After staying into hiding for nearly three  months to avoid arrest, thousands of BNP leaders and workers came out together and brought a black-flag procession in the capital on Saturday demanding the cancellation of the 12th parliament. As part of the BNP’s programme in all metropolitan cities, the leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies gathered at Nayapaltan wearing black caps and holding black flags in their hands also to protest against the price hikes of essential commodities. Many of them also carried placards demanding the release of the arrested party leaders, including secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. BNP demands UN-led investigation into Raisuddin's killing by BSF  After a brief rally, they took out the black-flag procession around 3:30pm that ended near Arambagh intersection via Nightengal and Fakirapool intersections. They also chanted slogans disapproving the current government, parliament and the 12th parliamentary election. This was also the BNP's first street programme  after the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7. As the government launched a crackdown on them arresting party senior leaders after October 28  following violent clashes between the police and the opposition activists, most of the party leaders and workers went into hiding to avoid arrest. They were hardly seen participating in the BNP’s hartal and blockade programme ahead of the national election. BNP to mark opening of parliament with black-flag procession  Speaking at the rally before taking out the procession, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said that the current government is not elected by the people of Bangladesh as it has been installed by India, China and Russia. “It’s the government of India, China and Russia, not the government of the people of Bangladesh. That is why we are not bound to obey this regime. We’re now in a struggle not only for restoring our right to vote, but also for restoring our democracy and protecting our independence and sovereignty,” the BNP leader said.  Claiming that the country’s people did not vote for the ruling party on January 7, Gayeshwar said the government is now collecting certificates from foreigners to justify its illegal power. “If people of the country don't give you (govt) the certificate, you have no chance to prove the legitimacy with the certificates of foreigners." He urged the BNP leaders and workers to be more active to get success in their movement for the restoration of democracy. Mirza Fakhrul  turns 77; family greets him at Dhaka Central Jail BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said they took to the streets with the procession holding black flags to register their protest against the government formed without the mandate of people.  “The black-flag procession is recognised as a language of protest all over the world.” He warned that the Awami League government will be forced to quit power as it has got isolated from people. “We’re on the streets, we will be there on the streets...we’ll continue this peaceful protest until the BNP and all democratic political parties of Bangladesh can bring democracy back to the country."

Russia has said the leadership of Bangladesh should be recognised for creating favourable conditions for the free expression of voters’ will despite external attempts to influence the election outcome. "External attempts to influence the election’s outcome were observed, as we mentioned on November 22 and December 15, 2023," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the parliamentary elections and appointment of a new government in Bangladesh. DIFE Service Week starts on Sunday Local observers and over 200 international observers, including those from Russia, have confirmed the legitimacy of the election and its adherence to generally accepted standards, she said. Andrey Shutov, a member of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, headed the Russian delegation in Bangladesh during the election. On January 11, a new government was formed in Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being reappointed to the position she previously held. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin extended their congratulations to her on assuming office. Russian PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina The ruling Bangladesh Awami League secured 222 out of the 300 seats in the parliament, winning the majority of votes. "We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful outcome of the election," said Maria Zakharova. Unfortunately, she said, some opposition parties chose not to participate in the election process.

The Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority for a fourth election in a row on Sunday (January 07, 2024), in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and a strong showing by independent candidates as predicted. Ruling party candidates won in 222 seats in Sunday’s election, while independent candidates — most of them belonging to AL — won 62 seats. Read more: Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practice: Foreign Ministry tells diplomats Here’s the list of candidates from Rangpur division who won in the National Election 2024:

Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Sumon, who has been elected as an independent candidate from Habiganj-4 constituency, said that he will protest corruption and speak up for the oppressed in the Parliament, the same way he has been doing so far. He said this after taking oath as an MP at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 11:30 am today (January 10, 2024). Also read: Barrister Sumon crushes incumbent state minister for civil aviation and tourism “My role will remain the same as before. Protesting against corruption, speaking up for oppressed people and realising Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla,” Barrister Sumon said. When asked what challenges he might face, he said, “Not one or two. No one wants to work in Bangladesh. Still, if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina considers me, I will be able to do a lot of work,” he said. Also read: Newly elected MPs are sworn in by Speaker “You’re only an MP for five years. If I perform poorly, people will throw me out,” he said. Barrister Sumon thinks that he has been given a responsibility by the people for five years.

Canada has said it remains “committed to support” the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future. “Fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy,” said the Canadian government in a statement. Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU Canada expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh. New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president Global Affairs Canada on January 9 issued the statement regarding the parliamentary election held in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024.  “Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government. Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process The country extended sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred. Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

The Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority for a fourth election in a row on Sunday (January 07, 2024), in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and a strong showing by independent candidates as predicted. Ruling party candidates won in 222 seats in Sunday’s election, while independent candidates — most of them belonging to AL — won 62 seats. Read more: Election 2024: List of winners from Barishal division Here’s the list of candidates from Rajshahi division who won in the National Election 2024:  

The Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority for a fourth election in a row on Sunday (January 07, 2024), in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and a strong showing by independent candidates as predicted. Ruling party candidates won in 222 seats in Sunday’s election, while independent candidates — most of them belonging to AL — won 62 seats. Read more: Election 2024: List of winners from Rajshahi division Here’s the list of candidates from Barishal division who won in the National Election 2024:

The Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority for a fourth election in a row on Sunday (January 07, 2024), in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and a strong showing by independent candidates as predicted. Ruling party candidates won in 222 seats in Sunday’s election, while independent candidates — most of them belonging to AL — won 62 seats. Read more: New Cabinet to take oath on Jan 11 Here’s the list of candidates from Sylhet division who won in the National Election 2024:

The Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority for a fourth election in a row on Sunday (January 07, 2024), in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and a strong showing by independent candidates as predicted. Ruling party candidates won in 222 seats in Sunday’s election, while independent candidates — most of them belonging to AL — won 62 seats. Read more: Election 2024: List of winners from Chattogram division Here’s the list of candidates from Khulna division who won in the National Election 2024:

The United States shared the view with other observers that Sunday's (January 07, 2024) elections in Bangladesh "were not free or fair" and they regret that not all parties participated, the US State Department said. The United States remains concerned by the arrests of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day, said US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller in Washington on Monday (January 08, 2024). Miller said the United States supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. Read: No legitimate grounds to warrant economic sanctions against Bangladesh: BGMEA The United States, however, recognised that the Awami League won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024 parliamentary elections, he said. "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties," said Miller. He said the United States condemned violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it. Read: Awami League not worried about any sanctions: Quader The US encouraged the government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable, said the spokesperson. "We also urge all political parties to reject violence," Miller said. Read more: Bangladeshis did not get fullest range of voting options: UK on Sunday’s election "My read of this US readout on Bangladesh’s election is that the current US policy toward Dhaka will essentially remain in place-a continued strong focus on rights and democracy, but otherwise stay the course and keep pursuing deeper strategic partnership," said Michael Kugelman. "US government statement on Bangladesh elections acknowledges AL win, criticizes process, condemns violence, and looks forward to continued partnership," said Geoffrey Macdonald.