United News of Bangladesh

In response to a formal invitation by Bangladesh authorities, the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.  The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as its chief observer.  Read more: IRI pre-election observation team meets EC Sanaullah "I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process," Chief Observer Ijabs said on Tuesday. 

The Election Commission (EC) has allowed the celebration of the national and international days and arrangements of social and religious events during pre-campaign period with prior permission or consent from the returning officers concerned. The directive was issued through a circular released on Sunday night (December 14, 2025) to ensure the maintenance of a conducive electoral atmosphere during the pre-election period. The circular mentions that the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum was announced on December 11, 2025, and the polls will be held on February 12, 2026. According to the 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. Read more: UN briefs Bangladesh’s political parties on election commission support “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,” says the circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10), according to the schedule announced by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. This circular was sent to all the 69 returning officers – Dhaka and Chattogram divisional commissioners, Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna Regional Election Officers and 64 district deputy commissioners. As per the schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. Read more: Bangladesh national election, referendum on Feb 12; schedule announced The last date for submission of appeal against the decisions of the returning officers is January 11 and the appeals would be disposed of on January 12-18. The returning officers will publish the final lists of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21. The balloting will be held from 7:30am to 4:30pm without any break on February 12.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin expressed satisfaction over the preparations undertaken by the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). “The President expressed satisfaction after we informed him in detail,” Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters after a meeting between Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, four election commissioners and the EC Secretary with the President at Bangabhaban. CEC briefs President on polls preparations announcement The Secretary said they informed the President about extending the balloting hours by one hour—now set from 7:30am to 4:30pm. “When we said that we extended the balloting hour by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm, he termed the decision logical and expressed his satisfaction,” he said. During the meeting, he said, they apprised the President of various preparatory activities, including the updating of electoral rolls and the registration of new political parties. The President was also briefed on the Commission’s plan to use two types of ballot papers—one for the national election and another for the referendum—to be held simultaneously on the same day, said Akhtar Ahmed. Election Commission to meet President Dec 10

The Election Commission (EC) is likely to declare the national election schedule soon, as it sent a letter to Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to record the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). EC Senior Secretary Akther Ahmed said the letter requested arrangements for the recording, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the speech will be broadcast on the same day. Traditionally, the EC announces the schedule before every general election through a national address aired on BTV, or Bangladesh Betar, with the recording and the declaration taking place on the same day. Time running out for election schedule announcement: Jamaat “The election schedule will be announced any day this week,” Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah told reporters on Sunday. “By this week, we mean the second week of December, from December 8 to 15.” The 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Reform Charter) will be held simultaneously on a single day in early February 2026. White ballot papers will be used for the national election, while pink papers will be used for the referendum. Meanwhile, some 12.76 crore voters are registered to cast their votes across 42,761 polling stations in the country’s 300 constituencies. Read more: CEC Nasir, Election Commissioners in Jamuna for meeting with CA

Highlighting the role of law enforcers in holding a fair election, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Saturday (December 06, 2025) the upcoming parliamentary polls will be a major test for law enforcement agencies. “Although there were initial challenges, the police have now organised themselves effectively. Ahead of the election, law enforcement must remain vigilant. Those defeated in the polls may attempt to create disorder. Our aim is to ensure a smooth election and hand over responsibilities to the newly elected government,” he said. The adviser was speaking at a meeting with Rangpur district officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room. On agricultural exports, the adviser said potato exports are under consideration but challenging due to limited global demand. Read more: Conspiratorial forces plot 1/11-like situation to disrupt election: Rashed Khan Turning to manpower export, Touhid Hossain stressed the importance of sending skilled workers abroad as wages remain low if they are not skilled manpower. People must be trained to work abroad efficiently and numerous nursing positions are vacant overseas and sending trained nurses can ensure better income and benefit the country, he said. Regarding livestock, Hossain highlighted the potential of local cattle in Rangpur, noting that their meat is highly sought after, including in Dhaka, and urged livestock initiatives to capitalise on this market. Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Enamul Ahsan, Superintendent of Police Md Marufat Hossain, Civil Surgeon Dr Shaheen Sultana, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Tofayel Ahmed, and District Livestock Officer Dr Abu Zaid, were, among others, present at the event. The adviser is now in Rangpur on his four-day visit. Read more: BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule

The Election Commission (EC) is considering appointing a symbolic number of returning officers (ROs) from its own officials—alongside Deputy Commissioners—for the first time in a parliamentary election in Bangladesh. The Commission has begun preparing a list of qualified senior officials, primarily regional election officers and senior district election officers, with the intention of appointing a small number of ROs from within the EC during the upcoming national election and referendum, likely to be held in a single day in February, 2026, officials said. Election experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening the Commission’s control over the electoral process. Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker hinted that the Commission may appoint some ROs from its own staff in the 13th parliamentary election if suitable officers are found. Read more: EC urges caution against creating confusion over election schedule, voting date “If we find fitted persons among them, they might be made returning officers,” he told UNB on Thursday. The Election Commissioner, however, said no decision has been taken yet in this regard. Although EC officials have previously served as ROs in various local government elections—city corporations, upazilas, municipalities and union parishads—they have never been appointed to the role in a national election or by-election. Former commissions argued that EC officials lack full control over the entire local administration including magistrates, different service officers and law enforcement agency members, which is a barrier for them to conduct a peaceful and fair parliamentary election. BNP has recently demanded the appointment of ROs and assistant returning offices (AROs) from the EC officers. Several political parties, civil society members and EC officers themselves have also long been urging the Commission to appoint ROs from among EC officials. Besides, the Electoral System Reform Commission formed by the current interim government recommended the EC’s own staff shall be prioratised in appointment of ROs and AROs in the election. If there is no adequate number of EC’s staff to perform such duty, then appointment shall be made from the administration and other cadre services, the Reform Commission’s report recommended. BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule Chief of Electoral System Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar told UNB that the move to appoint some ROs from their own staff would be a positive initiative, noting that the Commission often distances itself from responsibility for flawed elections. “The Commission usually says returning officers—not they—are liable for a bad election. If the returning officers are chosen from their own staff, the Commission will no longer be able to shift the blame,” he said. According to the Article 7 of the Representation of the People Order 1972, the Commission shall appoint a Returning Officer for each constituency for the purpose of election of a member for that constituency; and a person may be appointed as Returning Officer for two or more constituencies. The RPO Article also states that the Commission may appoint as many Assistant Returning Officers as may be necessary but provided that no Assistant Returning Officer shall be appointed for more than one constituency. On November 19 last, a BNP delegation headed by its Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan at the EC’s pre-election dialogue demanded the Election Commission to appoint returning officers (ROs) and assistant returning officers (AROs) from the EC’s own staff in the elections to bring a positive change in the country’s politics. “If you show courage once to take a decision that the returning officers and assistant returning officers would be appointed from the dedicated persons of your election commission, Bangladesh would witness a qualitative change in its politics,” said Dr Moyeen Khan in the dialogue. Read more: Over 156,000 Bangladeshi expats registered so far to vote The EC usually appoints a returning officer for all the constituencies in a district with some exceptions.  In the last 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024, a total of 66 returning officers were appointed for the country’s 300 constituencies – one RO for each 62 district and two ROs each for Dhaka and Chattogram districts. Deputy Commissioners were made ROs for 62 districts, while respective Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for the constituencies in Dhaka and Chattogram districts at that time.  The RPO article also defined the duty of ROs stating that it shall be the duty of a Returning Officer to do all such acts and things as may be necessary for effectively conducting an election in accordance with the provisions of this RPO and the electoral rules. The RPO article 7(4) also states “Subject to the superintendance, direction, and control of the Commission, the Returning Officer shall supervise all works in the district [or constituency] in connection with the conduct of elections and shall also perform such other duties and functions as may be entrusted to him by the Commission. Read more: BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (November 13) urged all political parties that supported the July Uprising to remain united to ensure a fair election in February, warning that any discord could push the nation into grave danger. “The unity the people built in the face of death must not be diminished by minor disagreements or conflict,” he said in an address to the nation in the afternoon. He said the country’s people had been deprived of their rights to vote for nearly one and a half decades and are now eager to exercise that in the upcoming election. “We must honour the sacrifices of 133 children, hundreds of young men and women and thousands who were injured or lost limbs,” he said. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus “The people of this country only wish that in respect for the countless victims, we show tolerance toward different opinions, rise above partisan interests and uphold our collective aspirations and national goals,” Prof Yunus added. He expressed the hope that political parties would accept the decision on July Charter implementation in the broader national interest, paving the way for a festive and inclusive national election. “Through this, we will step into a new Bangladesh. We are now at the threshold of building that new nation,” Yunus said. Read more: Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (November 13) said that the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously in the first half of February next year. “The referendum will take place in the first half of February simultaneously with the general election. This will not in any way hinder the goals of reform; rather, it will make the election more festive and cost-effective,” he said in an address to the nation in the afternoon. “Appropriate law will be formulated in due time to facilitate the holding of the referendum. We are taking all-out preparations to hold the election in a festive atmosphere,” the Chief Adviser added. To implement the July Charter, the government has adopted several key provisions in the order, he said, adding, “These include holding a referendum on the charter’s proposed constitutional reforms and subsequently forming a Constitutional Reform Council.” Dr Yunus said the interim government, in a meeting of the Council of Advisers, approved the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025. “After the completion of necessary signings, it has reached the stage of issuing a gazette. It’s great news,” he added. CA Prof Yunus to address nation at 2:30 pm In line with the July Charter, the government has also finalised the question to be presented on the referendum ballot, Prof Yunus said. The question will be as follows: “Do you approve the July National Charter Constitutional Reform Implementation Order, 2025, and the following proposals regarding constitutional reforms as enlisted in the July National Charter?” a) During the election period, the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies will be formed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the July Charter. b) The next parliament will be bicameral. Based on the proportion of votes received in the national election, a 100-member upper house will be formed, and any constitutional amendment will require the approval of the majority of the upper house members. c) The political parties that win the next election will be obligated to implement the 30 reform proposals agreed upon in the July National Charter, including increased female representation in parliament, election of the deputy speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, limitation of the prime minister’s tenure, enhancement of presidential powers, expansion of fundamental rights, independence of the judiciary, and strengthening of local government. d) Other reforms outlined in the July Charter will be implemented as per the commitments of the political parties. “On the day of the referendum, you will express your opinion on these four issues by casting a single vote — either ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” said Prof Yunus. If a majority votes “yes,” a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed, comprising the representatives elected in the upcoming parliamentary election. These representatives will also serve as members of the national parliament. The council will complete the constitutional reform process within 180 working days from the date of its first session, he added. ICT sets Nov 17 to deliver verdict on Hasina case Within 30 working days after the reform is completed, an upper house will be constituted based on the proportion of votes received in the parliamentary election, and its term will continue until the final working day of the lower house, he said. In accordance with the pledge to implement the July Charter, provisions will be made to incorporate the July National Charter into the Constitution, he added. “This inclusion has also been specified in today’s approved order.”

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday (13th November 2025) said the Election Commission wants to act as a true referee in the upcoming national election, emphasising the need for cooperation from all political parties.  "You (political parties) will play in the elections. You are the players. We really want to be in the role of referees. Without your cooperation, it is difficult to play the role of referees and hold fair elections," he said. The CEC made the remarks while addressing the Commission’s views-exchange with six political parties, held on Thursday morning as part of the ongoing electoral dialogue with registered parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, likely to be held in early February 2026. Nasir Uddin said cooperation from political parties is essential to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. “If we do not get cooperation from the main players (political parties), the election will inevitably become questionable,” he said. He said all 54 registered political parties are equal to the Election Commission, regardless of their size or influence. “Every registered party—big or small—is equal to us,” he said.  EC’s pre-election dialogue starts with 6 parties in opening batch  “We need thoughtful suggestions and opinions from all of you on what can be done before, during, and after the election,” said the CEC. Referring to the recent surge of posters in Dhaka city, he said, “The city is flooded with posters, though the use of posters has already been declared illegal.  “These (posters) must be removed. Those who put them up should take them down. We will be strict. We will not spare anyone; we will blindly jump over these violations. Once the election schedule is announced, we will take immediate action,” he said. On the issue of a possible referendum on July National Charter 2025, the CEC said the Commission has not yet received any official communication regarding it. “There has been much discussion about a referendum, but we have not been officially informed,” he said.  “Even under this special circumstance, where the election will be held under a special arrangement, many additional responsibilities are falling on our shoulders,” said Nasir Uddin. Bangladesh Election: Electoral dialogue with political parties to begin Thursday The Commission invited 12 registered political parties to attend two sessions on the opening day— six parties in the morning session and six others in the afternoon session. The six invitees for the morning session are Liberal Democratic Party-LDP, Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, National People's Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan and Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh. The six parties invited for the afternoon session are Communist Party of Bangladesh-CPB, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal-Basod, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Front-BNF and Bangladesh Nationalist Movement-BNM. The Commission aims to complete the dialogue with all registered political parties within this month before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. Read more: CEC seeks media support for fair election environment in Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return home by the end of this month, ending his 17 years of exile in London. “We are hopeful that he (Tarique) may come back by the end of this month. If not, it might be delayed by a few days,” he told UNB on Tuesday night (11th November 2025). Tarique Rahman, the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been living in London for the past 17 years since leaving the country with his family during the state of emergency in 2008. Although all legal complications against him were resolved following the fall of the Awami League government in the July uprising, Tarique has yet to return home. Over the past few months, several senior BNP leaders have repeatedly said Tarique would return “soon”, though none has mentioned a specific date. Govt to be solely responsible if reforms imposed beyond consensus: Fakhrul In an interview with BBC Bangla on October 6, Tarique Rahman was asked when he planned to return to Bangladesh. He replied, “Very soon, Inshallah.” Asked whether he would be in the country before the election, Tarique said, “As a political worker, it’s natural that I should be with the people during an election. Where there is a people’s election – one expected by the nation – how can I stay away? I will do my best to be with the people during that time, Inshallah.” Although Tarique has long been involved in leading the party and shaping its election strategies, he has never contested a parliamentary election himself. This time, however, he is set to run in the 13th national parliamentary election from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. July Charter signatories not bound by decisions beyond its scope: BNP to govt His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been contesting elections from Bogura-7 (Gabtoli and Shahjahanpur) since 1991 and from Bogura-6 (Sadar) since June 1996 — never losing in either seat. Tarique is now stepping forward to contest from his mother’s long-held constituency. Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, situated on a 32-katha plot donated to her by the government in 1981, has been prepared for Tarique Rahman to stay with his family upon his return. Party insiders said Tarique will be given a grand reception from the airport to the Gulshan house, making his homecoming a historic and memorable day. During the 1/11 government, Tarique Rahman was arrested on March 7, 2007. He was granted bail on September 3, 2008, and left for London with his family on September 11 for medical treatment. Since then, he has been living in London with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Read more: BNP, Jamaat block highway over Gazipur-6 seat issue