United News of Bangladesh

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. The Indian Foreign Secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. He made the remarks while interacting with the visiting delegation of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi. Senior officials of the MEA, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present. India bins Bangladesh Home Adviser’s remarks as 'false, baseless' During nearly an hour-long interaction, the Indian Foreign Secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship.

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday disclosed the draft number of 42,618 polling stations for the 13th parliamentary election, raising the number by around 468 from what was in the 2024 national election.  “A total of 42,618 polling stations were fixed considering one station is for on average 300 voters,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said disclosing the draft number of the polling stations before reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.  The list of the polling stations finalised on October 20 next for the upcoming general election planned to be held in early February, 2026. BNP leader Salahuddin congratulates DUCSU election winners     According to the latest updated electoral rolls, the number of the country’s voters is now 12,61,61,201– 6,39,28,809 males, 6,23,06,177 females and 1185 transgender ones.  According to the draft list, there will be 2,44,046 polling booths under the 42,618 polling stations during the next election.  The EC Secretary said some 1,14,939 polling booths are for male voters, fixing one booth per 600 male voters, while 1,29,107 booths for females, fixing one booth per 500 female voters.  He said the Election Commission will receive claims and complaints over the draft list of polling stations till September 25 and dispose of the complaints by October 12 and finalise the list on October 20 next.  The EC official said the number of the polling stations was 42,150 in the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024.  About CCTV installation in the polling station, the EC on September 08 informed the Home Ministry that the commission has nothing to do with the installation of CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras at polling stations in the 13th national election. BNP leader urges govt to clear doubts over election A letter signed by EC Secretariat Deputy Secretary Rashedul Islam was sent to the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 8 in this regard. Earlier, the Home Ministry had written to the EC seeking to know its responsibilities regarding the matter (installation of CCTV cameras).  

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said Bangladesh is going downhill gradually as it could not move to democratic order even after one year of the mass uprising. "One year is actually a long time. The country should have transitioned to a democratic order through the electoral process long ago. Because of this delay, Bangladesh is going downhill day by day," he said while speaking at a seminar. Historically, Khosru said, countries that quickly established a democratic system through elections after a revolution or mass uprising tended to fare better. In contrast, the BNP leader said, those countries that failed to do so often faced economic collapse, social unrest and in some cases, civil war. "The countries that created trouble after their uprisings, making various demands and excuses, lost their democracy and destroyed their economies. These countries also experienced civil wars, and society became deeply divided. This is why elections must be held without further delay," he explained. Khosru, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said the situation is becoming increasingly difficult due to the absence of democracy and an elected government in Bangladesh. He highlighted the growing gap between the interim government and people, pointing out that there is no bridge between the two.  "This gap is causing law enforcement agencies and government officials to fail in their duties. We are witnessing a collapse in law and order, lack of security, and a business environment that’s simply not viable. Factories are not receiving new investments because no one is willing to invest their time, money, or resources in this uncertainty,” the BNP leader said. The seminar, titled ‘Post-July Political Thoughts: Which Direction Bangladesh is Walking?’ was organised by the School of Leadership USA (Bangladesh Chapter) at a city hotel. Khosru warned that the country has already lost over a year without a proper democratic process, which is pushing Bangladesh deeper into political and economic instability. Despite hosting international summits and discussions, he pointed out that the country has failed to attract real investment.  "At a recent summit, no new investments were made, even though many current investors attended. However, now, with the announcement of the election, we are starting to see some signs of hope. It is clear that investors are waiting for the elections to make their decisions. They are closely watching the situation and preparing to invest after the election," the BNP leader said. Khosru urged all political parties to recognise the shift in the people's mindset following the mass uprising. "After Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian rule ended, there has been a huge change in the mindset of the people of Bangladesh. Their expectations and aspirations are sky-high, but if we fail to understand and acknowledge these changes, political leaders and parties will have no future. If we don't recognise this, then the future of the party, mine, and the country itself will be at risk. No one’s future will be secure," he said. The BNP leader stressed that political parties must stop claiming credit for the mass uprising as a tool for their future politics. "If we continue to fight over credit for the movement, Bangladesh has no future. The credit belongs to the people, to those who made sacrifices for the country, not to individuals," he said. Khosru mentioned that true freedom fighters returned to their lives and work after the Liberation War of 1971. "Those who fought on the front lines returned to their roles. Teachers went back to their schools, and students returned to their colleges. We need to move beyond the idea of using the freedom struggle for personal gain. It’s time to focus on building the future of our country,” he said.  

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission is making full preparations to hold the national election whenever the government desires as the commission does not want to face any blame regarding its electoral readiness. “We will make preparations to deliver whenever the government wants. We are not willing to accept any kind of blame. I have told her (US Chargé d'Affaires),” he said after a meeting with Tracey Ann Jacobson , the Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. PR system possible if only law is amended: CEC Nasir The CEC said the EC will ensure it is fully prepared so that no one can blame that the commission is unprepared or that its preparations are insufficient. In a bid to avoid any blame on his commission, the CEC said the EC will be fully prepared so that no one can say that the EC is not prepared about the election, has lack in preparation or its preparation is not sufficient. Talking about the election-time law and order situation, he said the political parties will come to a position in this regard considering the interests of the country. “I believe that our political parties will put the interests of the country above all else and our political parties will work in the interests of the country, thinking about the country. At the end, you will see that they (political parties) will come to a position,” said Nasir Uddin. Addressing concerns about mob violence, the CEC said those seeking to incite unrest will find no opportunity, as Dhaka city is expected to be almost deserted during polling day, with voters traveling to the 300 constituencies across the country. “During elections, the city becomes largely empty as people go to their constituencies. Those who intend to create mob violence will not find the chance, based on our experience,” he added. About mob-violence, the CEC said the elections will be held in 300 constituencies in a single day. Those who want to incite mob violence would not get scope to create so (on the voting day) as Dhaka city will be largely empty (deserted) with the voters traveling to the 300 constituencies across the country.   During the meeting, Tracey Ann Jacobson was accompanied by David Moo (Political Chief at the embassy) and Firoze Ahmed (Political Specialist).  

The total number of voters in Bangladesh climbed to 12.64 crore (12,63,07,504), marking an increase of nearly 26 lakh in the latest updated electoral rolls published on Sunday. “Now there are 12,63,07,504 registered voters in the country. Of them 6,41,00,455 are male voters, while 6,22,05,819 female voters and 1,230 third gender voters,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at a press briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on the occasion of the release of the latest supplementary updated voter list. He said the EC is publishing a total of three voter lists this year (2025). “First one was published on March 2, the second one was today (August 31) and another supplementary list will be released on October 31 next,” he said. The number of the country’s voters was 12,37,32,274 on March 2 last, the day electoral rolls were updated last. Of them, 6,33,61,615 males, 6,03,69,665 females and 994 transgender persons. Rizvi questions prospect of fair polls, blames ex-govt allies for ‘plots’ During the latest update published on Sunday (August 31, 2025), the number of voters increased by 25,75,230 ones as 47,08,858 fresh voters were incorporated in the voter lists, while 21,33,628 voters were dropped from the lists on different reasons particularly the death of voters. Ahead of the next general election, the EC Secretary said the EC will publish another supplementary voter list to enroll the youths who would turn 18 years by on October 31, 2025 as voters. Following the next supplementary list that the voter lists will be final rolls for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, he added. He said the Commission is working on designing a proposal to facilitate the physically challenged and visually impaired voters to cast their voting rights in the next election by easing accessibility to the polling stations. “We are consulting with stakeholders, including development partners like UNDP. Some proposals are still under review,” he said, hinting that the volunteers would be employed to help the physically challenged persons cast their votes.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday expressed doubt over the possibility of a truly free and fair election, alleging that the ‘allies’ of the previous government are engaged in various plots to obstruct the process. “Still, we have doubts about a free and fair election. How much of it is actually possible to do (hold a free and fair election). How much can it be done? We have asked them (Election Commission) whether it has that capacity,” he told reporters after separate meetings with election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud and Md Anwarul Islam Sarker at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and former secretary Ismail Jabiullah accompanied him at the meetings. The BNP delegation specifically discussed constituency delimitation issues with Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker, who is in charge of the process. BNP committee election turns violent in Lakshmipur; 6 injured including presiding officer In response to their questions, the EC assured them of the EC’s full preparations (for holding a free and fair election), Rizvi said. The BNP leader, however, voiced concerns about the presence of what he described as “accomplices” (of Awami League government) at different levels of the administration, including the EC’s administration. “These accomplices are engaged in various tactics and far-reaching conspiracies to disrupt a free and fair election, or even to prevent it from being held,” he said, adding that although the EC is an independent constitutional body, it is also an administration. “We wanted to know what kind of role the ‘allies’ are playing here and if they were creating any kind of obstacles,” he said. Next election to be most risky, EC tells officials Rizvi said the EC assured them that they are overseeing it properly and carefully to ensure transparency so that the election in no way can be disrupted and stigmatised, citing that the Election Commission is confident enough that it is making the necessary preparations for a fair election. The BNP leader, however, said the current EC has no lack of sincerity to arrange free and fair elections. “We hope this Commission will be able to conduct a free, fair and inclusive election with participation of all. So far, I have not found any lack of sincerity on their part,” he said replying to a question. On the issue of introducing proportional representation (PR), Rizvi said his party believes it is not feasible at the moment. “Our leaders have conveyed this to the EC in detail. The Election Commission is carrying out its constitutional responsibilities,” he added. Rizvi said BNP sought updates about voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis. “We wanted to know about the progress of enabling expatriates to cast their votes. The EC informed us they are working on the possibility of postal ballots for them,” he said. Commenting on Saturday’s attack on former Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Nurul Haque Nur, Rizvi strongly condemned the incident. Nur is a known political figure who played a role in anti-fascist movements. Such an attack on a responsible political leader is condemnable and unacceptable in a democratic country, said the BNP leader.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the country has reached a ‘stable enough’ position and is ready to have the national election in the first half of February next year.  "We announced the election in the first half of February 2026...the interim government will be replaced by an elected government," he said at the beginning of his speech at the ‘Stakeholders' Dialogue’ in the beach town of Cox’s Bazar. Prof Yunus said he has come here at a very important moment in their political history. One year back, he said, they had gone through a killing spree and followed by the students-led uprising to free the country from the fascist regime. "Now, we are ready for another transition in our political history. We have announced the time for the election. It's just about a year back, we had the uprising and the country has come to this stable enough and ready to have the election," Prof Yunus said amid the presence of representatives of the international community. Representatives from governments, UN agencies and international organisations were present. Prof Yunus hoped that they could work out a solution to the Rohingya problem to let them go back to their own home. "As part of this transition process that we are going through, it will be complete when we see we have also achieved this goal, to have all our Rohingya guests return to their own home in their own environment," he said. The Rohingya crisis originated from Myanmar and the solution also lies there, he said, adding that all parties must act to end the crisis with greater resolve without any further delay. "Your solidarity with the Rohingya voice could be a beacon of hope for them in reversing their marginalisation and persecution as the starting point of their return to their homeland," Prof Yunus said.  Prof Yunus places 7-point roadmap for Rohingya repatriation

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the removal of the President’s photograph from Bangladesh’s  missions abroad has no connection with the upcoming national elections. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, she addressed recent media reports claiming that verbal instructions were issued to remove the president’s photo from all embassies. Asked what message this could be sending ahead of the polls, Rizwana  responded, “I don’t know if it sends any message at all. Like you, I’ve heard it and read about it in the newspapers. Since I don’t work in a foreign embassy, I can’t say what the context is — but I don’t believe it has anything to do with the election.” Local administration involved in Bholaganj stone looting: Rizwana Hasan Commenting on speculation that the President may be replaced and the Chief Justice appointed in his place, she said such discussions are endless. “Is there ever an end to these kinds of discussions? I’ve heard all sorts of things — that there won’t be elections even by June, that elections will happen this month. We, Bangladeshis, are politically very aware — everyone has an explanation for everything,” she said. “Maybe there’s no explanation behind this specific issue. But what is absolutely clear is that it has no connection with the election.” A photo cannot influence or relate to the electoral process, she added.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the people of Bangladesh are united and determined to resist evil efforts to derail the upcoming national election and the country’s democratic transition. “Those who are now casting doubts about the election through various statements against democracy are neither on the side of democracy nor on the side of the people of Bangladesh,” he said while speaking at a milad and doa mahfil. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said for one reason or another, some are subtly making statements intended to delay, disrupt, or even resist the election. “But the people of Bangladesh are united. They are determined to exercise their right to vote for democracy. Whoever makes such statements or raises false arguments to obstruct the democratic journey, the people will stand firmly against them,” he warned. The BNP leader said they believe the people of Bangladesh are resolute to overcome any obstacle to the path of democratic transition in the days ahead. The programme was arranged by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office to mark the 81st birthday of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Salahuddin called on all democratic political parties to remain united, as they did during the anti-fascist movement, to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. “I would like to request all democratic forces and political parties to bring the same kind of unity that we showed during the anti-fascist democratic struggle. Let us remain united, engage in discussions and work together so that we can hold the election fairly and peacefully and thus make the path of democratic transition smoother,” he said. BNP trusts interim govt advisers’ integrity: Fakhrul In the context of current politics in Bangladesh, Salahuddin said BNP has been working under the guidance of its Chairperson Khaleda Zia to advance democracy through dialogue and consensus. “She directed us to make the path of democratic transition easier through dialogue and consensus. Following her guidance, we have held discussions with the government several times and are also in talks with all democratic forces,” he said. The BNP leader said their party, together with the entire nation, is awaiting a credible election to restore democracy for which many have sacrificed. “We are waiting for the democracy for which our sons became martyrs, shed their blood, were crippled, or blinded. For 16–17 long years, we have waged an unceasing democratic struggle, and we continue to wait for that democracy,” he said. On August 9, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said that the national election is likely to be held in the first half of February, as the Election Commission intensified preparations across the country for holding the polls. Salahuddin said national unity must be maintained to build a strong democratic state based on equality. “The unity forged against fascism must now be transformed into the real strength of the nation.” He highlighted Khaleda Zia’s lifelong dedication to the country’s democracy, from enduring struggles during the Liberation War to leading a nine-year movement against military rule, restoring parliamentary democracy and introducing the caretaker government system in 1996. “Khaleda Zia is both a name and a history. A nation with a leader like Khaleda Zia will not lose its way,” Salahuddin said. He said the BNP chairperson has fought for democracy throughout her life and continues to be a blessing for the people of Bangladesh. “Today is her 81st birthday. We pray to Almighty Allah that she may live long as a guiding light for the people, as a protector of democracy and the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, during his meeting with the party’s acting chairman, agreed to hold the next national election in mid-February next. “Everybody was expecting that this meeting could be a turning point. We express our gratitude to Allah that this meeting has truly turned into a turning point,” he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after the meeting. Fakhrul said Tarique proposed bringing the election date forward from April, as earlier announced by the Chief Adviser, since that time is not favourable for voting. “The entire nation noticed with immense joy that the Chief Adviser agreed to it, and they (govt) fixed the election timeframe in the middle of February.” He thanked Prof Yunus, saying that using his prudence he invited Tarique to the meeting and thus ended the political stalemate for taking the nation forward with new hopes. Fakhrul said a joint statement was issued after the meeting, clearly stating that the talks between the two leaders were held in a cordial atmosphere. The BNP leader said the election issue was the prime one among other matters discussed at the meeting. He said it is now necessary to move forward towards a fair election in mid-February by forgetting past misunderstandings and further consolidating the national unity. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Praising the leadership of BNP’s acting chairman, Mirza Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman, through this meeting, has once again demonstrated that he possesses the statesmanlike qualities that set him apart among the leaders of political parties in Bangladesh. He said the entire nation was anxious about the outcome of the meeting, but Tarique made the meeting a success. “On behalf of our party and all its leaders and activists, I extend heartfelt thanks to Tarique Rahman.” Noting that there was uncertainty all around, the BNP leader said, “Many were saying many things. But today, the two leaders have proved that the people of Bangladesh can still unite in the time of national need—and that the leaders can indeed lead,” Fakhrul said. He also described the Chief Adviser’s message for bringing forward the election timeline as good news for the country’s democracy. Fakhrul said he spoke to Tarique Rahman soon after the meeting with Prof Yunus ended, and the BNP acting chairman expressed his gratitude and respect for those who carried out the struggle over the last 15 years, shed blood and those who made sacrifices during the July-August mass uprising. He said Tarique also paid homage to all martyrs and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls. Besides, Fakhrul said the BNP acting chairman expressed gratitude to the country’s people for continuing their struggle for democracy and thanked them. Earlier, a joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London. It said the meeting between Tarique and Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus was held in a very cordial atmosphere. The statement said Tarique Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the national election be held before Ramadan next year. “Party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also believes that holding the election during that time would be appropriate.” “The Chief Adviser said he has already announced that the election will be held in early April next year. If all preparations are completed, it may even be possible to hold the election in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. But, in that case, sufficient progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial,” the joint statement reads. It said Tarique welcomed the Chief Adviser’s position and thanked him on behalf of the party. “The Chief Adviser also thanked Mr Tarique Rahman for the fruitful discussion.” The high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after a 90-minute discussion on various crucial issues ahead of the general election. The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2pm Bangladesh time on Friday and continued until 3:30pm (BST), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned.