United News of Bangladesh

The ruling BNP and the 11-party opposition alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, submitted nomination papers for their respective candidates to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Thursday for the presidential election slated for August 20. BNP filed a nomination paper for its candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while the 11-party combine submitted two nomination papers for its candidate Col (retd) Oli Ahmad. A BNP delegation, led by its Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, submitted the nomination paper to CEC AMM Nasir Uddin, who is serving as the returning officer of the presidential election, in the Nirbachan Bhaban at 2:24pm. In the nomination paper, Moyeen Khan is the proposer of Mirza Fakhrul while Gayeshwar Chandra Roy is the seconder. As BNP has an absolute majority in Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul is widely expected to be elected by the MPs in the race for Bangabhaban, the President’s official residence and office. Earlier, BNP announced party's Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul as its presidential candidate. The announcement came after a high-level meeting of the party with its Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Meanwhile, Mirza Fakhrul resigned from the post of BNP secretary general and the party's Standing Committee. The delegation members include BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, whips Miah Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, GK Gouse, ABM Ashraf Uddin (Nizan), Rakibul Islam and Akhtaruzzaman Miah, BNP joint secretaries general Habib Un-Nabi Khan Sohel and Abdus Salam Azad. Meanwhile, two separate delegations of the 11-party alliance submitted as many nomination papers for its presidential candidate Oli Ahmad to the CEC. In the first nomination paper, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman proposed Oli Ahmad as the presidential candidate, while National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Abdullah Al Amin seconded the proposal. In the second nomination paper, NCP lawmaker Mahmuda Alam Mitu is the proposer while Jamaat lawmaker Abdul Baten is the seconder. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed later confirmed that three nomination papers were submitted for the presidential election – one for Mirza Fakhrul and two for Oli Ahmad. Addressing a press briefing after the deadline for submission of nomination papers expired, he said the nomination papers will be scrutinised from 10am on August 16, with a representative from the Parliament Secretariat present to verify the signatures of the candidates’ proposers and seconders. Replying to a question over two nomination papers filed for Oli Ahmad, the EC secretary said, “We will scrutinise them. If the first one is rejected, we will scrutinise the second one.” After submitting Mirza Fakhrul’s nomination paper, BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy welcomed the participation of the 11-party alliance in the presidential election. “We welcome them. This is by no means an election merely to fulfil a formality. What is supposed to happen under the Constitution and the RPO is happening. Everything is being done by following the rules,” he said. Chief Whip Nurul Islam said, “The beauty of democracy is that we are contesting and being elected.” He said the current Parliament was formed through a neutral election after 17 years of movement and BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to fulfil the expectations of the people. Following the submission of the first nomination paper, Jamaat leader AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad said the 11-party alliance is contesting the presidential election despite lacking a majority in Parliament in order to uphold the “beauty of democracy” and restore democratic practices to the right track. “We want to create a new trend in democratic practice in Bangladesh,” he said. “This is not about whether we will win or lose. We do not want any election to be held without contest. That is the beauty of democracy. We have taken this decision to restore democracy to the right track,” he added. Describing Oli Ahmad as a decorated freedom fighter, Azad said he is a nationally respected figure who has remained above controversy and made significant contributions to the country over a long period. “The nation is viewing this positively and appreciating the decision of our 11-party alliance,” he said. However, the Jamaat leader said constitutional provisions (Article 70 of the Constitution that bars MPs to cross the floor) has created an obstacle to democratic practice in the presidential election. Under Article 70 of the Constitution, lawmakers cannot vote against their party’s decision. The 11-party alliance delegation members include Jamaat MPs Nurul Islam Bulbul, Nazibur Rahman and Mardia Momtaz, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, NCP MPs Abdullah Al Amin and Mahmuda, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party Vice-President Rashed Pradhan. The EC on August 6 announced the schedule for the presidential election, fixing August 20 for voting. The CEC convened a meeting of the Members of Parliament (MPs) at the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban for voting from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on August 20. According to the election schedule, the last date for withdrawal of candidature is August 18. A total of 349 MPs are voters in the presidential election as the Chattogram-4 parliamentary seat remains vacant. The voters include 247 BNP lawmakers, 77 Jamaat MPs, eight NCP lawmakers, eight independent MPs, three Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, and one each from Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, Khilafat Majlis, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. Four parliamentary parties – Jamaat, NCP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party – are the components of the 11-party alliance, giving the coalition a combined strength of 89 votes. This will be the first presidential election in 35 years, which is going to involve more than one candidate. So, the voting is set to be held in the presidential election after 1991. On July 24 last, Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as President and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad took charge as the acting President. According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, an election to fill the vacant office of the President must be held within 90 days of the post becoming vacant due to resignation.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday stressed the need for reshuffling  the education system to upgrade the quality of the higher education of the country to the international level.  He said this when a delegation led by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Maqsood Kamal paid a courtesy call on the president at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the vice-chancellor informed the president about the overall affairs of Dhaka University.  Hasan Mahmud holds meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval He said that a master plan has been formulated for the overall development of the university and it will be implemented in three phases over 15 years. “As a result, there will be major changes in the development of the university's academic and residential infrastructure.” The president said emphasis should be given on research to make higher education meaningful. Pointing out that the world situation is rapidly changing as a result of the revolutionary development of information technology, he said the overall education programme should be adjusted to keep pace with the changing world and enable the students to highlight their skills and capabilities in the global platforms. Chevron and partners provide free reconstructive surgery to 69 patients in Sylhet’s Jalalabad During the meeting, secretary of the president's office Sampad Barua, military secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam and secretary Wahidul Islam Khan( attachment) were also present.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday asked the Election Commission to play a responsible role with courage and sincerity to make the next general election fair by following the constitutional rules and norms. He made the call when a delegation of the Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, met him, said President's press secretary Joynal Abedin. During the meeting, the CEC informed the president about the overall preparations for the upcoming 12th national election. Read: President Mohammed Shahabuddin returns home from Singapore  The president said the democratic trend will have to be upheld in order to continue the development of the country. Noting that it is not possible for the Election Commission alone to conduct an election in a fair manner, the president said active cooperation from the people including the executive department is required for a fair and nice election. “Political parties should come forward in this regard,” he said. President Sahabuddin hoped that the government would extend full cooperation to the Election Commission to complete the upcoming national parliamentary elections in fair and nice manners. Read: President Shahabuddin recovering well in Singapore, doing official work: Bangabhaban People elect their representatives through elections, and the expectations of people are fulfilled through representatives, he said. Election Commissioners and secretaries to the president were present on the occasion.

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Thursday said the Election Commission is determined to hold the next general election in the stipulated time and procedures as its constitutional obligation. “We told (President Mohammed Shahabuddin) that we, the Election Commission, are determined to hold the election in the stipulated time and fixed method as per the constitutional responsibility and obligation bestowed upon us,” he said. Read: CEC briefs President Shahabuddin about preparations for upcoming national elections  The CEC said this while talking to reporters after an EC delegation headed by him met President Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban here in the city. He said they informed the president about their (EC’s) overall preparation taken for holding the upcoming national election. The President expressed satisfaction about their preparations and assured them of extending his cooperation if necessary. Read: EC has to hold election on time, no matter what the situation is: CEC says after meeting US ambassador “He (the President) assured that he would always be ready to extend any sort of assistance and cooperation for the sake of a free election,” said Habibul Awal. In response, the EC said if needed, they would seek his (President’s) cooperation. “He (The President) said the democratic and constitutional continuation will have to be upheld at any cost,” said the CEC. He said they told the president that they continue seeking cooperation tirelessly from all political parties, the government and the people. “We assured him that we are optimistic that we will be able to complete the upcoming parliamentary elections in time as per the constitutional obligation amid cooperation from all (stakeholders),” he added. About the tentative election schedule, the CEC said they informed the president that the election is very imminent. The election will have to be held before January 29 next. “But we still have not made a complete decision (over the schedule),” he said. Read: Whether conditions favourable or not, election to go ahead: CEC  “We will take the final decision over the schedule through discussion among us (election commissioners). We’ll announce the election schedule soon,” he added.   In reply to a question if any talks were held to hold dialogues to dispose of the political dispute, the CEC replied in negative saying that no such discussion was held.  

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Thursday briefed President Mohammed Shahabuddin about overall preparations for the upcoming national elections. The Election Commission has already held dialogue with some political parties to hold a free and fair election due in December or first week of January next. No trace of Khulna Chhatra Dal president in 48 hours since alleged detention Necessary instructions have been given to the executive department and others concerned to ensure the smooth conduct of the election, the CEC informed the president. President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told a briefing after the meeting. Earlier, a delegation of the Election Commission led by the CEC called on the president at Bangabhaban. Elections are the most important means of reflecting people's opinions in the democratic process, said the president at the time. People elect their representatives through elections, and the expectations of the people are fulfilled through representatives, he said. Noting that fair and participatory elections strengthen democracy, the president said democracy and development go hand in hand. President Shahabuddin said the country's democratic trend needs further development. Noting that it is not possible for the Election Commission to hold a fair election alone, the president said a free and fair election requires the active cooperation of the people, including the executives. Political parties have to come forward for this purpose, he said. President Mohammed Shahabuddin returns home from Singapore He hoped that the government would provide all-out support to the Election Commission to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming parliamentary elections. He urged the commission to play a responsible role with bravery and sincerity by following the constitutional norms, rules, and regulations to make the election fair. President to return home from Singapore tomorrow Election commissioners and secretaries to the president were present on the occasion.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will return home from Singapore on November 1. President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB that the president's physical condition was examined this morning at the National University Hospital in Singapore. President Shahabuddin recovering well in Singapore, doing official work: Bangabhaban After reviewing the report, the doctors expressed satisfaction with the progress of his physical condition, he also said. President  Shahabuddin released from National University Hospital of Singapore Later, a board meeting of doctors was formed to review the president's medical and physical condition after the surgery. Considering various reports and physical condition, the opinion was expressed that the president  can travel by plane within November 1. President's health condition improves in Singapore The president's bypass surgery was successfully completed at the National University Hospital of Singapore on October 18.

Opposing the nomination process of the country’s new President by the Awami League’s Parliamentary Party (ALPP), Nagorik Oikya convenor Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Monday said it has manifested that the Prime Minister alone can appoint the head of the state.  “An indecent incident has happened this time. One thing is manifested that the Prime Minister can appoint the President. Taking a resolution (in the ALPP meeting), it was said that she (PM) would nominate whomever she thinks,” he said. Manna also said there should have a minimum decorum like election and voting in nominating the president…“But all these things were trampled. This shows how arbitrary a person can be. It has also demonstrated that they will do the same thing to win the next polls.” He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting between the liaison committees of the BNP and the Ganatantra Mancha at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office. Earlier on February 7, the ALPP unanimously gave AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the power to nominate the party’s candidate for president. Read: Md Shahabuddin declared elected president of Bangladesh: Gazette Awami League on Sunday submitted the papers to the Election Commission (EC) nominating Mohammed Shahabuddin, a retired district judge, a former commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, and a member of the AL Advisory Council, as its presidential candidate. On Monday, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal announced that ruling party nominee Shahabuddin was elected unopposed. Later, the EC issued a gazette notification declaring Md Shahabuddin the 22nd president-elect of the country. Sought his reaction in this regard, BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku declined to make any comment. “Our reaction will come from our party. I can’t give a reaction from this meeting (of liaison committee).” “I can only say many possible things can be impossible and many impossible things can be possible in a country that is run by one individual,” Tuku said. Earlier, the leaders of the BNP and Ganatantra Mancha had an hour-long meeting where they discussed the ongoing simultaneous movement and assessed the programmes they have so far observed.

Md Shahabuddin Chuppu, who is set to become the next President of Bangladesh, is a lawyer by profession and a member of the Advisory Council of Bangladesh Awami League. Md Shahabuddin was born in Pabna in 1949 and was one of the first members of Pabna district Chhatra League, Awami League’s student wing. He would eventually become the unit’s president. In 1971, he was the convenor of the Swadhin Bangla Chhatra Sangram Parishad in Pabna, and took part in Liberation War. He became the president of the Pabna district Jubo League in 1974. Read More: Md Shahabuddin Chuppu set to become country’s next president He was imprisoned following the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. He was later appointed as the Law Ministry’s coordinator in the Bangabandhu assassination case. In 1982, he joined the BCS (Judicial) Department, and in 1995, he was elected General Secretary of the Judicial Service Association. He served as the chairman of the Judicial Inquiry Commission, which investigated murders, rapes, thefts, and other crimes by BNP-Jamaat alliance’s activists and leaders following the 2001 general election. He also worked as a District and Sessions Judge and retired in 2006. He was a commissioner at Anti-Corruption Commission from 2011 to 2016. Also Read: ‘Everything is Allah’s will’: Md Shahabuddin, set to become next President of Bangladesh In the previous National Council of Bangladesh Awami League, he served as election commissioner. He earned his LLB from Rajshahi University in 1975, and completed his MSc from the same institution. Md Shahabuddin’s wife Prof Dr Rebecca Sultana, is a former joint secretary of the government. According to the schedule, the presidential election will be held on February 19 as the tenure of incumbent President Abdul Hamid nears an end. The final date for submitting nomination papers was February 12 and those will be reviewed on February 13, as per the EC. The commission set February 14 as the final date for withdrawing nominations. Voting will be held at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban from 2 pm to 5 pm on February 19. According to the constitution, a new president has to be elected within 90 to 60 days prior to the end of the incumbent president's tenure. The previous presidential election schedule was announced on January 25, 2018. Abdul Hamid was elected president unopposed for the second term on February 6 though the election was slated for February 18. President Hamid is set to complete his tenure on April 23 this year

 “Everything is Allah’s will,” Md Shahabuddin Chuppu, who is set to be the next President of Bangladesh, said today. “There is no reaction now.  This is Almighty Allah’s will,” Md Shahabuddin told reporters after submitting his nomination paper at the Election Commission. Md Shahabuddin, a retired district and sessions judge, had served as a commissioner at the Anti-Corruption Commission. “Two applications have been submitted to the office of the Chief Election Commissioner and Presidential Election Officer at 11:00am and 11:05am. These two applications will be scrutinized tomorrow (Monday) at 1pm. The Chief Election Officer will inform you tomorrow after scrutinizing the nomination papers”, said Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam. An Awami League team, led by the party’s general secretary Obaidul Quader, went to the Election Commission to submit the nomination paper of its presidential candidate. The delegation members included AL Presidium members Mohammad Faruk Khan, Jahangir Kabir, and Abdur Rahman, AL Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud, Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury Liton, AL Information and Research Secretary Dr. Salim Mahmud, AL office secretary Biplab Barua, AL publicity and publication secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap. Also Read: Md Shahabuddin Chuppu set to become country’s next president According to the schedule, the presidential election will be held on February 19 as the tenure of incumbent President Abdul Hamid nears an end. The final date for submitting nomination papers was February 12 and those will be reviewed on February 13, as per the EC. The commission set February 14 as the final date for withdrawing nominations. Voting will be held at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban from 2 pm to 5 pm on February 19. According to the constitution, a new president has to be elected within 90 to 60 days prior to the end of the incumbent president's tenure. The previous presidential election schedule was announced on January 25, 2018. Abdul Hamid was elected president unopposed for the second term on February 6 though the election was slated for February 18. President Hamid is set to complete his tenure on April 23 this year

The newly appointed judges of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh met the President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban this evening. The newly appointed judges are Justice Mohammad Shawkat Ullah Chowdhury, Justice Md Atabullah, Justice Biswajit Debnath, Justice Md Aminul Islam, Justice Md Ali Reza, Justice Md Bazlur Rahman, Justice KM Imrul Kayesh, Justice Fahmida Quader, Justice Md Bashir Ullah, Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolan and Justice AKM Rabiul Hasan. President's Press Secretary Zainal Abedin said in the briefing that  congratulating the new judges of the High Court, President Hamid hoped that the new judges would utilize their talent and experience so that the people get justice quickly. Mentioning the high expectations of the people towards the judiciary, the President stressed on increasing the use of modern technology in the judicial process to meet the expectations of the people. Secretaries of the President were present at this time. Also read: Chief Justice presents annual report on JSC to President Hamid