United News of Bangladesh

Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on Wednesday directed authorities to ensure electricity connection or alternative power supply in all polling stations within a week. He gave the instruction at an inter-ministerial meeting held at Bidyut Bhaban in the afternoon to review the overall power and energy situation ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum, and the summer season. The adviser said immediate alternative arrangements should be made in areas prone to load shedding, including deployment of mobile power vans, diesel, and generators. Power connections should be arranged in all areas currently without electricity, while generators or solar power should be provided in remote locations where connections are not feasible. To ensure uninterrupted supply, round-the-clock monitoring will be conducted. Central and local monitoring teams, along with designated focal points, will oversee the process. The Chairman of the Power Development Board said necessary arrangements would be made in coordination with district administrations, while rural electricity teams will monitor power supply in local centres. The meeting also mentioned that electricity demand is expected to rise during Ramadan, summer, and the irrigation season. Citizens were urged to use electricity responsibly. Power and energy supply companies presented their plans to meet peak demand, which will be finalised in coordination with the ministry and relevant departments. Business leaders attending the meeting were requested to moderate air conditioning use, avoid excessive lighting, and cooperate with law enforcement during Ramadan. They assured full cooperation. The adviser stressed that all authorities must remain vigilant to ensure that fasting people do not face inconvenience due to power interruptions.

In a decisive move to maintain party discipline, BNP has expelled 59 more local leaders for defying party directives and contesting the upcoming national election as independent candidates. In a media release issued on Wednesday night, the party said they were expelled for engaging in activities that go against the party’s policy, ideology and organisational discipline. It said all of them have been stripped of primary membership along with all posts at every tier of the party. Earlier, BNP expelled 13 leaders for running in seats allocated to alliance partners, defying the party’s decision. The expelled leaders are from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram divisions. Tarique now in Sylhet to launch election campaign Earlier in the day, party Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said BNP will take organisational action against its ‘rebel’ candidates if they do not step aside from the election race. “The time for withdrawal of candidacy has passed. Now discussions will be held by the Election Steering Committee and by the top leadership of BNP. After that, if anyone remains a candidate, organisational action will definitely be taken against them by the party,” he said. Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s election office in Gulshan area, Mahdi said the party wants all members to work together with full dedication for the candidates under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. “Those who do not do this will definitely face organisational action from the party,” he added. BNP in favour of ‘Yes’ in referendum: Mahdi Amin According to media reports, nearly 76 rebel BNP candidates remain in the field across the country as they did not withdraw their nomination papers on Tuesday, the last date for withdrawal. Rangpur Division From Rangpur Division, the expelled leaders are ANM Bazlur Rashid (Dinajpur-2), AZM Rezaeanul Haque (Dinajpur-5) and Riyad Arafan Sarkar Rana (Nilphamari-4). Rajshahi Division From Rajshahi Division, the party expelled Parvez Arefin Siddiqui Jony (Naogaon-3), Taiful Islam Tipu (Natore-1), Dr Yasser Arshad Rajon (Natore-1), Daudar Mahmood (Natore-3), Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul (Rajshahi-5), Barrister Rezaul Karim (Rajshahi-5), KM Anwarul Islam (Pabna-3) and Zakaria Pintu (Pabna-4). Khulna Division Those expelled from Khulna Division are Nuruzzaman (Kushtia-1), Monirul Islam (Narail-2), Advocate Shahid Iqbal (Jashore-5), Dr Shahidul Alam (Satkhira-3), Engr Masud (Bagerhat-1) and Khairuzzaman Shipon (Bagerhat-4). Barishal Division From Barishal Division, the expelled are Abdus Sobhan (Barishal-1) and Md Mahmud Hossain (Pirojpur-2). Dhaka Division From Dhaka Division, the expelled leaders are Md Dulal Hossain (Narayanganj-1), Md Ataur Rahman Khan Angur (Narayanganj-2), Prof Md Rezaul Karim (Narayanganj-3), Advocate Mohammad Ali (Tangail-1), Lutfur Rahman Khan Azad (Tangail-3), Advocate Farhad Iqbal (Tangail-5), Md Jamal Ahmed Chowdhury (Narsingdi-5), Md Mumin Ali (Munshiganj-1) and Md Mohiuddin (Munshiganj-3). Mymensingh Division From Mymensingh Division, the expelled are Rezaul Karim Chunnu (Kishoreganj-1), Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal (Kishoreganj-5), Salman Omar Rubel (Mymensingh-1), AB Siddiqur Rahman (Mymensingh-10), Md Morshed Alam (Mymensingh-11), Md Delwar Hossain Bhuiyan (Netrokona-3) and Md Aminul Islam Badsha (Sherpur-3). Faridpur Division From the newly formed Faridpur Division, BNP expelled Lavlu Siddiqui (Madaripur-1), Kamal Jamal Nuruddin Molla (Madaripur-1), Milton Boiddya (Madaripur-2), Nasirul Haque Sabu (Rajbari-2), MS Khan Manju (Gopalganj-2), Sirajul Islam Siraj (Gopalganj-2) and Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib (Gopalganj-3). Sylhet Division Those expelled from Sylhet Division are Anwar Hossain (Sunamganj-3), Dewan Zainul Zakerin (Sunamganj-4), Mamunur Rashid (Sylhet-5), Mohsin Mia Madhu (Moulvibazar-4) and Sheikh Sujat Mia (Habiganj-1). Cumilla Division From Cumilla Division, the expelled are Advocate Kamruzzaman Mamun (Brahmanbaria-1), Kazi Nazmul Hossain Tapas (Brahmanbaria-5), Krishibid Saiduazzaman Kamal (Brahmanbaria-6), Engr Abdul Matin (Cumilla-2), Atikul Alam Shawon (Cumilla-7) and MA Hannan (Chandpur-4). Chattogram Division From Chattogram Division, BNP expelled Advocate Mizanul Haque Chowdhury (Chattogram-14), Shafiqul Islam Rahi (Chattogram-14), Liakat Ali Chairman (Chattogram-16), Kazi Mofizur Rahman (Noakhali-2), Engr Fazlul Azim (Noakhali-6) and Engr Tanvir Uddin Rajib (Noakhali-6).

Fifteen candidates are vying for the Dhaka-12 seat in the 13th parliamentary election on February 12, the highest from a constituency in the country, while only two contenders, from BNP and Jamaat, are running in Pirojpur-1, the lowest. The total number of contesting candidates stands at 1,972 in 298 constituencies (except Pabna-1 & 2) as more five contestants were incorporated in the final count of the Election Commission, released on Wednesday evening, a day after the deadline for withdrawal of candidacy expired. But, the figure is expected to rise further once the candidates from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are finalised and if the court would direct the EC to allow any other to run in the election. According to the EC statistics , 305 candidates withdrew from the race by the final deadline. In the February-12 election, lowest two candidates -- BNP’s Alamgir Hossain and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Masud Sayeedi-- are running from Pirojpur-1 constituency. Besides, three contenders are in the electoral race from 14 other constituencies --Thakurgaon-1, Joypurhat-2, Naogaon-2, Meherpur-2, Chuadanga-1 and 2, Khulna-2,Tangail-7, Netrakona-5, Manikganj-2, Dhaka-2, Sunamganj-1 & 2, Chattogram-15 and Cox’s Bazar-1. At least 10 contestant are running from 32 parliamentary seats. Among them, Dhaka-12 constituency recorded highest 15 candidates, while Narayanganj-4 has 13 contenders. Four other constituencies each with 12 candidates are Khulna-1, Dhaka-9 & 14 and Gazipur-2. The 11 constituencies each with 11 candidates are Jhalokathi-1, Dhaka-5, 7, 8, 16 & 17, Narayanganj-3, Gopalganj-2, Feni-2, Naokhali-5 and Khagrachhari. The 15 constituencies each with 10 contenders are Thakurgaon-3, Rangpur-5, Gaibandha-3, Khulna-3, Tangail-5, Dhaka-18, Narsingdhi-5, Narayanganj-5, Madaripur-1 & 2, Brahmanbaria-6, Cumilla-5, Noakhali-6 and Chattogram-9 & 11. According to the EC statistics released on Wednesday (which differed with its previous statistics), a total of 2,580 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the election by the December 29, 2025 deadline. Among them, the returning officers declared 1,855 nomination papers valid and rejected 725 others during the scrutiny from December 30 to January 04 last. Following the disposal of appeals filed challenging the decisions of the returning officers from January 10 to 18 last, though 436 candidates regained their candidacies, several other lost their candidatures. Besides, several more got back their candidacies due to the court orders. Highest Candidates in 30 Years Ultimately the number of contesting candidates stood at 1,972 for 298 constituencies, beating out the last three elections, which were all held under a partisan government. Even without them though, the number of candidates making it onto the ballot this time will be the highest since 1996, despite the absence of the Awami League due to an activities ban, and some other parties staying away of their own accord. The number of contesting candidates in the 12th parliamentary election held in 2024 was 1,896. In 2018, the number of candidates who contested the 11th parliamentary election was 1,841. In the 10th parliamentary election held in 2014, only 390 candidates contested from 147 constituencies, while 153 other parliamentary seats went uncontested. Earlier, a total of 1,567 candidates contested the 9th parliamentary election held in 2008, while 1939 candidates in the 8th parliamentary election held in 2001 and 2,574 candidates in the 7th parliamentary election held on June 12, 1996. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Monday announced the launch of a centrally managed crowdfunding initiative ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, seeking financial support directly from the public. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said the party does not want to rely on money from loan defaulters or business groups to enter parliament. “We do not want to go to parliament with money from loan defaulters or businessmen. We want to go to parliament with the people’s money and remain accountable to the people,” Asif said. He said although NCP candidates had earlier raised election funds individually, the party has now decided to introduce a centralised crowdfunding system through a designated website. Donors will be able to contribute either to the party as a whole or to individual candidates. Asif said contributions will start from a minimum of Tk 10, allowing people to donate according to their capacity. “Those who can afford more may give more, but we have no intention of taking large sums from a single individual. We want broader public participation.” The funds would be disclosed to the public through annual audits. “Unlike the BNP, we will not contest elections with thousands of crores of taka from loan defaulters. We have only a handful of wealthy candidates. Our core principle is accountability,” Asif added. When asked whether the donated funds would be returned if the NCP ultimately decides not to take part in the election, Asif declined to comment, saying no final decision has been made yet. “We wanted to bring the Election Commission under accountability. If that does not happen, we will take a considered decision.” Rejecting allegations of corruption against him, Asif challenged his accusers to prove their claims. “If anyone can prove that I am corrupt, I will accept whatever punishment is imposed.” If, he added, corruption by a powerful party like the Awami League can come to light, proving allegations against him would not be difficult if they were true. Asif also warned that what he described as ‘false’ corruption allegations could be brought against NCP leaders in the coming days and urged party members to remain cautious.

Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi on Monday expressed optimism that Bangladesh would move towards progress and prosperity through an acceptable and peaceful election in the country. “I hope that there will be peaceful and acceptable elections, and Bangladesh will move towards progress and prosperity,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction at the Embassy, stressing that the people of Bangladesh are politically conscious and generous. The Ambassador said Iran does not want war; however, if attacked, Iran has the right to self-defence according to Article 51 of the UN Charter. Article 51 says ‘Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.’ The Ambassador said the situation in Iran is calm now and internet services will return to normal within a few days. He said Iran's economy is under pressure due to US sanctions and the value of Iran's currency against foreign currencies is fragile. Seeking a remedy, businessmen, especially importers, began peaceful protests on December 28, which is legal under Iran's existing law, said Ambassador Jahanabadi. But within a week, he said, one party began widespread attacks on government and private establishments, police stations, and businesses that were unwilling to join the movement. “Security forces took action to control the situation.” The Ambassador claimed that an armed group entered the protesters and killed more than a hundred policemen. Some members of the security forces were killed by slitting their throats, he said, adding that after the attack on the hospitals, killing nurses, and burning ambulances one after another and fire brigade vehicles after another, the security forces took a tough stance. After listening to conversations through surveillance devices and from various credible sources, including the statements of those arrested, the security forces were convinced that this was not an ordinary movement but a violent plan to overthrow the government.  

China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday met National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and reaffirmed his government’s continued support for Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and conveyed best wishes for the successful conduct of the forthcoming national election. The meeting was held in a 'cordial and constructive atmosphere' at the Chief Adviser's Office where both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. Discussions included the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital. In this context, the Chinese Ambassador said he would visit the Teesta project area and reiterated China’s commitment to completing the ongoing technical assessment expeditiously, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and reiterated their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday upheld the candidacy of BNP candidate Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury (Chattogram-4) and rejected the nominations of BNP candidate for Chattogram-2 Sarwar Alamgir and its Cumilla-10 candidate  Abdul Gofur Bhuiyan . The Election Commission rejected appeals from several banks seeking to cancel Aslam Chowdhury’s candidacy over alleged loan defaults. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, passed the order in the afternoon, hearing the petitions filed by Trust Bank, Bank Asia and Jamuna Bank. Aslam Chowdhury was a borrower from Trust Bank, while he was a guarantor over loans taken from two other banks. Cumilla-10 BNP candidate Gofur also loses candidacy Besides, BNP candidate for Chattogram-2 Sarwar Alamgir lost his candidacy following the hearing of an appeal petition by the Election Commission. The EC rejected the nomination of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir on the ground of loan default, accepting an appeal petition filed by his rival Jamaat candidate Nurul Amin in the same constituency. The Commission heard the petition and passed the order in the afternoon, declaring that Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination was cancelled. Earlier, the returning officer accepted his nomination declaring him as a valid candidate in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. BNP candidate for Cumilla-10 Abdul Gofur Bhuiyan  also lost his candidacy following the hearing of an appeal petition by the Election Commission. Chattogram-2 BNP candidate loses candidacy The EC rejected the nomination of the BNP candidate on grounds of dual citizenship, accepting an appeal petition filed by Sanskrit Muktijote candidate Kazi Nurse Alam Siddique in the same constituency. The Commission heard the petition and passed the order in the afternoon. The petitioner alleged that Gofur Bhuiyan is an US citizen and he holds an American passport. However, Gofur Bhuiyan or anyone on his behalf was not presented during the hearing Earlier, the returning officer accepted his nomination declaring him as a valid candidate in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. EC upholds BNP candidate Aslam Chy’s nomination in Ctg-4 The EC as the Electoral Appeal Tribunal on January 10 started hearing and disposal of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons against the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and the cancellation of nomination papers. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals by today (Sunday).

BNP candidate for Chattogram-2 Sarwar Alamgir on Sunday lost his candidacy following the hearing of an appeal petition by the Election Commission. The EC rejected the nomination of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir on the ground of loan default, accepting an appeal petition filed by his rival Jamaat candidate Nurul Amin in the same constituency. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, heard the petition and passed the order in the afternoon, declaring that Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination was cancelled. Earlier, the returning officer accepted his nomination declaring him as a valid candidate in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. The EC as the Electoral Appeal Tribunal on January 10 started hearing and disposal of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons against the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and the cancellation of nomination papers. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals by today (Sunday).    

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday upheld the candidacy of BNP candidate Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury (Chattogram-4), rejecting the appeal petitions submitted by several banks to cancel his candidature on ground of loan default. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, passed the order in the afternoon, hearing the petitions filed by Trust Bank, Bank Asia and Jamuna Bank. Aslam Chowdhury was a borrower from Trust Bank, while he was a guarantor over loans taken from two other banks. The EC, as the Electoral Appeal Tribunal, on January 10 started hearing and disposing of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons against the decisions of the returning officers on the acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals by today (Sunday).  

Barrister Rumeen Farhana, an independent candidate for the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, on Saturday quarrelled with an executive magistrate over an alleged violation of the election code of conduct. The violation was related to holding a campaign rally before the official campaign period. The incident occurred in the Islamabad (Gogad) area of Noagaon Union under Sarail upazila when Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan went to stop the rally. In a video that went viral on social media, it was seen that Rumeen Farhana became agitated when the magistrate attempted to discuss the alleged violation. She told him, “This is the last time, I am warning you, I will not listen to this. Today I am leaving just for politeness and I will not do it in the future.” She and her supporters also alleged that others are violating the code of conduct but the administration did not take action against them. At one stage, she warned the magistrate, saying, “If I do not allow you, you cannot leave this place, Sir, mind it.” She also said, “Those whose words you are following now, they used to stay under the bed by holding their ears during Sheikh Hasina's time. I am Rumeen Farhana, I do not need any party." Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan said the rally violated Rule 18 of the election code of conduct. “As the programme was against the rules, we went there and asked them to stop holding the rally,” he said. According to Section 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rule, 2025, the electioneering can be conducted from three weeks before the polling day until 48 hours prior to the start of voting, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. “Outside the stipulated campaign period, national and international days can be observed as well as religious, social and similar events can be organised without hampering the electoral environment and in compliance with the code of conduct. However, prior consent or permission from the returning officer concerned must be obtained,” said a circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain. The executive magistrate added that after the rally was stopped, its organiser, Md Jewel, was fined Tk 40,000. “The candidate left the spot without being able to hold the rally and behaved disrespectfully towards me,” the magistrate said, adding that the matter had been reported to the Additional District Magistrate.