United News of Bangladesh

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday handed over 30 desktop computers to the Electoral Training Institute (ETI), reinforcing institutional capacity for electoral training and knowledge management in Bangladesh. It said as Bangladesh enters the post-election phase, the focus shifts to consolidating gains, capturing lessons learned, and preparing for upcoming local elections. In this effort, the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) ETI serves as the central hub for building the capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission. Candidates must submit election expense returns by mid-March: EC Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh Stefan Liller said UNDP stands ready to continue supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission, building on recent achievements to strengthen the institution and preparing for what comes next, including the upcoming local elections. The ceremony took place at BEC’s office marks a strategic shift in UNDP’s engagement from supporting electoral delivery to strengthening post-election institutional resilience, said UNDP. It follows the successful conduct of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Elections on 12 February 2026, which underscored the operational leadership and professionalism of the BEC, said the UN agency. The elections were held peacefully, reflecting enhanced institutional capacities developed through sustained technical assistance under the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation (DRIP) and BALLOT projects. Bogura-6, Sherpur-3 by-election to by April 14: EC Masud The new IT equipment will help modernize ETI’s training systems enabling digital learning, simulation-based training, and stronger data management to support continuous, institutionalized learning across the electoral cycle. Attending as the chief guest, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, Election Commissioner of Bangladesh said, “Today’s handover marks an important milestone in strengthening our post-election capacity. It shows that when national institutions and international partners work together with mutual respect and shared goals, meaningful progress is not only possible, but also sustainable.” Chaired by Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, Director General, Electoral Training Institute, the handover ceremony was also attended by K M Ali Newaz, Additional Secretary, Election Commission Secretariat, Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP and Andres Castillo, Chief Technical Adviser, UN Electoral Assistance, DRIP and BALLOT along with many others. UNDP’s electoral assistance in Bangladesh is supported by key development partners, including the Governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The Election Commission will observe the National Voter Day 2026 on March 2 (Monday) with the theme of ‘Empowered Voters, Liberated Democracy’ in Bangladesh. The 8th national voter day will be observed in the capital, divisional cities, district towns and Upazila headquarters across the country. The EC is preparing to mark the day amid festivity like previous years. Bogura-6, Sherpur-3 by-election to by April 14: EC Masud Some 570 committees, including eight divisional, two regional (Faridpur and Cumilla), 64 district and 495 upazila-level ones, have been formed to celebrate the day, said the EC officials. The 8th national voter day will be observed on March 2, 2026. This time the theme of the voter day is --Power of voters, restoration of democracy,” said EC Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mollik on Wednesday. To mark the day, the EC Secretariat will arrange a discussion at its auditorium in the city’s Agargaon area alongside other programmes on Monday next. Manikganj Election: 13 candidates lose deposits as BNP sweeps 3 seats Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will be present as the chief guest in the event. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Sanaullah will be present in the discussion to be presided over by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. National Voter Day was introduced in 2019 following a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on April 8 April, 2018. But the cabinet on January 15, 2020 issued another notification to observe the day on March 2 every year instead of March 01, cancelling the previous notification.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the decision on whether local government elections will be held under party symbols will be taken in Parliament. “It will be decided in the Parliament,” he said when asked whether local government polls would be held with party symbols. Fakhrul came up with the remarks while talking to reporters at the Secretariat after newly appointed administrators of six city corporations joined their offices. Local government elections to be held ‘in due time’: Fakhrul Since government officials had previously been assigned to oversee city corporations, the government believes political appointees would be able to deliver better services to the people. “If political persons are in charge, people will receive services more effectively. That is our belief. That is why we have appointed political individuals as administrators. This will increase engagement with citizens,” he added. When asked for his personal opinion as an experienced politician and minister on holding local polls with party symbols, he said there was no scope for personal views. “We have a party decision and we will act accordingly,” the BNP leader said. BNP’s Nayapaltan office springs back to life with Fakhrul’s visit Responding to a question about whether the issue would be decided in the first session of Parliament scheduled to begin on March 12, he replied, “Of course.” The minister said elections will begin in local government bodies whose terms have already expired. “There is a possibility that two elections may be held before those in Dhaka. Others whose tenure has ended will also go to polls first,” he added. Regarding the timeframe for completing the local government elections, he said it is a continuous process. “It cannot be said right now. Elections will be held in phases. Local government elections are a continuous process—when one body’s tenure ends, elections are held, whether it is a union parishad or an upazila,” he said. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said political administrators would be able to perform better than bureaucrats due to their closer engagement with the public. He said political administrators have been appointed to make inactive local government bodies functional. After joining office, the six newly appointed administrators pledged to work on mosquito control, traffic congestion, road repairs and other civic issues to reduce public suffering. They said they would undertake a 60-day action plan to ensure improved service delivery.

Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali, Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), on Wednesday said the police have delivered a free, fair and widely acceptable election with the highest level of sincerity and dedication. He made the remarks while addressing DMP members as the chair at the monthly crime review meeting for January 2026, held at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh of the capital. Thanking all police members, the DMP Commissioner said they performed their duties with neutrality and professionalism during the election, enabling the police to restore its lost glory. DMP issues traffic guidelines for oath-taking ceremony He directed all concerned to continue working to uphold and maintain this image of the police in the coming days. Speaking at the meeting, Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Md Sarwar said traffic congestion intensifies before iftar during the month of Ramadan. He instructed all concerned to perform their duties properly to ease traffic congestion so that people can return home in time for iftar, and urged everyone to comply with traffic laws. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam said several major events are approaching, including February 21 and the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. He also directed all concerned to remain alert so that incidents of theft or snatching do not occur in any way, particularly during taravih prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. No fear as voting proceeds peacefully despite rumours: DMP Commissioner At the monthly crime meeting, the DMP Commissioner also awarded officers of different ranks from various units of the DMP in several categories in recognition of their outstanding work in maintaining law and order, controlling crime and ensuring public safety in Dhaka during January.

The Election Commission will hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats – Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3— soon after Ramadan. “We don’t want any election in (the month of) Ramandan. We’ll arrange by-elections to the vacant parliamentary seats soon after the Eid-ul Fitr,” Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told UNB on Wednesday. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 and he was elected from the two seats. But Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election and took oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency.   EC bars no party from joining election: EC Masud Besides, the EC on February 04 last cancelled the election to Sherpur-3 constituency, following the death of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal. The elections to 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) were held on February 12. The EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates on February 12, keeping the election result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies withheld in line with the court’s decisions. On Tuesday, 296 newly elected MPs took oath as Tarique Rahman who was elected from two constituencies left Bogura-6 for by-election. National election likely by year end or early 2026: EC Masud The 296 newly MPs include 208 BNP ones, 68 Jamaat MPs, seven independent MPs and six NCP MPs, two Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, one MP each of Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Ganaodhikar Parishad, Ganasamhati Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election will be remembered as a ‘role model’ in the country’s electoral history, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday. Speaking at a farewell reception at the Police Headquarters, he praised the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring what he described as a peaceful and credible vote. “The elections have been appreciated both at home and abroad for the neutral, responsible and unique role played by the Army, Police, RAB, Ansar, BGB and Coast Guard,” he said. President Sahabuddin to administer oath to new cabinet members: Cabinet Secretary The adviser expressed gratitude to members of the security forces for their contribution to the smooth conduct of the National Election and Referendum 2026, which he said had drawn international recognition. Chowdhury also said the status of the police force had been restored ‘to a respectable level’ through collective efforts, following the challenges it faced after August 5, 2024. He urged officers to continue strengthening the professional image of the force. Addressing recruitment practices under the interim government, he said there had been no corruption in appointments to various agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He described the process as transparent and rare in the country’s history. “I can assure you that at least my office did not lobby for these appointments.” Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam delivered the welcome address at the event. Among those present were Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, RAB (SIF) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman and other senior officials. Earlier, the Home Adviser attended similar farewell receptions organised by the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Immigration and Passport Department, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

  Dhaka, Feb 15 (UNB) - Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) on Sunday said Bangladesh’s Election Day confidence gains will be sustained only if post-election governance focuses on a transitional justice process towards reconciliation grounded with rule-based accountability. ANFREL in its interim assessment also mentioned enforceable political and campaign finance oversight, clear complaint mechanisms, and reforms that reduce incentives for patronage, coercion, and recurring political upheaval. The governance context remains central to long-term confidence, said the Asia’s Bangkok-based first regional network of civil society organisations focused on elections and election monitoring. Bangladesh’s 2026 parliamentary elections and referendum took place in a transition context shaped by the July 2024 youth-led uprising and amidst heightened public scrutiny of state institutions. Against that backdrop, ANFREL observed an Election Day environment that was generally peaceful, orderly, and safe in the areas covered. This was a product of the Bangladesh Election Commission’s visible operational planning and its coordination with security forces, including risk-based deployments and the use of transparency measures such as centralized monitoring and technology-enabled oversight. These efforts helped stabilise polling operations and contributed to public confidence in the conduct of voting on Election Day. It said the suspension of the former ruling party Awami League continued to shape perceptions of inclusiveness and political competition, while the referendum result strengthened expectations for credible follow-through on reform commitments under the July Charter. The presence of both domestic and international observers was widely regarded by stakeholders as an important confidence-building measure and a safeguard for electoral transparency. However, observer organisations were required to secure both accreditations from the Bangladesh Election Commission and prior operational clearance for funded activities. Observer identification cards were issued only shortly before polling, preventing systematic observation of voter registration, campaigning, and dispute resolution processes. As a result, observation focused mainly on Election Day processes, with limited opportunity for transparency measures across earlier phases of the electoral cycle. Establishing timely accreditation, recognizing long-term and short-term observation, and enabling monitoring across the pre-election, Election Day, and post-election phases would strengthen public oversight, deter violations, and reinforce confidence in future elections, said the organisation.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar on Sunday said the 13th parliamentary election and referendum were conducted more successfully than expected. “We feel more successful than expected. Overall, we are satisfied with the election. We are satisfied with the percentage, the vote management, and all of your cooperation,” he said while talking to reporters in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. About the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance’s demand for a recount of votes in 32 constituencies, Anwar said the election teams working in the field carried out the preparation of results with utmost efficiency and professionalism. Election schedule to be announced in early Dec: Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam He said a large number of drones and helicopters were deployed, while body-worn cameras and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed at almost every polling centre. “In such a situation, everything was as clear as a mirror. From here, we made our best effort to monitor which information was correct and which was false.” The Election Commission said whenever any incident came to their notice, they tried to address the matter and resolve it. Asked whether the Commission would accept the demand for a recount, he said the claims would require proper examination. “The law has given them the opportunity to place any election-related complaint before the High Court.” 59.44 percent votes cast in national election:EC About the gazette publication, he said EC officials worked day and night to prepare the gazette of the newly elected members of parliament, adding that it was published in due time.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 49.97 percent, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami gained 31.76 percent of total votes cast in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 last. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP obtained 3.05percent votes, Islami Andolan Bangladesh pocketed 2.70 percent votes, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish gained 2.09 percent and Jatiya Party got only 0.89percent, according to the statistics of the Election Commission. In the election, 274 independent contestants bagged 5.79 percent votes. A total of 77,695,023 votes (out of 127 million voters) were cast in the 299 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) in the referendum and the national election held on Thursday last. But the EC released unofficial election results of 297 constituencies on Friday last and kept the result of Chattogram-2 and 4 withheld in line with the court orders. In the election, BNP secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Jamaat won in 68 seats, NCP in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. BNP candidates contested the polls from 290 seats, while Jamaat in 227 seats, IAB in 257 seats, Jatiya Party in 199 seats, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in 34 seats and NCP in 32 seats in the February-12 elections held in 299 out of 300 constituencies as the election in Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. A total of 50 political parties out of 59 registered ones participated in the election, but only five parties – BNP, Jamaat, NCP, IAB and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish-- secured at least one percent votes. We recognise overall election outcome: Jamaat Ameer   The other participant parties include Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party (gained 0.28pc of total votes, it had 30 candidates), Aamjanatar Dal (0.01pc votes, 15 candidates), Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh (0.03pc votes, 42 candidates), Islami Front Bangladesh (0.08pc votes, 20 candidates), Islami Oikyajote (0.00pc votes, two candidates), Khelafat Majlish (0.76pc votes, 20 candidates), Ganaodhikar Parishad (0.33pc votes, 94 candidates), Ganatantri Party (0.00pc, 1 candidate), Ganafront (0.00pc, 5 candidates), Gonoforum (0.01pc, 20 candidates), Ganasamhati Andolan (0.14pc, 17 candidates), Zaker Party (0.02pc, five candidates), Jagpa (0.00pc, one candidate ), Jatiya Party-JP (0.04pc, 10 candidates), JSD (0.04pc, 28 candidates), NDM (0.00pc, eight candidates),  Janatar Dal (0.05pc, 20 candidates), Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh (0.47pc, four candidates), NPP (0.01pc, 22 candidates), Nagorik Oikya (0.01pc, 11 candidates),  Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod (0.02pc, 15 candidates), Bangladesh Islami Front (0.45pc, 25 candidates), Bangladesh Congress (0.01pc, 19 candidates), Bangladesh Kalyan Party (0.0pc, two candidates), Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan (0.01pc, seven candidates), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish (2.09pc, 34 candidates), Bangladesh Jatiya Party (0.00pc, six candidates), Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (0.14pc, two candidates), Bangladesh Development Party (0.17pc votes, two candidates) and Bangladesh NAP (0.01pc, one candidate). The remaining participant parties are BNF (0.00pc, eight candidates), Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party (0.04pc, three candidates), Bangladesh Minority Janata Party-BMJP (0.01pc, eight candidates), Bangladesh Muslim League (0.01pc, 17 candidates), Bangladesh Muslim League-BML (0.00pc, three candidates), Bangladesh Republican Party-BRP (0.02pc, 14 candidates), Bangladesh Labour Party (0.01pc votes, 17 candidates), Bangladesh Supreme Party (0.04pc, 18 candidates), Bangladesh Samaodhikar Party-BEP (0.00pc, one candidate), Muktijot (0.01pc, 20 candidates), Communist Party of Bangladesh-CPB (0.08pc, 63 candidates), Bangladesher Biplabi Workers Party (0.04pc, seven candidates), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) (0.02pc, 33 candidates), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal- Basod (0.05pc, 36 candidates) and LDP (0.35pc votes and 13 candidates). The parliamentary election was held alongside a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025. In the referendum, there was a separate question among three questions to seek public mandate for the formation of a 100-member Upper House based on Proportional Representation (PR). President Sahabuddin to administer oath to new cabinet members: Cabinet Secretary Among the parties, Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam (with 0.47pc votes), Ganaodhikar Parishad (0.33pc), Ganasamhati Andolan (014pc), BJP (0.14pc), Biplabi Workers Party (0.04pc) and NDM (0.00pc) are components of the BNP-led electoral alliance. On the other hand, AB Party (with 0.28 pc votes), Khelafat Majlish (0.76 pc votes), NCP (3.05 pc votes), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish (2.09pc votes), Bangladesh Development Party (0.17pc votes), Labour Party (0.01pc votes) and LDP (0.35 pc votes) are the components of the Jamaat-led electoral coalition. Overall, the BNP-led alliance obtained 51.09pc of the votes, the Jamaat-led electoral coalition gained 38.52 percent in the election. If the proposed 100-member Upper House is ultimately formed on a PR basis, the BNP-led alliance would be entitled to 51 seats, while the Jamaat-led alliance would receive 39 seats, the EC data indicated.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68, as the Election Commission disclosed the statistics of the unofficial election result of 297 constituencies on Friday afternoon. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. 59.44 percent votes cast in national election:EC EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed revealed the statistics at a press briefing in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. He said the average voter turnout is 59.44 percent (297 constituencies) in the parliamentary election, while the average voter turnout is 60.26 percent (299 constituencies) in the referendum, The EC Secretary said the unofficial result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies has been kept pending (following the court’s decision). The elections to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a Jamaat candidate. About the referendum, he said 4,80,74,429 voters (68.05 percent of total casting votes) voted for ‘Yes’ option in the referendum ballots, while 2,25,65,627 voters (31.95 percent) for ‘No’ option to decide the fate of the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order 2025. All eyes on Tarique Rahman as BNP set to form government