United News of Bangladesh

Moving into the election mode, the Election Commission will start a series of dialogues with registered political parties this week to lay the groundwork for the upcoming national election scheduled for February. But the political parties would be invited in groups to join the discussions due to time constraints before the election schedule to be announced in early December, according to EC officials They said the dialogues, considered the Commission’s last major task before the election schedule, will take around two weeks to complete ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. “The dialogues with political parties will begin next week. It will have to invite them in groups due to time constraints (before the announcement of election schedule),” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday (6th November 2025). Replying to a question, he told UNB that it will not be possible to complete the dialogues within a week rather it would take two weeks. EC registers 66 local election observer organisations, identifies 16 more eligible As part of preparations for the dialogues with political parties, the Commission has already made changes to the electoral code of conduct in line with an ordinance promulgated on November 3, bringing further amendment to the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules 2025 will soon be published in the official gazette, with the code expected to be one of the key discussion issues during the dialogues. “We have sent the code of conduct (to publish it in the official gazette). So, the dialogue will be opened next week,” said the EC Secretary. The Election Commission traditionally holds talks with registered political parties before each national election. Each party was usually invited to join the dialogue separately. However, this time it is still uncertain whether the Jatiya Party and some other registered parties, known as the allies of Sheikh Hasina's regime toppled through the 2014 mass uprising, will be invited to the talks. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC on Tuesday last published notifications seeking objections, if any, against the registration to three new political parties –National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist). The Commission will finally recognise them as the registered parties after November 12. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Then the EC sat in another discussion with the representatives of teachers on the same day. On October 06, the Commission held two separate dialogues with senior journalists from different media outlets. Besides, the EC held dialogues with election experts and election observers in October last. In a bid to conduct the next election in free, participatory and fair manners, the EC sat in a views-exchange with different law enforcement agencies and intelligences on October 20 and with top government officials, including secretaries of key ministries, directors general of important agencies on October 30 last. According to the electoral roadmap unveiled in August 2025, dialogues with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society members, journalists, observers, and election experts, were scheduled to begin in late September and conclude within about one and a half months. The Commission either completed or almost finished all important tasks, including amendment to the electoral laws,delimitation of constituencies, updating the voter lists, finalisation of polling stations, registration of new political parties and registration of election observers. The EC has already amended different electoral laws including RPO; as well as revised the three separate guidelines for journalists, observers and installation of polling stations:  The Commission on September 04 last finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, redrawing the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 different districts across the country ahead of the 2026 February election. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ The EC on October 27 released the final list of 42,761 polling stations throughout the country for the upcoming national election, raising the number by around 611 from what was in the 2024 national election. The Commission on November 02 released the draft updated electoral rolls with more than 12.76 core voters in the country, which would be the final voter lists for the 2026 February election. The electoral rolls would be finalised on November 18. The Commission on Thursday last registered 66 organisations as local election observers as well as identified 16 more firms as eligible for registration as local election observers. The final decision over the 16 organisations will be taken following settlement of objections if any to be received by November 27 next. The EC will launch a mobile app for the expatriates and others to register first to vote through the postal ballot during the 2026 election. So, the upcoming dialogues with political parties will mark the Commission’s final major engagement before announcing the election schedule next month. Read more: No application for voter relocation to be accepted after Nov 10

With the national election approaching fast, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said all necessary instructions have been given to the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure a free and fair election slated for February 2026. “No threats to the upcoming polls have been detected so far,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Gazipur. Addressing the role of voters in the polls, Jahangir Alam said attempts to disrupt the process are unlikely to succeed when voters are active and aware. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ He also highlighted the responsibilities of participating political parties in maintaining law and order and said close coordination among the Election Commission, law enforcement and administration will prevent potential issues. Regarding security concerns, he warned that any Awami League leaders and activists released on bail who engage in criminal activity before the election will face strict action. He also acknowledged that miscreants and rumour may attempt to create unrest, assuring that comprehensive measures will be taken to prevent such actions. Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, Gazipur Metropolitan Police acting Commissioner Zahid Hossain, Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Jaber Sadeq, and senior officials from the army, fire service, and other administrative departments, attended the meeting. Read more: Action if police favour any political party, warns Home Adviser

BNP on Tuesday (4th November 2025) expelled four of its leaders, including the Meherpur district and Gangni upazila presidents, over their alleged involvement in violence, road blockade and vandalism centring the party’s nomination process. In a press release, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the expulsion decision. The expelled leaders are Meherpur District BNP President Javed Masud Milton, Gangni Upazila BNP President Afaz Uddin Kalu, Meherpur District Jubo Dal General Secretary Kausar Ali, and Gangni Municipality BNP President Mokbul Hossain Meghla. Martyr Mugdha's brother steps into politics with BNP The four were expelled from all party positions, including their primary membership, for engaging in violence, clashes, road blockades, and vandalising the party office at Gangni Bazar area on the Meherpur–Kushtia highway on Tuesday morning, the press release said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the list of 237 party candidates for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka on Monday evening. Four Sitakunda BNP leaders expelled over  nomination-related violence 

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will contest the upcoming national election with the 'Shapla Kali' symbol and plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies, said its convener Nahid Islam. In a video message to the nation on Tuesday (4th November 2025) night, Nahid said the party expects to finalise its list of candidates within November. “We have submitted all necessary documents to the Election Commission in June for registration, but the commission delayed in approving our desired symbol ‘Shapla’,” he said. “After months of back-and-forth with the Election Commission, NCP finally obtained the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol,” he added. Read more: NCP among three parties set to get EC’s registration Nahid said the party has continued working for the people throughout the period, reaching out to communities through its July campaign and gaining strong public response. “We’ve built public opinion across the country in favour of reform and continue to speak for justice,” he said. Confirming preparations for the parliamentary election expected in February, Nahid said, “We are ready for the election. Inshallah, we’ll field candidates in all 300 seats under the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol.” Calling upon new faces to join the party, Nahid said NCP welcomes everyone who wishes to engage in honest politics and rebuild Bangladesh. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP “We will nominate competent, honest, and patriotic candidates in every constituency,” he said, expressing hope that the public support the party has earned will be reflected in the election results.

The Election Commission (EC) will not accept any application for the relocation of voting addresses after November 10, ahead of the 13th parliamentary election slated for early February 2026. The EC announced the deadline for voter transfer applications based on changes in residence in a circular issued on Tuesday (4th November 2025). Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ According to the circular, November 10 is the last date for submitting applications, while registration officers must approve or reject them by November 17. The Election Commission is planning to announce the schedule for the upcoming general election in early December 2025.

A day after announcing BNP’s list of 237 potential candidates for the upcoming national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (4th November 2025) urged party leaders who were not nominated to have faith that the party will give them due responsibility and respect. In a post on his verified Facebook page, the veteran leader also said this election might be his last as a contestant. Fakhrul, who has been nominated to contest from Thakurgaon-1 seat, expressed his sincere thanks to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and all party leaders and activists for their longstanding support. “This may be my last election. Those who did not get the nomination, please have faith — InshAllah, the party will give you due responsibility and respect,” Fakhrul writes. Four Sitakunda BNP leaders expelled over  nomination-related violence  He recalled his long political journey and the sacrifices made by his family, saying, “When I decided to return to politics in 1987, my two daughters were very young then. They were studying in Dhaka. My wife was also very young. At first, she was completely shocked — she couldn’t realise what a life of terrible uncertainty she was stepping into.” Expressing gratitude to his wife Rahat Ara Begum, Fakhrul said she took their two daughters to school and to the doctor on her own. “I remember when my elder daughter had to undergo an operation — I spent the whole night in the car on the way to Dhaka, just so I could be by her side. I’ll tell those stories some other day, InshAllah!” he said. Fakhrul said thousands of BNP leaders and activists across the country have similar stories of sacrifice. He urged the people of the country to pray for him and all his party members. “We will stand beside you and work for you, Inshallah. BNP has the ability to take the country forward with dignity.” On Monday evening, Fakhrul announced the list of 237 BNP candidates out of a total of 300 at a press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, disappointing many potential aspirants who were not considered for nomination. Supporters of some aspirants in different parts of the country also took to the streets to express their anger. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP

With the national election around the corner in Bangladesh, 48,134 police officers have completed important training to safeguard voters and polling stations. A 'Training of Trainers' course was held from August 31 to September 2 as part of the programme, said sources at the Police Headquarters. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh Police has issued special instructions to all unit heads to ensure close supervision of the ongoing election training programme. On November 2, the IGP visited Rajshahi and Bogura to review the election training sessions in the field. Bangladesh Police have taken all necessary preparations to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election is conducted in a free, fair, impartial, and festive environment. Read more: EC seeks round-the-clock police deployment for Nirbachan Bhaban ahead of election Earlier, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on September 7 inaugurated the training programme at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh Police Lines. The ongoing election training will continue until mid-January. This is the first time such training has been organised for police personnel ahead of a national election. Around 1,50,000 police personnel are expected to serve on the ground during the upcoming parliamentary election. Read more: Ex-Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala to visit Bangladesh Nov 5-7

BNP has expelled four local leaders in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram for their alleged involvement in violence, clashes and road blockades following the announcement of the party’s nominations for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. In a press release issued early Tuesday (4th November 2025), the party said the expelled leaders are Sitakunda upazila Swechchhasebak Dal President Alaudin Moni, General Secretary Helal Uddin Babor, Sitakunda Municipality unit Convenor Mamun and Sonai Chhari Union Jubo Dal General Secretary Momin Uddin Mintu. The release, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, said the four were involved in violent activities on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in the Kadam Rasul, Bhatiari Bazar and Jalil Gate areas on Monday evening, soon after the party announced its list of 237 candidates. BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies They have been expelled from all party positions, including primary membership, for acts deemed against public interest and party discipline, it added. The statement also mentioned that the expelled leaders are known followers of BNP Joint Secretary General Aslam Chowdhury, who was not nominated to contest from the Chattogram-4 seat. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the list of 237 party candidates at the chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka on Monday evening. RPO (Amendment) Ordinance: Coalition candidates must contest under own party symbols

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a 10-member Election Steering Committee, naming its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary as the head. The announcement came through a press release signed by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, issued on Monday (3rd November 2025) night. Dr Tasnim Jara, the party’s Senior Joint Member Secretary, has been appointed as the committee’s secretary. Read more: BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies Other members of the committee include Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib; Joint Conveners Mahbub Alam Mahir, Khaled Saifullah, and Ehtesham Haque; Joint Member Secretaries Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, Alauddin Mohammad, Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa, and Advocate Humayra Noor; Joint Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Saifullah Haidar; and Joint Chief Coordinator and National Youth Force Convener Advocate Md Tarikul Islam. According to the media  release, the committee will oversee NCP’s overall preparation and planning for the 2026 national election, covering areas such as candidate selection, field coordination, legal and administrative affairs, media and publicity, and training and monitoring activities. Read more: JnUCSU Election: Student bodies move to form ‘inclusive panels’

BNP on Monday (3rd November 2025) nominated 10 women to compete for 12 seats among the 237 for which it announced candidates for the upcoming national parliamentary election. That leaves the party on course to meet the requirement of nominating at least 5% women candidates for the existing 300 parliamentary seats in the next election, according to the July Charter. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the names at a press conference held at the party Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been nominated for three constituencies — Dinajpur-3, Feni-1 and Bogura-7. The other women candidates are Afroza Khan Rita (Manikganj-3), Tahsina Rushdir Luna (Sylhet-2), Farzana Sharmin Putul (Natore-1), Sabira Sultana (Jashore-2), Ishrat Sultana Ellen Bhutto (Jhalakathi-2), Sansila Jebrin (Sherpur-1), Sanzida Islam Tuli (Dhaka-14), Shama Obaed (Faridpur-2) and Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf Ahmed (Faridpur-3). At present, there are 50 reserved seats for women in the Jatiya Sangsad. Besides, under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), political parties must nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in direct elections. According to the Election Commission’s directive, all political parties are also required to have 33 percent women representation in their committees. BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies The original target year for achieving this quota was 2020, but it has since been extended to 2030. In previous elections, the number of women directly elected to parliament has been limited. In the 1991 election, 5 out of 39 women candidates were elected, 8 out of 36 in 1996, 6 out of 38 in 2001, 19 out of 59 in 2008, and 18 out of 29 in 2014. In the 2018 election, 22 of 69 women candidates won, while in the 2024 polls, 19 women were directly elected. The National Consensus Commission has proposed increasing the number of reserved seats for women from 50 to 100. While most political parties have agreed to the proposal, BNP suggested that the upcoming election be held under the existing system, with the increase to take effect in the next parliament. Read more: Next election to determine Bangladesh’s future direction: CEC