United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said a fair and credible election is possible under the prevailing situation and with the preparations currently in place, stressing the need for remaining ready for everything. He said all those who are contesting the election are maintaining a positive attitude and maintaining mutual harmony. "I hope that no one of them will deviate from this approach," Prof Yunus said during a high-level meeting held on the overall law-and-order situation in view of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus The meeting, chaired by Prof Yunus, was held at the Chief Adviser’s office. After the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.  Advisers Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman were, among others, present at the meeting. The Chief Adviser said the government would fully support the Election Commission (EC) so that Bangladesh can proudly say it has conducted a fair election. “This is a major challenge for the nation. We must take it on, complete this enormous task, and turn it into a historic achievement,” he said. Prof Yunus emphasised the need to ensure that nothing is lacking on election day and that there are no glitches anywhere on February 12. He said the 2026 election should set a benchmark for future elections in the country. “The EC’s instructions are now the most important directives. Everyone must work together in strict accordance with them,” Prof Yunus said. He said the Ministry of Home Affairs will play the lead role in maintaining law and order. Body cameras and CCTV cameras will be used, and all activities will be monitored from a central control room, he said. Prof Yunus backs ‘Yes’ vote, calls it key to ‘New Bangladesh’ Prof Yunus stressed the importance of seamless coordination among all forces involved in carrying out election duties. He said a large number of journalists from home and abroad will cover the election, while domestic and international observers have shown strong interest. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told the meeting that 51 out of 59 registered political parties are participating in this year’s election. He said representatives from 26 countries have been invited to observe the polls. The European Union is expected to send an observer team of around 300 members. Already, 56 EU representatives are in Bangladesh, and two have observed the appeal process related to nomination papers. Candidates will be allowed to campaign from midnight tonight until 7:30am on February 10. Akhtar Ahmed said misinformation in cyberspace poses a major challenge in this election. He added that additional time will be required to count party symbol ballots, referendum ballots, and postal ballots. He urged the media to play a responsible role to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors.

The government on Tuesday approved a proposal to establish two administrative divisions - the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division - aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in revenue collection and management. The approval was granted at the 119th meeting of the National Implementation Committee for Administrative Reforms/Reorganisation (NICAR), which was also the first meeting held during the tenure of the interim government. The meeting took place at the state guesthouse Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. A total of 11 proposals related to administrative reorganisation were approved at the meeting. Govt orders deposition of licensed firearms by Jan 31 ahead of election Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. The Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025, has already been issued, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Advisers, Secretaries and Senior Secretaries of the government, including the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary, were present at the meeting. The committee also approved a proposal to restructure the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by merging the Health Services Division and the Health Education and Family Welfare Division. A proposal to rename the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as the Ministry of Women and Children was approved. However, the English name of the ministry, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), will remain unchanged. Considering environmental global heritage, tourism, and economic potential, the proposal to upgrade Satkhira district from a ‘B’ category district to an ‘A’ category district was also approved. The meeting also approved proposals to establish three new police stations - Purbachal North in Gazipur district, Purbachal South in Narayanganj district, and Matarbari in Cox’s Bazar district. Govt clarifies Prof Yunus’ support for ‘Yes’ vote Besides, a proposal to establish another police station by splitting Raipura police station in Narsingdi district was approved. The committee approved a proposal to correct the spelling of the Bhulli police station in Thakurgaon district.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said it is the responsibility of all stakeholders - the government, the Election Commission, and political parties - to ensure that the election scheduled for February 12 is held in a ‘fair and festive’ atmosphere. “I seek the cooperation of all political parties in this regard,” he said when a delegation of National Citizen Party (NCP) met him at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the evening. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, Secretary Monira Sharmin, and Head of the Legal Assistance Subcommittee Zahirul Islam Musa. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for ICT Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb were present at the meeting. During the meeting, the NCP leaders shared their observations and raised various concerns regarding the election. NCP delegation to meet CA Prof Yunus this afternoon They said NCP leaders and activists from all walks of life are campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. They also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related issues and urged the government to be vocal in ensuring a level playing field in the polls.

The BNP Standing Committee is set to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday evening (November 13) following the Chief Adviser’s announcement that the next national election and a referendum will be held on the same day, along with the approval of the July National Charter implementation order. The meeting will begin at 7pm at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will join the meeting virtually and preside over it.Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day. In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals of the charter and, subsequently, the formation of a Constitution Reform Council.” A senior BNP leader said while their party welcomes the announcement of the election and the referendum on the same day, it has reservations about the implementation order and the nature of the referendum. He said the meeting of the BNP Standing, the highest policymaking body of the party, will discuss these issues in detail and decide the party’s next course of action. Read more: Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said Bangladesh is now preparing for the national election, which will be a historic moment for the nation. “You’ve come at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing a significant transformation, an uprising led by young people. Now we are preparing for the election, which will be a historic moment for the nation,” the Chief Adviser said. Prof Yunus made the remarks when Canadian Senator Salma Ataullahjan, two MPs, Salma Zahid and Sameer Zuberi, called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. Led by Senator Salma Ataullahjan, the team discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade cooperation and address the Rohingya crisis, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. The Chief Adviser briefed the delegation on the ongoing reforms and preparations for the upcoming February election. He also thanked Canada for its steadfast support for the Rohingya community.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed the security forces to spare no effort in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators and to bring them swiftly to justice, stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in our political and social life. "The CMP has already launched a manhunt for the attackers," he said. The interim government on Wednesday (5th November 2025) strongly condemned the violent attack at an election campaign event of Ershad Ullah, the nominated candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for Chattogram-8. In a statement, the government called upon all political actors and their supporters to uphold calm, show restraint and ensure that the February general election takes place in an atmosphere of peace, dignity, and fairness. Read more: Five BNP men wounded in Raozan gun attack "The government will do its part by taking all necessary measures to guarantee the secure and peaceful conditions required for free, fair, credible and festive elections across Bangladesh," said the statement issued by the Chief Adviser's press wing. Immediate investigation by the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) indicates that Ershad Ullah was not the target of the attack, but a stray bullet hit and injured him.  The government wishes him an early recovery. A full probe has been ordered. The government expressed its deep concern at this criminal act and reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the safety and rights of all candidates and citizens participating in the democratic process. Read more: One killed, BNP candidate Ershad Ullah injured in Ctg gun attack

The National Consensus Commission on Tuesday submitted its recommendations on ways to implement the July Charter to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The Commission presented its recommendations at the State Guest House Jamuna before the members of the Council of Advisers. These recommendations outline ways to implement the July National Charter. Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz and commission members were also present. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday highlighted the importance of preserving all documents, videos, audios and photographs related to the discussions from the formation of the National Consensus Commission to the formulation of its final recommendations, describing them as invaluable assets. NCC holds review meeting with experts on July Charter implementation “As a nation, we need to preserve and make accessible for everyone the context, process and decisions we have reached over time. All documents, including photos and videos of meetings, as well as all correspondence exchanged, should be systematically preserved and categorized. All discussions broadcast live on television should also be archived in segments,” he said. Prof Yunus said these records would serve as living documents of history. “Researchers should be able to access and use them. These documents will remain for generations and become central to future political discussions,” the Chief Adviser said while addressing the concluding meeting of the National Consensus Commission. The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to the political parties, officials and staff of the Consensus Commission, researchers, and members of the media for their cooperation. The Commission members called on the government to take immediate steps to finalise the outline for implementing the July National Charter and to carry out the recommendations of other reform commissions.  

Visiting Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has expressed his country’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors, highlighting the untapped potential for enhancing trade, connectivity and investment between the two nations. "Our two countries will support each other,” General Mirza said, adding that a two-way shipping route between Karachi and Chittagong has already begun operations, while a Dhaka–Karachi air route is expected to open within months. He paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna late Saturday. During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh–Pakistan relations, including the growing importance of bilateral trade, investment and defence cooperation. First US wheat shipment arrives at Ctg port Both sides also underscored the need for deescalating tensions in the Middle East and Europe, said the Chief Adviser's press wing on Sunday. They exchanged views on the growing challenge of misinformation and the misuse of social media by non-state actors to undermine peace and stability across various regions. “Fake news and disinformation have flooded social media. It is being used to sow chaos. There must be a concerted global effort to combat this menace,” the Chief Adviser said. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDGs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were present during the meeting.  

Describing Germany as Bangladesh’s biggest trade partner in Europe, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday expressed optimism that newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz would work to boost trade and investment. The German Ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Chief Adviser extended his warmest greetings to the German Ambassador on assuming his duties in Bangladesh and expressed the hope that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany would reach a new height during his stay here. During the meeting, the Ambassador showed support for the interim government and enquired about the preparations for the national election in February 2026. He said that it was encouraging to see that people in Bangladesh were becoming more engaged in the democratic process, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Partnership with Bangladesh can deepen as strategic alignment: Saudi Minister The German Ambassador also praised the government’s reform efforts, especially the July National Charter. “It’s good to see political parties sitting down together and having conversations. The country should continue these reform initiatives after the election.”  The Chief Adviser said the National Consensus Commission did an excellent job by bringing major political parties together to sign the Charter. “It was a historic moment that showed unity and a shared commitment to change. It also helps build trust before the upcoming election. The government is doing everything possible to ensure the February election is peaceful and joyful,” he said.  The Ambassador also spoke about the rising number of Bangladeshi students who want to study in Germany. Bangladesh a key partner in Bay of Bengal, wider Indo-Pacific: EU The Chief Adviser and the Ambassador both welcomed the growing connections between the people of the two countries. They also discussed the situation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Germany’s support in this area. Prof Yunus also spoke about the power of young people. “Thanks to technology and social media, today’s youth can speak up, connect with others easily, and spot injustice,” he said. He, however, also warned about the dangers of false information. “Disinformation is one of the biggest challenges we face before the election.” 

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on the youth  around the world to be more visionary and courageous in transforming their dreams into reality, emphasising their power to create meaningful change in society. He made the call during a meeting with a delegation of young political activists from Sweden and Norway at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday. “People say youth is the future, I say youth is the present,” Prof Yunus told the visiting group.  “The world is changing fast, and today’s youth are not the same as previous generations. Your upbringing and access to technology make you a different kind of human being, almost a superhuman. All you need to do is ask yourself, ‘What kind of world do I want to create?’ Then commit to it, you have the tools to make it happen," the Chief Adviser said. Machado dared to imagine a better world, worked tirelessly: Prof Yunus Led by ambassador Nicolas Weeks of Sweden and Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen of Norway, the delegation featured young political leaders from diverse parties, including Alice Landerholm (Moderate Youth Party), Arian Twana (Social Democratic Youth Party), Anton Holmlund (Liberal Youth Party), Dexter Krokstedt (Sweden Democrats Youth), Hanna Lindqvist (Green Youth Party), and Max Pelin (Christian Democratic Youth Party) from Sweden, and Oda Røhme Sivertsen (Young Conservatives), Lars Mikael Barstad Løvold (Progress Party Youth), and Syver Kleve Kolstad (Red Youth) from Norway. They were accompanied by UNDP representatives Stefan Liller (Resident Representative, Bangladesh), Caroline Aberg (Deputy Director, Nordic Representation Office), Kirtijai Pahari (Strategic Communications and External Relations Specialist), and Emilie Andresen (Communications Analyst), said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Sunday.