transparent elections.
“We had some difficulties but in the last few years, we’ve done very well,” he said, referring to the establishment of all the institutions which are necessary for “free, fair and transparent” elections.
Minister Momen made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Bangladesh and the United States Relations: Moving towards Enhanced Cooperation and Partnership” organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at the BIISS auditorium on Sunday.
Also read:US won't take sides in election: Amb. Haas
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas attended the event as special guest in which he highlighted three areas ripe for growth in the bilateral relationship - security, human rights and democracy, and economic ties.
During his visit to Washington DC recently, the Foreign Minister highlighted the “vibrant democratic practices” that are ongoing in the country.
In fact, he said, the recently adopted law on the formation of the Election Commission is a good manifestation of the Government's goodwill and determination to hold a free and fair election.
Altogether, Bangladesh says, it remains open to discuss all issues in the good governance and human rights domain.
Bangladesh and the US are committed to enhance the relations to a higher plateau in coming years, as was reflected in deliberations during Momen’s visit to Washington DC.
US Ambassador Haas has said the US will not take any side in the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and reiterated US commitment across the world to help countries strengthen democracy.
“Let me be clear: the United States will not pick a side in the upcoming elections. We simply hope for a democratic process that allows the Bangladeshi people to freely decide who will run their country,” he said.
While delivering his speech, Momen said anyone who wants to come and observe the election is welcome.
He referred to the last election in his constituency which was observed by former US Ambassador Earl Miller who did not find anything wrong.
The Foreign Minister also invited the US Ambassador Haas and his team to observe the coming elections as they are keen to improve any weaknesses or any gap.
Momen noted that the US has been an important partner in Bangladesh’s journey towards development.
Noting that the Indo-Pacific Strategy is one of the key initiatives in Asia and the Pacific, he hoped that Bangladesh and the USA will work together to make this region a peaceful one and create a conducive environment that will bring benefits for all countries.
The seminar was chaired by BIISS Chairman Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain while its Director General Major General Mohammad Maksudur Rahman delivered the welcome remarks.
Prof Ruksana Kibria of Department of International Relations at DU talked on the topic titled “The evolving Bangladesh- US relations” while Brig. General (Retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, Senior Fellow, South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance, North-South University and former Election Commissioner of Bangladesh, made a presentation on “Bangladesh-US Partnership for Enhanced Security in South Asia”.
Ambassador Humayun Kabir, President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) talked about “Contemporary Dynamics of Bangladesh-US relations and the Way Forward.”
The presentations were followed by the remarks of designated discussant Ambassador Tariq A. Karim, Director, Center for Bay of Bengal Studies, Independent University Bangladesh.
Maksudur Rahman said that after the establishment of diplomatic ties on 04 April 1972, Bangladesh-US relations have gradually evolved into a partnership which has multidimensional aspects including trade, energy cooperation, infrastructure development, ICT, human resource development, security cooperation, etc.
Also read:Danish Crown Princess Mary to meet PM, visit Rohingya camps
Despite growing cooperation, there arose some issues which, according to him, can be resolved through continuous dialogues and discussions.
Kazi Imtiaz Hossain said Bangladesh-US relations have come a long way which is based on bilateral cooperation, mutual trust and respect for each other.
The solid foundation of diplomatic relations between the two countries gives a glimpse of a prosperous future in coming decades, he said.
Hossain acknowledged the support of the US to Bangladesh in managing the Rohingya crisis since 2017 which helped the latter in providing life-saving assistance to over a million Rohingyas.
He, however, called for more support from the US in normalizing the situation in Myanmar and thereby creating an environment for safe repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Senior officials from different ministries of government, ambassadors and high commissioners, former diplomats, senior military officials, media, academia, representatives from different international organizations and students from different universities participated in the seminar.
Momen briefs Blinken about “transparent” election process
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has briefed his US counterpart Antony Blinken about Bangladesh’s “transparent and independent” election commission apparently suggesting him to encourage BNP to take part in the election process.
“Bring them (BNP) to the election process to follow the rules and procedures of the country,” he told Blinken during their bilateral meeting at the US Department of State on Monday.
While talking to reporters after the meeting in Washington, Momen said he conveyed to the US side that there is a good election process and system in Bangladesh and all parties except one (BNP) join the elections that are transparent, free and fair.
The foreign minister said the BNP must go to the people and take part in the voting process. “We’ve a fair system. We’ve an Election Commission. They’re (EC) independent and during the election they are the boss.”
Also read: It’s time to look beyond energy sector: Momen tells Blinken, seeking 'rock-solid' ties
Momen said if they (BNP) are really committed to democracy they should participate in the election process. “They’re welcome if they want to do elections.”
The FM said the mayor in his city (Sylhet) is from BNP and they are very comfortably working together.
Momen referred to weaknesses of US democracy though the United States is among the oldest modern democracies.
Whereas, he said Bangladesh is a country of 50 years with 18 years of military-backed governments. The foreign minister said the vast population in Bangladesh cast their votes in the elections while the number is very few in the US.
Momen said elections are being held at various levels in Bangladesh since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power.
The foreign minister raised the issue of sheltering Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and reiterated Bangladesh’s call to handover him to Bangladesh.
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Momen discussed the tremendous economic potential of the relationship and reflected on the ways they have collaborated over the last half century – including growing our people-to-people ties with our vibrant Fulbright exchange.
Also read: Bangladesh, US relations to reach new heights: Blinken to Momen
They also highlighted ongoing cooperation to address the climate crisis, meet the needs of Rohingya victims of genocide, and promote regional security through UN peacekeeping operations.
Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the importance of protecting human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of religion as the basis for safe and prosperous democratic societies.
Lawmaker Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary (West) Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and Bangladesh Ambassador to the US M Shahidul Islam accompanied Foreign Minister Momen at the meeting.
Gain people's trust, don’t use EVM: what noted citizens told EC in a nutshell
Noted personalities on Tuesday asked the new Election Commission headed by Kazi Habibul Awal to gain public trust through their impartial works and not use Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) in the election.
They came up with the suggestions while joining the EC’s dialogue held at the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Some 19 persons out of 39 invitees attended the talks.
“Now the challenge is to restore confidence in the election management... Arrange fair elections using experiences. Set an example by working with fortitude and keep up the courage to resign if obstacles come,” said noted economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya at the talks.
Read: National govt needed to create election atmosphere: Zafrullah
Describing the use of EVM as a very controversial matter, he said it would be better to stay away from it. “EVM may complicate the situation further in future. EVM should not be used at risk,” said Dr Bhattacharya.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman asked the EC to place necessary legal reform proposals to restore public trust and arrange participatory and neutral elections after objective analysis of the existing laws and rules. In this case, a proposal can be considered so that it would be possible to reach a compromise over controversial matters like joining elections and remaining as the election-time government and public representatives, he said.
“The practices of allegiance to the State must be established, shunning the psychological position for allegiance to the government,” said Dr Iftekharuzzaman.
He said restoration of the constitutional status of the Election Commission and attainment of public confidence depend on how the constitutional body proves itself as an institution of the state, not of the government.
Former cabinet secretary Ali Imam Majumder said the voters have become reluctant for election due to the EC’s questionable role in the past. “It was not possible to hold a neutral election under a partisan government. The government failed to prove that the elections were fair by holding the last two elections under a partisan government,” he said.
CPD distinguished fellow Prof Mustafizur Rahman said, “If you use EVM, you will face questions. Arrange a fair and neutral election.”
Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank Mohammed Farashuddin said since EVM is a controversial one, it should not be used before the removal of controversy.
Founder of Gonoshasthaya Kendra Zafrullah Chowdhury said the present commission faces a trust deficit a little bit due to the search committee as it didn’t disclose all names it proposed for appointment as CEC and Election Commissioners.
Questions arose over two commissioners as one is the former secretary of Nurul Huda-led commission and another is son-in-law of an Awami League leader, he said.
Read:New CEC urges all political parties to take part in elections to strengthen democracy
Zafrullah Chowdhury suggested the EC take bold steps for fair elections and speak truth.
Besides, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam, writer Mohiuddin Ahmad, Prof Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, Prof Robaet Ferdous, former secretaries Abu Alam Md Shahid Khan and Abdul Latif Mondal, Chairman of Leadership Studies Foundation Dr Sinha MA Sayeed, Coordinator at Nijera Kori Khushi Kabir and general secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples' Forum Sanjeeb Drong, among others, attended the dialogue.
The new election commission sat in its first talks with educationists on March 13 last after taking over the charge in the mid-February last.
Work impartially with courage, President urges EC
President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday called upon the Election Commission to discharge its duties with courage and impartiality.
The president made the call when the Election Commissioners led by the new Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal called on him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.
Election commissioners Brigadier General (Retd) Ahsan Habib Khan, Rashida Sultana, Mohammad Alamgir and Anisur Rahman were present.
Hamid said elections are very important in the democratic process and the role of Election Commission is crucial in this .
He said that proper exercise of power is very important for proper discharge of duty.
President Hamid hoped that all elections, including the national elections, would be fair and acceptable under the supervision of the new EC.
READ: President calls for more US investment in Bangladesh
The president said that all political parties, including the executive branch, have to play a responsible role in ensuring a fair and acceptable election.
Secretary to the President's Office Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Press Secretary Joynal Abedin, and Election Commission Secretary Humayun Kabir Khandaker were present.
New CEC, four ECs take oath
Newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal and four election commissioners took oath of office on Sunday afternoon.
Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique administered the oath at the Judges’ Lounge of the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Registrar General Md Ali Akbar moderated the function.
President Md Abdul Hamid on Saturday appointed former Senior Secretary Kazi Habibul Awal as the CEC as well as four others --District and Session Judge (Retd) Begum Rashida Sultana, Brig Gen (Retd) Ahsan Habib Khan, Senior Secretary (Retd) M Alamgir and Senior Secretary (Retd) Anisur Rahman as the election commissioners.
The new Election Commission, constituted for the first time under a law in line with the Constitution, will take charge of office on Monday.
The immediate past commission, headed by KM Nurul Huda, completed its five year tenure on February 14 last.
Read: President appoints former defence secretary Kazi Habibul Awal as the new CEC
Kazi Habibul Awal went on retirement as defence secretary in January, 2015.
The new election commission was also formed through a search committee as was done in case of the last two commissions in 2017 and 2012.
The search committee, headed by Justice Oabidul Hassan of the Appellate Division, proposed 10 names –two against each post— for the appointment of CEC and ECs.
President Abdul Hamid received the 10 names on Thursday last.
Earlier, the search committee sought the names for the EC’s constitution from registered political parties. But BNP and several others did not send any names.
The committee also held a series of meetings with eminent citizens, civil society representatives and media personalities in this regard.
The newly formed Kazi Habibul Awal-led Election Commission will face the challenge to conduct the 12th parliamentary elections to be held in late 2023 or early 2024.
The five-year tenure of the incumbent parliament will expire on January 28, 2024. But the general election shall be held within 90 days before the expiry of Parliament.
President Hamid receives 10 names for EC proposed by search committee
President Abdul Hamid on Thursday received the names of 10 individuals recommended by the search committee to be appointed in the next five-member Election Commission at Bangabhaban.
The president will now review the names to pick five from among them for appointment as chief election commissioner and four other commissioners, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said.
Two names have been proposed for each post.
Also read: Disclose 10 final names: Shujan to Search Committee
He said the chosen names will soon be published through gazette notification.