United News of Bangladesh

As Bangladesh heads into a landmark election to choose Members of Parliament for its 13th Jatiya Sangshad on February 12, opinion polls show a large segment of the electorate is still saying “I haven’t decided yet,” rather than choosing a party outright. That is surprising in a country where elections tend to be predictable and it has turned undecided voters into one of the most important blocs in the race. A nationwide Pulse Survey conducted by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) shows that 48.5 percent of voters have not yet decided whom they will support, up from about 38 percent eight months earlier. In the same survey, 14.4 percent refused to say who they might vote for and 1.7 percent said they will not vote at all. (BIGD Pulse Survey: July 2025 – Citizens’ Perceptions, Expectations, and Experiences) That means nearly half of the electorate remains in “thinking mode,” even as campaign rallies intensify, debates are held and political narratives are repeated across social media platforms. How Big Are the Undecideds Really? Multiple opinion polls show a similar pattern of uncertainty. In the most recent People’s Election Pulse Survey (PEPS Round-3) by Innovision Consulting, party preference figures among decided voters show the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies leading with 52.8 percent support, while the Jamaat-led alliance stands at 31.0 percent. Yet the same poll records 13.2 percent of voters as undecided on party choice itself.(PEPS Round-3) Leadership projections from the same survey reveal further ambiguity. About 22.2 percent of respondents said they could not yet say who would become the next prime minister, even while 47.6 percent named a specific leader and 22.5 percent chose another candidate.(PEPS Round-3 prime minister projection) Among younger voters, uncertainty is even more pronounced. A separate youth-focused study, the Youth Matters Survey 2025, found that nearly 30 percent of young respondents were undecided about their vote, with only smaller shares committing to parties or leaders. These undecideds are not a marginal group. Their numbers rival those of entire voting blocs and make them impossible to ignore. Voices from the Ground Efforts to speak with voters who say they are unlikely to cast a ballot often meet quiet resistance. Many decline to comment for reasons they do not fully explain. Still, a handful agreed to share their views on condition of anonymity, offering insight into the hesitation behind the statistics. A young lecturer of Political Science at a time-honored educational institution in Dhaka pointed to the unusual political configuration of the election. “The two main political forces contesting the 13th parliamentary election, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have been long-time allies with overlapping ideological positions. Although they are now competing against each other due to the absence of a major political party, that absence itself shapes how voters see the election.” He argued that the participation deficit that marked the 12th national election in 2024 has not been fully resolved. “For the same reasons the 2024 election was not truly participatory, the 13th election also lacks full participation. This may not be discussed forcefully in the post-uprising environment, but it will matter in historical analysis. That is why I believe a segment of voters will stay away from polling centres.” On the referendum being held alongside the election, he expressed cautious approval mixed with concern. “There are positive elements in the referendum that could make future governments more accountable. But the way the questions are framed is problematic. Multiple issues are bundled together and voters are asked to answer only ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ It is not realistic to expect citizens to agree with every component at once.” He cited provisions on increasing women’s representation, proposals involving the Supreme Court and changes that would curtail prime ministerial power while expanding presidential authority as areas where reasonable disagreement exists. “Reaching a single ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision on so many complex matters is extremely difficult. That is why there is uncertainty about the referendum as well. Nearly a quarter of the population remains illiterate and many voters are not fully aware of what the referendum entails. If voters do not understand the questions, how meaningful is the vote?” A student from the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology at the University of Dhaka expressed a more resigned pragmatism: “Looking at the situation, I do not expect much. This time, my vote is for what I see as the lesser of evils and for forces aligned with democratic freedoms. That means the BNP.” Others were more dismissive of the process altogether. A former student of the law department at Chattogram University said he has decided not to vote: “None of the public’s expectations have been fulfilled. The promises that were made were not delivered, not even a fraction of them. Instead, a group of people have benefited enormously. I do not believe ordinary people’s expectations will be met after this election either.” This election also introduces a new variable which is the inclusion of expatriate voters through postal ballots. Yet even among overseas Bangladeshis, enthusiasm appears limited. Sumaiya Jannat, a Bangladeshi expatriate living in the United Kingdom, offered a blunt assessment: “I do not see this as a real election. It feels more like a consolation prize to keep the mass people calm.” Kashpiya Badhon, another expat-voter based in the United States, cited the absence of her preferred party:  “The party I support is not contesting this election. Not just me, my entire bloodline supports that party. If I were in Bangladesh, fear and social pressure might have pushed me to a polling centre. But since I am in the United States, voting is simply not an option for me.” Together, these voices suggest that indecision is not rooted in apathy alone, but in doubts about participation, representation and the meaning of the vote itself. Why the Undecideds Matter In most elections, undecided voters shrink as polling day approaches. Campaign messaging intensifies, loyalties harden and choices become predictable. This election is different. The absence of a previously dominant political party has altered the competitive landscape. International coverage has noted that many voters remain uncertain precisely because of this absence, creating an unusual and fluid electoral environment for Bangladesh. Undecided voters also matter beyond party competition. Their views shape attitudes toward the constitutional referendum being held alongside the election. In another Innovision survey, about 59.5 percent of respondents favoured a “Yes” vote, while 12 percent remained undecided on the referendum question itself.(Innovision referendum poll) Surveys also show that economic pressures, law and order concerns, and demands for timely elections strongly influence voting intentions, suggesting that undecideds are grappling with tangible issues rather than abstract political messaging.(Survey reveals economic woes and poll urgency) A Snapshot of Voter Confidence Despite widespread uncertainty, some indicators point to relatively strong confidence in the election process. One survey reports that 72.3 percent of respondents believe the interim government can conduct a free and fair election, while 82.3 percent expect to vote safely at polling centres. (PEPS Round-3 confidence metrics) These figures suggest that many undecided voters are not rejecting the process itself. Instead, they are weighing their options carefully in an unfamiliar political context. The Final Days As election day draws closer, undecided voters remain the closest thing Bangladesh has to a wildcard. Their decisions in the final days could shape constituency-level outcomes and influence national results in ways early polls may fail to capture. For journalists, analysts and citizens alike, paying close attention to this group is essential. Understanding why undecided voters hesitate, and what ultimately motivates their choices, may offer deeper insight into the future direction of Bangladesh’s politics. Rather than forming a quiet background chorus, the undecideds may end up setting the tempo of this election.   Read More: From posters to punchlines: How Bangladesh’s politics got 'Meme-ified'

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for corruption to be fully eradicated, warning that tackling only its “leaves or branches” would be insufficient.  He stressed the need for removing corruption from its roots to ensure good governance and accountability in Bangladesh. Speaking at an election rally at Mehendiganj Government RC College ground in Barishal on Friday morning, Dr Shafiqur Rahman criticised the current legal system, saying it is “unjust that big corrupt individuals remain outside the law while small offenders are punished.”  He said if Jamaat were entrusted with running the country, it would neither engage in extortion nor allow others to do so. The Jamaat chief highlighted his party’s commitment to the principles of the July Revolution, stating, “If Allah gives us the opportunity to run the country, we will ensure that everyone receives their rightful share. Laundered money will be recovered, as economic challenges will be a major concern.” Get ready to lead, Jamaat Ameer tells youths He also pledged to prioritise economic development and improvements in communication infrastructure in the historically neglected Hijla–Mehendiganj area. Referring to a hacking incident involving his X (formerly Twitter) account, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “A missile was fired at me, but it hit them instead. Truth can never be suppressed. We do not want politics that creates extortionists, murderers and looters.” He also called for a change, saying, “I have protected the party for a long time. If given the chance, I will now protect the country.” Although the rally was scheduled to begin at 11:00 am, Dr Shafiqur Rahman arrived an hour early, with the ground already filled with supporters. The event was presided over by Maulana Shahidul Islam, Ameer of Mehendiganj Upazila Jamaat. Jamaat Ameer vows to ensure security, rights of all, women safety Other speakers included Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal; Barishal Regional Team Member AKM Fakhruddin Khan Raji; Barishal District Ameer and Barishal-4 constituency candidate Professor Abdul Jabbar; AB Party General Secretary and Barishal-3 candidate Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad; District Jamaat Secretary and Barishal-6 candidate Maulana Mahmudunnabi Talukder; Barishal-2 candidate and District Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Master Abdul Mannan; and Barishal-1 candidate Maulana Qamrul Islam Khan.

Police have filed a case against two people including a Jamaat-e-Islami leader after seizing six illegally made ballot seals in Lakshmipur. The accused are Sourav Hossain Sharif, secretary of Jamaat’s Ward No. 4 unit of Lakshmipur municipality and the son of Mohammad Shajahan of South Banchanagar area and businessman Sohel Rana, son of Khorshed Alam of Tumchar village in Sadar upazila. Sohel was shown arrested on Wednesday afternoon and sent to court, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Hosain Mohammad Raihan Kazemi . Earlier, on Tuesday night, Sub-Inspector Humayun Kabir of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station, filed the case naming the two as accused. Police said Sohel Rana is the owner of Mariam Printers on Old Court Road in the district town. Acting on a tip-off, police raided his shop on Tuesday afternoon and seized six ballot seals with 16 boxes each  along with a computer and a mobile phone. He was later detained and taken to the police station. Based on his statements and evidence including WhatsApp conversations and voice messages, Jamaat leader Sourav Hossain Sharif was also named in the case. Police said the seals were prepared by Sohel on Sharif’s order. Following the seizure, BNP and Jamaat held separate press conferences on Tuesday night, blaming each other over the incident. At a press conference, BNP Joint Secretary General and BNP candidate for Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) constituency Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie claimed Jamaat’s involvement in the seal incident and alleged that the arrested Sohel was a Jamaat activist. Jamaat should never be allowed to come to power: Abdul Awal Mintu In a counter press conference, Jamaat’s candidate for the same constituency and  also secretary of Jamaat’s Dhaka North city unit  Rezaul Karim said Sohel was not associated with Jamaat. Lakshmipur district Jamaat Ameer Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan said Sharif had been expelled from the party immediately after the incident and a press release on the expulsion would be issued.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 candidate Abdul Awal Mintu on Tuesday said that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami should never be allowed to come to power, describing the party as a group of hypocrites. He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at an election rally at Sonagazi Municipality in Feni. Mintu accused Jamaat-e-Islami of obstructing development and creating unrest in the country. “They do not want the people’s progress; instead, they want to turn this country into a place like Syria or Lebanon,” he said. He alleged that the party spreads lies, creates conflicts and acts opportunistically, urging people not to join Jamaat-e-Islami. Calling on voters to support the BNP’s electoral symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the election, Mintu said Bangladesh would move forward with Allah’s blessings if BNP leader Tarique Rahman became the prime minister. He also promised development work in his constituency, including riverbank protection, improvements to schools and better healthcare facilities in Sonagazi and Daganbhuiyan. Many central and district BNP leaders were present at the rally, including Joint Secretary Shaheena Akhtar Shanu, district Joint Convener Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and leaders of Sonagazi Upazila BNP.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women wing on Sunday said there is no scope for a woman to hold the party’s topmost leadership position, citing Islamic principles. “Jamaat-e-Islami is an Islamic party and it is normal that an Islamic party must follow Islam. The Holy Quran states that men are the guardians of women. It is a Quranic directive and an obligation. Based on this, women cannot assume the top leadership position in any Islamic party,” said Jamaat’s Women Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddiqa replying to a question from reporters in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Earlier, a delegation from the Jamaat-e-Islami Women Wing met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin in the afternoon. Nurunnisa said holding a top position is not the core issue, rather ensuring women’s rights is what truly matters. Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman “Over the last 54 years, Bangladesh had two women prime ministers who remained in office for a long time. But have women’s problems been solved? Has violence against women declined? Have women’s rights been ensured? So, only having women in the top position does not automatically bring meaningful change,” she said. “That is why we do not consider attaining top leadership positions to be essential,” she added. Nurunnisa also claimed that women have significant representation within Jamaat’s organisational structure, noting that some 43 percent of members in the party’s Majlis-e-Shura advisory committee are women. During the meeting, the Women Wing submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, alleging attacks on Jamaat’s women activists during election campaigns and accusing certain quarters of being involved in what they described as a ‘deep conspiracy’ to obstruct women’s political participation. The delegation included Women Wing Assistant Secretary Saida Rahman and Habiba Chowdhury, who is in charge of political affairs. Dr Habiba Akhter Chowdhury said women constitute nearly 50 percent of the country’s total voters. “So, we (women) want a free, fair and peaceful voting environment as our mothers and sisters could not get scope to exercise their voting rights for the last 15 to 16 years. “Now, a vested group is conspiring deeply to deprive women of this opportunity again,” she alleged. Habiba claimed that they submitted documents with photographs of attacks on Jamaat women to the Election Commission. Irregularities, injustice will no longer be accepted in politics: Jamaat Ameer “Intimidation will not work. Women are not weak—we are courageous. Wherever obstacles arise, resistance will be built, Insha’Allah,” she said. Habiba added that the Election Commissioners listened attentively to their complaints and assured them of taking necessary measures.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Sunday staged a protest march on Dhaka University campus, condemning  the offensive remarks about women made from the verified X account of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. The protest was held in response to a post circulated on social media on Saturday which drew widespread criticism for its language towards women.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would invite rival political parties to take part in running the country if Jamaat comes to power with a parliamentary majority. Speaking at a rally at Chouddagram High School ground in Cumilla , he said, “If we achieve a majority, we will offer those who are now competing with us to play a role in governing the country. However, the condition is that they must not engage in corruption and must implement July charter.” He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami would form a unity government if it secures a majority in the next national election. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh has historically stood by the oppressed and would continue to do so. “We do not want victory for Jamaat-e-Islami alone, we want a collective victory for 18 crore people,” he said. Condemning violence against women, the Jamaat ameer said the country’s nine crore mothers and sisters would never be safe under those who assault women, describing protest against such oppression as a moral responsibility. He warned that Jamaat would not allow anyone who assaults women to go unpunished. Jamaat Ameer warns fascism-free Bangladesh impossible without reforms The Jamaat leader also called for unity among candidates of the 11-party alliance to ensure victory in all 300 parliamentary constituencies. He expressed hope that a new chapter would begin after February 12, with young people as well as the country’s mothers and sisters playing a central role. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the party no longer wanted fascism or corruption in government. “If you vote for us and we come to power, you will see Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as a senior member of the cabinet,” he said. Referring to past repression, he said Jamaat leaders and activists had remained in the country despite difficulties. “We were there, we are here, and we will remain, InshaAllah.”

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Thursday called the clash between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Sherpur, which left one person dead, ‘unwarranted’ and called for a quick and impartial investigation. “Why did one party occupy all the chairs before the scheduled time? Why were sticks and batons brought there? And why did that party’s candidate choose confrontation despite repeated requests?” he asked, stressing that these issues must be properly investigated. Replying to journalists’ questions at a press conference at the BNP Election Office in Gulshan, Mahdi also said it should be examined whether the clash could have been avoided. He said the Sherpur programme was organised by the local administration with the participation of all candidates, and seats were allocated for each party. Mahdi, however, alleged that leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami occupied all the chairs and did not allow BNP leaders and activists to sit in their designated seats, despite repeated requests from the administration. “Violence over such a minor issue like seating is in no way acceptable,” he said, adding that after the mass uprising, people expected an election atmosphere that would be festive, not violent. Describing BNP as the country’s largest political party, Mahdi Amin said there is a widespread belief that if the election is free, fair and credible, BNP will come to power. “Our main goal is to ensure a peaceful and controversy-free election so that no one can create instability around the polls. This is important not only for BNP, but for the country as a whole,” he said. Tarique reaches Rajshahi to launch fourth phase of BNP campaign The BNP spokesperson said many questions have naturally arisen about how the Sherpur incident began, who was behind it, and why the administration and law enforcement agencies failed to keep the situation under control. Referring to videos circulating on social media, he said they show repeated requests by police, administration officials, law enforcement agencies, the army and even BNP leaders asking the Jamaat candidate not to take a particular route. “Despite that, he decided to go that way and was repeatedly heard saying, ‘Let life be lost if it must be,’” he said. Mahdi Amin said the death of a person in the clash, regardless of political identity, is deeply regrettable. He also said more than 40 BNP leaders and activists were injured, several of them critically. Calling for stronger action from the administration and law enforcement agencies, the BNP spokesperson urged them to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. He also appealed to all parties not to provoke others or fall into provocation and to ensure a peaceful and respectful campaign environment. Mahdi said BNP has urged the interim government to ensure that such incidents are not repeated anywhere else in the country, adding that people expect all political parties to behave responsibly and democratically. Responding to another question, he said the role of law enforcement agencies during the election must be strengthened and all political parties must fully cooperate with the administration. Election violence leaves Jamaat leader dead in Sherpur About a recent procession in the Dhaka University area and what he described as propaganda involving BNP, Mahdi said creating baseless narratives over a minor and isolated incident to gain political advantage is unacceptable. “We want positive politics, not politics based on blame,” he said. Mahdi said BNP’s top priority is to ensure a peaceful, credible and widely accepted election. “If democratic norms are upheld, Insha’Allah, we will all be able to strengthen democracy together,” he added.

BNP on Wednesday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of exploiting religious sentiments and trying to buy votes during the ongoing election campaign, calling it a clear case of political double standards. “A party (Jamaat) was itself part of the government from 2001 to 2005, with two ministers and several members of parliament. While in government, no comments were heard from them on corruption,” said Mahdi Amin, the spokesperson of the BNP’s Central Election Steering Committee. Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Gulshan election office, he alleged that the party is now continuing what he described as fascist-style propaganda during the election campaign. “We see this role as political double standards,” he said. “Besides, it is now clear that while seeking votes, the party is abusing religious sentiments, offering temptations of heaven, forcing people to swear on the Holy Quran and even going around with various offers to give money through bKash numbers. As a result, those who are themselves trying to buy voters’ votes with money are now talking about corruption, which raises serious questions about the party’s so-called honesty,” Mahdi said. He also urged all political parties to strictly follow the election code of conduct. In an indirect reference to Jamaat, Mahdi also accused the party of making misleading promises to voters, saying its Ameer recently announced at an election rally in Bogura that a public university would be established there and that Bogura municipality would be upgraded to a city corporation. “The reality is that both issues have already been approved at the state level, and administrative work is under way. A vice-chancellor has already been appointed to that university,” he said. The BNP spokesperson questioned why an existing government decision was being presented as a new party promise, calling it an attempt to mislead the people of Bogura. He condemned the dismissal of a mosque muezzin in Sapahar upazila of Naogaon. Mahdi said they learned that the muezzin, Al Amin Chowdhury, was dismissed from his job under pressure from leaders and activists of a particular party for taking part in campaigning in favour of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. “This is a bad example of the violation of a citizen’s democratic rights. We strongly condemn this and demand his immediate reinstatement, ensuring that everyone’s profession, religion and freedom remain fully protected,” he added. Mahdi also referred to a video circulated in the media in which a candidate in Sylhet is heard saying that if elected, the police would not be able to enter anyone’s house without his permission. BNP 'practiced' polling booth capture in attacking NCP's Dhaka-18 candidate: Hasnat  The BNP spokesperson described the statement as clearly unconstitutional and against administrative discipline. “If a parliamentary candidate is allowed to make such statements, it raises serious questions. We believe that, in the interest of justice, arresting anyone without an offence is in no way acceptable. But saying that police will need permission from a parliamentary candidate or an MP to make an arrest reflects a fascist mindset. We urge the concerned authorities to take appropriate action in this matter,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday called on voters to support the party in the upcoming parliamentary elections and the national referendum, promising to establish a corruption-free, terrorism-free, extortion-free, and just Bangladesh if given the opportunity. Speaking at a election rally at Altafunnesha Playground in Bogura city, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat does not work alone but aims to unite all stakeholders to build a secure nation. He emphasized that if the party is entrusted with power, it will prioritize governance based on justice, transparency, and public welfare. “We aim to eliminate corruption, extortion, and terrorism, ensuring a fair and safe Bangladesh,” he said. Read More: Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council prays for Khaleda Zia’s swift recovery The Jamaat leader also highlighted development plans for Bogura, including establishing a university, organizing international-level events at Chandu Stadium, and improving civic infrastructure. He stressed that the party does not impose bribes or unlawful fees and assured that no Jamaat member would engage in extortion, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable. Dr. Shafiqur also spoke on women’s empowerment, emphasizing that the country will be built with the participation of women, who will be provided employment opportunities based on talent and merit. He promised that unemployment allowances would be replaced with real job creation programs, converting the hands of the unemployed into productive labor. The rally, presided over by Bogura district Ameer Maulana Abdul Haq Sarkar, was attended by numerous party and allied leaders, including city secretary Professor A.S.M. Abdul Malek, district secretary Maulana Mansurur Rahman, central leaders Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin and Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, and candidates from seven constituencies. Central and local leaders, including members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, NCP, LDP, and BDP, also addressed the gathering. Read More: Shafiqur re-elected as Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Shafiqur handed over party election symbols to candidates from seven constituencies and urged voters to cast their ballots for them. He later attended additional rallies in Sherpur and Shibganj upazilas, calling for support for Bogura-5 and Bogura-2 constituency candidates. The rallies drew large crowds, reflecting strong public participation in Jamaat’s election campaign.