United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday called for a recount of votes in 30 constituencies following the 13th national parliamentary election, citing alleged irregularities in the counting process. “We will also apply to the Election Commission to postpone the oath-taking of the MPs from these seats,” said Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzem Hossain Helal at an emergency press conference in the evening. The constituencies listed include Panchagarh-1; Thakurgaon-2; Dinajpur-3 and 5; Lalmonirhat-1 and 2; Gaibandha-4; Bogura-3; Sirajganj-1; Jashore-3; Khulna-3 and 5; Barguna-1 and 2; Jhalakathi-1; Pirojpur-2; Mymensingh-1, 4 and 10; Kishoreganj-3; Dhaka-7, 8, 10, 13 and 17; Gopalganj-2; Brahmanbaria-5; Chandpur-4; Chattogram-14; and Cox’s Bazar-4. Helal claimed that, if the votes are recounted, these seats ‘would return to the 11-party alliance’. Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its central publicity department, said the party has already submitted applications for the 30 seats but added that “the number may increase.” Tarique Rahman to visit Jamaat Ameer, NCP chief Sunday Abdul Mannan, Jamaat’s candidate in Dhaka-6, alleged that he had been defeated due to ‘manipulation’ during vote counting. He said he hopes the Election Commission ‘will take proper action in this regard’.  

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and said Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur bilateral ties. "I warmly congratulate Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on their emphatic election victory. This is a triumph of democracy: the Bangladeshi people, having navigated a period of extraordinary challenges, have spoken clearly at the ballot box," he said. The Malaysian PM also expressed appreciation for his friend Dr Muhammad Yunus for his stewardship as Chief Adviser during this important transition and for ensuring that the democratic process proceeded smoothly. Modi talks to Tarique over phone, reaffirms India's support "Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to our bilateral ties. I join Malaysians in extending our warmest regards to the people of Bangladesh," said the Malaysian Prime Minister.

Global leaders and diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka have been quick to congratulate Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on his party’s significant election victory and are signalling a willingness to work closely with Bangladesh under his leadership. India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and the Maldives are among countries which congratulated Tarique Rahman, his party and the people of Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the BNP chief over the phone and extended support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "Delighted to speak with Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections," PM Modi said. He conveyed his best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," said the Indian Prime Minister. In a separate message through his X handle, PM Modi conveyed his warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. "This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership," PM Modi said. Progressive, Inclusive Bangladesh India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, he said. "I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," PM Modi said. "Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman as well as the people of Bangladesh. The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The United States congratulated the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on his historic victory. "The United States looks forward to working with you (Tarique) to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries," said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Friday morning. Writing New Chapters China congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the smooth and successful 13th national parliamentary election and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for taking the lead in the election. "We look forward to working together with the new government of Bangladesh and writing new chapters of China-Bangladesh relations," said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka in a message. China noted that Bangladesh had a steady and smooth general election and congratulates the BNP on winning the election, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson. "As a traditional friend and neighbor of Bangladesh, China supports Bangladesh in advancing its domestic political agenda, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to carry forward the time-honored friendship, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various areas, and further strengthen the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership," said the Chinese government Spokesperson. Modi talks to Tarique over phone, reaffirms India's support The United Kingdom (UK) congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his party on election victory. The UK also greeted the people of Bangladesh as the country enters a new chapter. "We look forward to working together on our shared priorities: economic growth, migration, climate and security," said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Friday in a message through its verified X handle. New Energy in Ties Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Tarique Rahman and said Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur bilateral ties. "I warmly congratulate Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on their emphatic election victory. This is a triumph of democracy: the Bangladeshi people, having navigated a period of extraordinary challenges, have spoken clearly at the ballot box," he said. The Malaysian PM also expressed appreciation to his friend Dr Muhammad Yunus for his stewardship as Chief Adviser during this important transition and for ensuring that the democratic process proceeded smoothly. "Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to our bilateral ties. I join Malaysians in extending our warmest regards to the people of Bangladesh," said the Malaysian Prime Minister. Partnership to Grow President of the Republic of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s remarkable victory in the 13th National parliamentary elections. "I extend my warm regards and look forward to working closely together, to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh," he said. 'I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow in scope and strength in the years ahead," said the President of Maldives. Remarkable Victory Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki on Friday congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, noting that her country eyes strong ties with Bangladesh. "Warm congratulations to the Government and the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the 13th parliamentary elections," she said in a message. Maldivian President eyes deeper cooperation as he congratulates Tarique, BNP The Nepal’s Prime Minister extended her heartiest congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a remarkable victory in the elections . "I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our neighbourly ties and consolidate cooperation in areas of mutual interest," she said. Warm Ties Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on his party's massive election victory. "I look forward to working closely to further strengthen the warm ties of friendship between Bhutan and Bangladesh," he said in a message. "Warmest congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman and the BNP on winning the Bangladesh General Elections," said the Bhutanese Prime Minister. He said this resounding mandate reflects the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in Tarique Rahman's leadership and heralds a new chapter of peace and progress. Democratic Bangladesh On behalf of the Indian National Congress, its President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and the BNP for winning the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. UK congratulates Tarique as well as BNP on election victory "India and Bangladesh share deep rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities," he said. "A democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh would always be supported by all Indians for the stability and peace of our region," said the Congress President. Mamata's Message Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, his party and people of Bangladesh, for the election victory, wishing for a cordial relations between the two sides. "My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people, in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan Mubarak to all of them," she said in a message from her verified X handle. "For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all be well and happy," Mamata said. She wished that their relations with Bangladesh would be always cordial.

At least 20 candidates, including a former state minister and a former MP, are set to lose their election deposits in the 13th national election across six constituencies of Naogaon. A total of 32 candidates contested the six seats. An analysis of results announced by the returning officer shows that 20 candidates failed to secure the required votes to claim their deposits. According to election law, a candidate must secure at least one eighth of the total valid votes to retain the deposit. None of the 20 candidates reached that threshold. In Naogaon-1, Akbar Ali, Md Abul Haq Shah and three time former MP Dr. Salek Chowdhury failed to secure the minimum votes. In Naogaon 2, Motibul Islam of the AB Party did not reach the required mark. In Naogaon 3, six candidates are set to lose their deposits as they did not secure one eighth of the valid votes. In Naogaon 4, four others fell short of the legal threshold to retain the deposits. Four election officials withdrawn in Mymensingh, Naogaon over irregularities In Naogaon 5, three candidates failed to secure enough votes to save their deposits. In Naogaon 6, three candidates, including former state minister Alamgir Kabir, will lose their deposits for failing to reach the required vote share.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has demanded a recount of votes in several constituencies, alleging irregularities and manipulation in the announcement of election results. The party alleges that the results are being tampered with in a planned manner in some centres. NCP Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain made the allegation at a press conference held at the NCP central office in Bangla Motor in the small hours on Friday. “We are getting clear evidence of result tampering aimed at the 11-party alliance’s top candidates,” he alleged. He claimed to have found discrepancies between figures reported by the media, centre-wise vote counts, and announcements made by returning officers in several constituencies. Former adviser also alleged irregularities in different constituencies in Dhaka, claiming that in some cases, winners were declared before the completion of full vote counting, while in others, results from individual centres were later reversed. He further alleged unrest and pressure in Kurigram-1 and Kurigram-2 following unofficial victory announcements for alliance candidates. Pointing to Dhaka-8, he claimed that ballots stamped outside the designated marker box were counted in favour of a sheaf of paddy symbol (for BNP). Brother of Kurigram-2 NCP candidate attacked He also claimed that when they contacted those concerned about this matter, they were blaming each other. The NCP leader urged the Election Commission to review the disputed constituencies before finalising the results and exclude the false votes.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Md Abu Shadik ( Kayem), has alleged attempts to manipulate election results and called on the Election Commission to release accurate results for all constituencies. In a Facebook post published around 4am on Friday from his verified account, Shadik said the attitude of officials and law enforcement personnel changed in many constituencies across the country after voting ended. He alleged that there were attempts to alter public mandates in several seats through what he described as “election engineering”. Shadik also said results in Dhaka-8, Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-17, among other constituencies, were withheld in an attempt to change outcomes. He claimed that results in Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-16 were suspended even after being announced. Shadik further said that although results of all constituencies had not yet been declared, a leading national media outlet reported that a particular party had secured more than 200 seats. Referendum: DUCSU announces month-long programme to secure victory for ‘Yes’ He alleged that state institutions, including media and agencies, were used to influence the election outcome. Calling on the Election Commission to publish correct results for every constituency, he said that holding what he termed a “staged election” after the July movement and handing over power to one party would contradict the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives.

Supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP clashed over election results in Jagannathpur village of Kalidaspur Union of Alamdanga Upazila on Thursday evening, leaving at least six Jamaat workers injured. The injured are Lutfar Rahman, 55, his son Abu Hasan, 23, Abu Bakkar Siddique, 60, Ikramul Haque, 45, Shamik, 21, Atiar Rahman, 50, and Shariful Islam, 48. They have received primary treatment locally. Jamaat leader held with cash near Chuadanga polling center Locals said the confrontation began as a verbal argument between supporters of the two parties after the announcement of the election results. The dispute later escalated into a chase and physical clash. Boni Israel, Officer-in-Charge of Alamdanga Police Station, said police quickly intervened to bring the situation under control. “The situation is currently normal. Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is lodged,” he added.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed leaders and activists at all organisational levels of the party not to hold any victory processions or rallies as the party moves towards a historic victory in the 13th national election. Tarique also directed party leaders and supporters to offer special prayers across the country after Jumma prayers on Friday, according to a statement issued by the BNP Chairman’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli. In a separate statement, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi extended greetings and congratulations to the people of the country, including those in Dhaka, following the party’s victory in a large number of seats in the election. The statement said that special prayers would be offered in mosques across the country after Jumma on Friday, organised by BNP, seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of ‘Mother of Democracy’ former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and for the wellbeing of the nation. It was emphasised that no victory processions or public gatherings would be held by BNP despite its electoral success. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, along with members of the public, have been requested to participate in the prayers at mosques nationwide. People of other faiths have also been requested to offer prayers in temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship across the country. Tarique Rahman wins both Dhaka-17, Bogura-6 seats Voting in Bangladesh’s national election concluded on Thursday in a largely peaceful atmosphere, with high hopes of restoring genuine democracy and securing a strong mandate for national reforms. The polling in Bangladesh began at 7:30am and continued until 4:30pm without interruption at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies, amid the deployment of nearly one million security personnel and another one million polling staff.

NCP Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam was defeated in Panchagarh-1 as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won both parliamentary seats in Panchagarh district, according to unofficial results announced on early Friday. Kazi Md Sayemuzzaman, Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Panchagarh, announced the results and declared the winners unofficially. All candidates from both constituencies were present during the announcement. In Panchagarh-1, BNP candidate Barrister Mohammad Nawshad Zamir, contesting with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, was unofficially elected with 186,189 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat and NCP alliance candidate Md Sarjis Alam, who contested with the ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol, received 168,049 votes. In the constituency’s referendum vote, 219,576 voters cast “Yes” votes, while 99,594 voted “No”. No compromise on Nasiruddin Patwary issue: Hasnat In Panchagarh-2, BNP candidate Forhad Hossain Azad won the seat unofficially with 174,650 votes. Jamaat candidate Md Safiullah Sufi, contesting with the ‘Dartipalla’ symbol, secured 128,862 votes. In the referendum in this seat, 163,875 voters voted “Yes” and 129,088 voted “No”.

BNP-led alliance candidates have taken lead in 15 constituencies, while Jamaat-led coalition contestants in four constituencies, according to the partial election results of 19 parliamentary seats, announced by the Election Commission. Joypurhat-2: BNP candidate Md Abdul Bari bagged 157,128 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant SM Rashedul Alam obtained 91,012 votes in 104 out of 105 polling stations. Habiganj-3: BNP candidate GK Gous bagged 58,456 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Kazi Mohsin Ahmed obtained 17,503 votes in 57 out of 138 polling stations. Bogura-5: BNP candidate Golam Mohammad Siraz obtained 162,801 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat’s Dabibur Rahman pocketed 101,362 votes in 124 out of 189 polling stations. Bogura-6: BNP chairman Tarique Rahman gained 144,913 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat’s Abidur Rahman obtained 67,823 votes in 101 out of 151 polling stations. Cumilla-1: BNP candidate Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain obtained 98,377 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat’s Moniruzzaman pocketed 59,750 votes in 103 out of 146 polling stations. Cumilla-3: BNP candidate Kazi Shah Mofazzel Hossain Kaikobad bagged 76,442 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Yousuf Sohel obtained 50,952 votes 75 out of 160 polling stations. Cumilla-9: BNP candidate Abdul Kalam obtained 88,424 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Syed AKM Sarwar Uddin Siddiqui gained 55,379 votes 69 out of 135 polling stations. Cumilla-10: BNP candidate Mobasser Alam Bhuiyan obtained 75,211 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Yasin Arafat gained 51,187 votes 71 out of 153 polling stations. Madaripur-3:  BNP candidate Anisur Rahman gained 43,514 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Rafiqul Islam obtained 35,400 votes in 59 out of 135 polling stations. Sylhet-4:  BNP candidate Ariful Haque Chowdhury obtained 49,875 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Joynal Abedin gained 24,603 votes in 51 out of 173 polling stations. Sylhet-6: BNP candidate Emran Ahmed Chowdhury 66,720 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Md Selim Uddin obtained 52,530 votes in 95 out of 193 polling stations. Chandpur-1: BNP candidate ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon obtained 55,249 votes, while his nearest Jamaat contestant Abu Nasar Mohammad Makbul Ahmed gained 29,321 votes 49 out of 110 polling stations. Chandpur-2: BNP candidate Jamal Uddin obtained 57,908 votes, while his nearest LDP contestant Billal Hossain gained 15,430 votes in 55 out of 98 polling stations. Chandpur-3: BNP candidate Sheikh Farid Ahmed obtained 84,996 votes, while his nearest rival Jamaat contestant Md Shahjahan Miah gained 49,851 votes in 85 out of 166 polling stations. Nilphamari-2: Jamaat contestant Al-Faruk Abdul Latif gained 82,432 votes, while his nearest rival BNP candidate Shahrin Islam obtained 69,122 votes in 74 out of 135 polling stations. Chapainawabganj-2: Jamaat contestant Md Mizanur Rahman gained 77,158 votes, while his nearest rival BNP candidate Aminul Islam obtained 73,655 votes in 90 out of 185 polling stations. 13th JS Election ‘very good by any standard’ in country’s history: CEC  Chapainawabganj-3: Jamaat contestant Nurul Islam (Bulbul) gained 58,951 votes, while his nearest rival BNP candidate Harunur Rashid obtained 40,376 votes in 56 out of 173 polling stations. Rajbari-2: BNP candidate Harunur Rashid obtained 177,737 votes, while his nearest rival NCP contestant Jamil Hizazi gained 53,267 votes in 156 out of 199 polling stations. Faridpur-1: Jamaat contestant Elius Mollah gained 61,872 votes, while his nearest rival BNP candidate Khandarkar Nasir Uddin obtained 53,129 votes in 75 out of 198 polling stations.