United News of Bangladesh

With Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election expected in the first half of February 2026, election experts are increasingly voicing concern over the administrative preparations to conduct a credible national vote. As the countdown to the polls continues, questions are mounting about the government’s logistical planning, transparency and capacity to ensure an election that is free, fair and acceptable both domestically and internationally. Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder, Public Administration Expert Mohammad Firoz Mia and newly appointed Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Ehsanul Haque talked to UNB on the issue. The interim government has reaffirmed its determination to hold the election within the stipulated timeframe, ‘under any circumstance’, but analysts warn that the credibility of the process will hinge on the effectiveness and neutrality of the civil administration, they said. Although the Election Commission (EC) is formally tasked with organising the polls, its success at the field level will largely depend on the efficiency, morale and impartiality of the bureaucracy. This has given rise to a pressing question: is the current administrative machinery adequately prepared to deliver a free and fair election? EC seeks round-the-clock police deployment for Nirbachan Bhaban ahead of election Over the past 15 months, the civil administration has been struggling to regain its footing. Frequent transfers, promotions, and contractual appointments have reportedly created confusion and a crisis of confidence among officials. Many within the bureaucracy are said to be apprehensive about potential repercussions if they act with full impartiality. Public administration experts, however, maintain that the situation can still be salvaged, provided there is sincerity and political goodwill. They emphasise the urgent need to appoint qualified, courageous and neutral officials to key field positions, particularly District Commissioners (DCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs). Strengthening the morale of law enforcement agencies and ensuring their impartial conduct are also viewed as critical to restoring public confidence in the electoral process. According to experts, despite a demoralised and divided bureaucracy, a credible election remains possible if the government takes decisive corrective measures and empowers competent officials at the field level. Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder told UNB that despite the weaknesses within the bureaucracy, “good elections are possible if bold steps are taken.” BNP eyes broader political alliance to foster national unity ahead of election He pointed, “The people had confidence in the caretaker governments during the 1991, 1996 and 2001 elections, but the current government does not have that credibility. Fair elections will depend largely on the field administration — their competence, impartiality and strength of conviction.” “If the government genuinely conveys a message of neutrality and allows field officials to work independently, then good elections are still achievable,” he added. Public administration expert Mohammad Firoz Mia echoed similar sentiments, saying that the current bureaucracy lacks the capacity to conduct elections comparable to those of 2008. “It is crucial to restore morale. Fair elections will not be possible unless officials are freed from fear,” he told UNB. He cautioned that administrative efficiency alone would not suffice if political actors remain uncooperative. “Curbing election brokers and political interference at the field level remains a major challenge.” Political parties, including the BNP, NCP, and Jamaat-e-Islami, have all expressed scepticism about the neutrality of the administration. BNP has alleged that officials loyal to Jamaat are being placed in influential positions, while Jamaat claims that 70–80 per cent of bureaucrats are under the sway of a particular political party. BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan pointed out that about 10 lakh personnel are required to operate some 42,000 polling stations nationwide. “This enormous operation depends entirely on the government administration. The real question is — will they act impartially or not?” he said. The government insists that it remains firmly committed to holding a free and impartial election. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that all administrative transfers and postings ahead of the polls will be made under his direct supervision. “Deputy Commissioners will be appointed after careful selection of qualified officials.” Meanwhile, Ehsanul Haque, the newly appointed Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, told UNB, “Our directive is clear …this will be a fair election.” Haque said he is personally taking responsibility to ensure the field administration performs its duties with complete impartiality.  

The Election Commission will sit in a views-exchange with top government officials including secretaries of key ministries, directors general of important agencies and Inspector General of Prisons (IG Prisons) on October 30 next aiming to conduct the upcoming national election in a free, participatory and fair manner. The views-exchange and pre-preparatory meeting will be held at 3:00 pm on October 30 (Thursday) at the Conference Room of the Election Commission Secretariat, said an EC letter sent to the top government officials. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will preside over the meeting, with the Election Commissioners in attendance. According to the EC letter, at least 31 senior officials have been asked to attend the meeting, including the Cabinet Secretary, Senior Secretaries of the Ministries of Home, Public Administration, Shipping and Expatriates’ Welfare and the Foreign Secretary. EC to publish final list of polling stations Monday, says Secretary Akhtar Others include the secretary (Coordination and Reforms) Cabinet Division, secretaries of Finance Division, Law and Justice Division, Health Education and Family Welfare Division, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Local Government Division, Financial Institutions Division, Power Division, Agriculture Ministry, Secondary and Higher Education and Technical and Madrasa Education. The Secretaries of the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Posts and Telecommunications Division, ICT Division and Road Transport and Highways Division have also been invited along with the Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat. Heads of several key departments and agencies, including the Director Generals of Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, the Directorate of Posts and the Department of Film and Publication; the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority; and the chief engineers of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and the Department of Educational Engineering; and the Inspector General of Prisons, are among the attendees. Besides, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank was asked to send the Executive Director of Credit Information Bureau or appropriate officer to attend the meeting. Bangladesh Republic Party gets registration with ‘Elephant’ symbol Earlier, on October 20 last, the EC sat in a views-exchange with different law enforcement agencies and intelligences in a bid to conduct the next election in free, participatory and fair manners. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28 last ahead of the next general election to be held in early February 2026. 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. The EC has also a plan to sit with other stakeholders, including political parties ahead of the national election.  

In a bid to prevent potential subversive activities ahead of the national election, the police are preparing to launch intelligence-driven operations across the country, targeting illegal arms and ammunition, particularly those looted from various police stations, outposts and other establishments during last year’s July uprising. A Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at Police Headquarters, speaking to UNB on condition of anonymity, said that, unlike previous elections, law enforcement agencies this time would rely solely on intelligence-led actions rather than combing or special operations. “Law enforcement agencies usually conduct special operations or combing exercises before every national election, especially to recover illegal weapons. But considering the gravity of the situation this year, we are going for precise, intelligence-based operations. We are already conducting analyses and strategic planning,” the DIG said. Asked about the timeline for launching the operations, the officer said, “It will begin whenever the government instructs us to go for it.” The move comes in the wake of serious security concerns triggered by the large-scale looting of arms and ammunition following the political upheaval on August 5, 2024, the day former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country. Former DIG Nahidul Islam arrested in Dhaka Enraged protesters launched coordinated attacks on various police stations and installations across the country. According to documents obtained from the Police Headquarters, a staggering 5,753 firearms and 651,832 rounds of ammunition were looted during the movement. Besides, a significant number of non-lethal weapons and devices were stolen during the anti-discrimination movement in July-August last year, including 32,005 teargas shells, 1,455 teargas grenades, 4,692 sound grenades, 290 smoke grenades, 55 stun grenades, 893 multiple-bang stun grenades and 177 teargas sprays. Among the looted firearms and ammunition, 4,395 firearms and nearly 394,117 rounds of ammunition have so far been recovered. However, around 1,368 firearms and 257,715 rounds remain missing, raising concerns that they could be used to sabotage the upcoming election process. Cash Rewards for Recovery In response, the Home Ministry has announced substantial rewards for the recovery of looted arms. At a press briefing following a law-and-order core committee meeting held at the Secretariat on 25 August, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Choudhury revealed the reward structure: Tk 500,000 for each Light Machine Gun (LMG), Tk 100,000 for each Chinese rifle or Submachine Gun (SMG), Tk 50,000 for each shotgun or pistol, and Tk 500 per recovered bullet. Despite this incentive, another senior DIG told UNB that no new weapons have been recovered since the reward announcement. 3,797 cases filed, Tk 26.38 cr fines realised in nationwide anti-pollution drives “We’re monitoring public movement and trying to trace the networks involved in the coordinated attacks on police establishments, including police stations. Intelligence agencies are on high alert,” the officer said. Election Security The decision to opt for intelligence-led operations follows a high-level meeting at the Home Ministry on August 6, where law enforcement agencies were instructed to remain on maximum alert. Officials were warned that the stolen weapons could be used by anti-state elements to create unrest during the upcoming national election period. Police officials anticipate that this election may face unprecedented challenges. Police Headquarters is focusing on intelligence-based strategies rather than massive raids to neutralise threats quickly and surgically, without causing public panic or widespread disruption. They said law enforcement agencies are now working closely with intelligence agencies to identify and dismantle networks involved in the arms looting and any subsequent attempts at destabilisation.

The Election Commission will soon publish the final delimitation of parliamentary constituencies ahead of the national election to be held in early February 2026, said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday. “Now we will discuss and publish the final list (of constituencies) as soon as possible,” he said while briefing reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city following the conclusion of a four-day hearing on claims and objections regarding the re-demarcation of parliamentary seats. The EC Secretary said the hearings on claims, complaints and recommendations over 84 constituencies in 33 districts were completed. EC clears action plan for national election in February He said the EC earlier received a total of 1,893 claims, complaints, appeals and recommendations regarding 84 constituencies. Of them, 1185 petitions against the EC’s draft demarcation of constituencies, while the rest 708 ones in favour of the EC’s draft, he said. Replying to a question, the EC Secretary said the commission won’t touch any other constituency in the final delimitation beyond 84 parliamentary seats. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin chaired the hearing sessions held from August 24-27 at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Four election commissioners -- Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Brig Gen (Retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah -- were also present, while EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed conducted the hearings. Earlier, on July 30, the EC had published a draft delimitation of the 300 constituencies, proposing boundary changes in 39 constituencies across 14 districts. As per the draft, the number of constituencies in Gazipur has increased from five to six, while Bagerhat’s has been reduced from four to three. EC to roll out action plan for Bangladesh election Thursday The 39 constituencies affected are: Panchagarh-1 and 2, Rangpur-3, Sirajganj-1 and 2, Satkhira-3 and 4, Shariatpur-2 and 3, Dhaka-2, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 19, Gazipur-1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, Narayanganj-3, 4 and 5, Sylhet-1 and 3, Brahmanbaria-2 and 3, Cumilla-1, 2, 10 and 11, Noakhali-1, 2, 4 and 5, Chittagong-7 and 8 and Bagerhat-2 and 3. In response to a question over attack on a NCP leader during the hearings before raising views by former BNP MP Rumeen Farhana, the EC Secretary said it was not desirable and it should not have happened. “This is a very undesirable thing for us. It was better that it did not happen and it is a sad matter for all of us,” he said. In response to another question, he said the EC has filed a general diary with the police station in this regard and asked the police to take necessary action in this regard. During the four-day hearing, Gazipur representatives showered praise on the EC for its initiative to increase the number of parliamentary seats in the district from five to six, while Bagerhat representatives criticised the EC for reducing the number of parliamentary seats from four to three in the recent draft delimitation. Besides, representatives from several districts including Manikganj and Munshiganj demanded raising the number of parliamentary seats in their districts. Among the 84 constituencies, many petitioners from some parliamentary seats including Dohar, Nawabganj, Savar and Ashulia upazilas of Dhaka sought separate parliamentary seats with their respective upazilas as the seats were before the 2001 general election. The previous Election Commission, headed by Kazi Habibul Awal, re-demarcated 10 constituencies ahead of the 12th national election, while the KM Nurul Huda-led commission changed the boundaries of 25 constituencies ahead of the 2018 general election, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-headed commission redrew the boundaries of 87 constituencies ahead of 10th parliamentary election, and the ATM Shamsul Huda-led commission made significant changes to 133 constituencies in 2008 before the 9th general election.  

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday said they believe the interim government is preparing to hold the national election before Ramadan in line with the Chief Adviser’s commitment. “Our humble request to Dr Muhammad Yunus is that you kindly live up to your commitment. An election will be held in the country before Ramadan, and the government is certainly preparing for it. We are hopeful about it,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting organised by the Education Development Campaign at the Jatiya Press Club. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, said the government has already delayed the election. “So, let there be no further delay.” He recalled that Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed arranged the national election within three months after the fall of the Ershad government. Rizvi slams ‘vested quarters’ for misusing BNP’s name to create chaos in govt offices “If you had ended the shameful chapter of the past 16 years and held the election within three or even six months, your name would have been written in golden letters in Bangladesh’s history. However, it is already late. Still, we are hopeful that the election will be held before Ramadan,” the BNP leader said. He said there are now talks that some party will get 200 to 300 seats, which is creating doubt in the public mind. Farroque mentioned that some people are still skeptical that elections will not be held until the new party (NCP) becomes stronger. “But after the London meeting, I am confident as a political activist that the election will be held before Ramadan,” he said. The BNP leader also said the development and improvement of the election system, law and order, and constitutional institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, will depend on the future government. He expressed the hope that the next government will learn from the atrocities and repression of the Hasina government and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.    He stressed that the judiciary and constitutional institutions must work independently. He said the education sector will be given the highest priority if BNP forms the government through a fair election. “When an elected government is formed, elected representatives will address the problems in the education sector. If we cannot improve education, the development of the country and the nation will not be possible. This is clear,” Farroque said. BNP announces programmes marking anniversary of July-August uprising He alleged that the education system was ruined by former Education Minister Dipu Moni during the Awami League regime. “There are no words to describe how Sheikh Hasina and her father have destroyed the education system. Those who used to speak about democracy in the country did not speak about education,” the BNP leader observed.  

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said it is not possible to hold a national election without the government's cooperation despite the Election Commission’s constitutional independence. “No matter how independent the EC is said to be, it is not possible to hold an election without the government's support. We have to conduct the polls with cooperation from the government," he told reporters after inaugurating a daylong training programme on electoral laws and rules at the Electoral Training Institute in the capital. He said the EC relies on support from law enforcement agencies, the administration and its officials to hold the election. “So, the government will naturally play a key role in the election. It (election) won’t be possible without it,” the CEC said. EC must be ready, no matter when election held: CEC Regarding communication with the government, the CEC said formal and informal channels remain open. “It’s not like that we’re isolated on an island, away from the government,” he said. Nasir Uddin also reaffirmed that the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election will be announced in due course assuring that the EC is following due process. “You’ll know the election date at the right time. We will announce the schedule in due course,” he said. In response to a question about the EC’s election roadmap, he said there is an internal work plan in place. “We are not hiding anything. We won’t call it a roadmap…(but) any office has a work plan. A national election of this scale must require an internal work plan. It’s for our own use—not for sharing with everybody,” the CEC added.

Sticking to two possible timelines for the next national election, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday expressed optimism that the national election would be the “most free, fair and credible” in Bangladesh’s history. “As I said before, and I say again, elections will be held between December this year and June next year,” he said in a televised address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr. He highlighted that the Election Commission has already begun preparations and urged political parties to engage with enthusiasm. Dr Yunus also noted that the Consensus Commission is actively gathering opinions from all political parties. “The commission aims to identify common ground among political parties and compile a consensus-based document. The parties endorsing this will sign what will be termed the ‘July Charter,’” he explained. He assured that the government’s role is to ensure transparency in the entire process and facilitate the elections upon its completion. The Chief Adviser warned of a surge in misinformation and propaganda aimed at destabilising the country ahead of the upcoming elections. “Our collective unity is making the ousted force frustrated, and they are devising sophisticated tactics to break it. We must not fall into their trap,” he said. Since the interim government took office, a wave of misinformation has been sweeping through the media and social platforms, Dr Yunus said. “Fabricated content, doctored images and false narratives are being used to create confusion. Events from other countries are being misrepresented as local incidents to incite unrest. The closer we get to the elections, the more intense these activities will become,” said the Chief Adviser. Bangladesh’s future depends on eradication of corruption: Chief Adviser He said the government has sought assistance from the United Nations to counter misinformation campaigns. “The UN Secretary-General has assured us of extending support in tackling this challenge,” Dr Yunus said. The Chief Adviser described the country as being in a "state of war" against defeated forces attempting to undermine stability. “The July uprising’s first phase has been successfully completed and now we enter the second phase. Misinformation is the most powerful weapon of these defeated forces, funded by limitless resources and driven by experienced strategists,” he warned. Eradication of Corruption Stressing the need for eliminating corruption, the Chief Adviser said Bangladesh has no future unless corruption is eradicated. "Like the people of our country, the international community also wants us to be free from corruption because they seek to expand trade with us. Without eliminating corruption, business and trade cannot thrive. Bangladesh has no future unless corruption is eradicated," he said. Dr Yunus said the interim government prioritises efforts to ensure a corruption-free administration. Beyond maintaining transparency during the tenure of the current government, it is committed to establishing systems that will prevent future administrations from corruption, the Chief Adviser said. "Corruption not only inflates costs to an unimaginable extent but also distorts all institutional structures. Government policies, institutional frameworks, and officials’ responsibilities, however well-documented, become meaningless in practice. The country operates under an unwritten system, forcing the government, businesses, investors, and every citizen to comply with it," he added. Dr Yunus said the government is focusing on minimising physical interactions between citizens and government offices to combat corruption and bureaucratic harassment. “As part of the prevention of corruption, a decision has been taken to introduce e-filing in all government offices.” Dr Yunus calls for social movement against misogyny E-filing will reduce corruption by providing real-time tracking of files within offices, he said, adding, “The government is working to implement online services in all sectors where digital access is feasible. Citizens are often forced to pay exorbitant sums to access essential services. We are committed to ending such financial exploitation and harassment." The Chief Adviser urged citizens to provide feedback on how to simplify online services and encouraged individuals to email their suggestions. Social Movement against Misogyny Dr Yunus stressed the need for a social movement against misogyny and prejudiced attitudes towards women. “We must identify the existing inequalities in the country and work together to prevent violence and discrimination against women," he said. Highlighting the role of modern technology in breaking barriers, Dr Yunus said technology has given people immense power to dismantle obstacles, no matter how high or strong they are.” We must utilise it to bridge all gaps." He also praised the resilience of women who participated in the July uprising and said they are determined to establish their rights. The Chief Adviser said to enhance women's safety police launched a hotline and the government launched a dedicated short-code service. The call-taking system is designed to be handled entirely by female staff ensuring a more comfortable reporting environment for victims, the CA said. Besides, amendments were made to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act to expedite investigations and trials to eliminate delays in justice. Dr Yunus said DNA laboratories are being set up in Chattogram and Rajshahi alongside Dhaka, while a special judicial service commission is set to appoint more judges soon. Provisions have also been made to establish special tribunals to ensure swift justice for child victims, he added. Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant The Chief Adviser said they have been putting importance on timely completion of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant considering the growing demand of electricity. Upcoming election to be most free, credible in Bangladesh’s history: Dr Yunus “We have emphasized on the timely completion of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in view of the country's growing demand for electricity,” he said. The Chief Adviser said that the Director General of State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) has told him that the power plant will be put into trial operation soon. Dr Yunus said Nepal and Bhutan are very interested in giving Bangladesh hydropower, and Bangladesh is also interested in receiving it. “There is no alternative (of electricity) to developing Bangladesh's industrial zone. If we can bring hydropower from Nepal, our dependence on fossil fuels will decrease,” he said. The Chief Adviser said discipline has been restored in the country’s economy from a devastated one while it has been one of the very important attainments of the interim government. “Confidence has been restored in the banking system. As a result of this, discipline has been restored in the economy while it was very much important among the attainments of the interim government,” he said.

Election Commissioner Tahmida Ahmed on Sunday made a proposal for conducting voting in open fields instead of closed rooms of schools and colleges in a bid to enhance transparency in the election process. “How can it be transparent if we conduct the election in the closed rooms of a confined house? It definitely will not be transparent. That’s why I want the elections to be held in an open field,” she said while addressing a discussion at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on Sunday, marking National Voter Day 2025. This year, National Voter Day is being observed with the theme "We will cast votes together in your and my Bangladesh" (Tomar Amar Bangladeshe, Vote Dibo Milemishe). Tahmida Ahmad said she wants to conduct the balloting in the open fields of schools and colleges within the boundary walls. “Does this seem crazy?” she said. Noting that reforms are seen everywhere now, she said if anyone is asked what kind of election they want, the person would instantly reply that they want free, fair, and transparent elections. Election Commission committed to holding credible polls: CEC “The word ‘transparent’ really resonates with me. I, too, want our elections to be transparent. But how can it be transparent if we conduct the voting in closed rooms of a confined house?” she said. The election commissioner also provided an example of how a boundary rope could be set up in an open field to prevent anyone from entering the designated area during the balloting. “When we go to the bank, they make a line with a thin rope. Do we stay within the line? Do we follow it? Yes, we do. So, why wouldn’t people follow the same when it comes to voting? Why shouldn’t we do this? Why wouldn’t you cooperate with us?” she said. She said if the people cooperate, the EC will arrange the elections in the open fields. “This is the kind of reform I want to bring. We won’t stick to the traditional method of conducting the election in closed rooms. We want to do it in the open fields,” she went on. Tahmida Ahmed said it might seem like a crazy idea at first, but it is not. “Nothing is impossible. We want to prove it,” she said. Another Election Commissioner, Brig Gen (Retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah, said the data of 53,33,563 eligible voters have so far been collected across the country during the ongoing voter registration programme that started on January 20 last and will be completed by June next. He said some 1.9 million deceased voters have so far been removed and the data 3.6 million dropped out voters had been collected, surpassing the EC’s target of 2.6 to 2.7 million dropout voters during the ongoing registration campaign. Sanaullah pointed out that it is time to consider whether it is essential to go on a door-to-door campaign to update the country’s voter lists now in the era of the digitized world. “We’ll have to think about whether we will go door to door at all in the future, because we are in a digitised world.  Secondly, there is a cost involved in going door to door,” he said. The commissioner said both mistakes in the voter lists and costs can be reduced, if the people take responsibility (going to designated places or online) to complete the registration process. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, two other election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud and Md Anwarul Islam Sarker also spoke at the discussion presided over by EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has said the reform of electoral laws and rules and other necessary works must be completed by October next to hold the 13th parliamentary election in December next. “To conduct the election in December, I have to be fully prepared with everything by October, completing whatever necessary (for the election). I’ve to announce the schedule at the end of October,” he said on Sunday. AL won’t be allowed to contest elections: Mahfuj Alam The CEC made the remark while addressing a dialogue titled ‘RFED Talk’ with Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy-RFED at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. He said the election commission needs to announce the election schedule at least two months or one and half a month before an election. UK NRB Society concerned over potential Sylhet-Manchester flight suspension The submission of the nomination papers, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidacy, settlement of appeals against the decisions of returning officers, and giving at least 21 days for election campaign are to be considered during the announcement of an election schedule, he said. “If the election is to be held in December, then there must be an arrangement so that I can prepare by October. And if it says in the middle that new law or reform is to be made, then it will be a big challenge for me. It will be a big challenge not only for me but also for anyone because of time constraints,” said Nasir Uddin. Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy He focused on different issues, including registration of political parties and delimitation of constituencies.