United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank has directed all scheduled banks and mobile financial service (MFS) providers to suspend internet banking fund transfer (IBFT) transactions through the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) for 96 hours ahead of the national election. The central bank, however, said MFS operations will continue on a limited scale during the period, allowing essential transactions while the temporary restriction on IBFT remains in place as part of election-time precautionary measures. According to the central bank’s directive issued on Sunday, the restrictions will take effect from 12:00am Monday night and remain in force until 11:59pm Thursday. During this period, all NPSB-based peer-to-peer (P2P) internet banking transactions will remain completely suspended. As a result, customers will not be able to use real-time internet banking services, which normally allow transfers of up to Tk 50,000 per transaction and a maximum of Tk 500,000 per day. Bangladesh Bank directs MFS providers to halt online gambling transactions MFS transactions, however, will continue with limitations. Under the temporary measures, customers will be allowed to send a maximum of Tk 1,000 per day to another user through P2P transfers, with a daily transaction cap of 10. These restrictions will not apply to merchant payments and utility bill payments, which will continue under existing rules. The directive, sent to the chief executive officers, managing directors and directors general of banks and MFS providers, also instructed MFS operators to form dedicated quick response cells to receive and resolve election-related complaints. Bangladesh Bank further asked MFS providers to keep all transactions under round-the-clock close monitoring during the restricted period and to promptly report any suspicious or unusual transactions to the respective police stations. While services for general customers will remain suspended or limited, banks and MFS providers have been instructed to extend necessary cooperation to the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies as required. The central bank said normal transaction facilities through these channels will be fully restored after the stipulated period.

Some 500 foreign election observers, alongside over 55,000 local observers, from different countries and international organisations have expressed interest in monitoring Bangladesh’s upcoming national election and referendum, scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 55,454 local observers from 81 domestic organisations have applied to observe the polls. Among them, 7,997 observers intend to monitor the election centrally, while 47,457 others plan to observe the voting process at local levels across the country. No hide-and-seek, elections to be transparent: CEC On the international front, the European Union (EU) has planned to deploy up to 200 observers for the election. Of them, 56 observers, led by EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, already are in Dhaka. The Election Commission has invited representatives from around 50 countries and international organisations to observe the polls. Responding to the invitation, 23 foreign observers from 10 countries and one organisation have confirmed their participation so far. Among the confirmed visitors is Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan, who will visit Bangladesh accompanied by his spouse Rabab Sikandar and Mohammad Nadeem. Other confirmed observers include two representatives each from Russia, Turkey, the Philippines, Georgia, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Indonesia, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Besides, 28 observers from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) have applied to the EC. The ANFREL team includes nationals from Sri Lanka (7), the Philippines (7), Indonesia (4), Maldives (2), Cambodia (2), Thailand (1), Malaysia (1), Mongolia (1), the United States (1), Myanmar (1) and Poland (1). Meanwhile, at least 43 foreign journalists, along with two local counterparts, from more than two dozen international media outlets have sought accreditation from the Election Commission to cover the general election and referendum. The media organisations include TVE (Spain), GEO News (Pakistan), Reuters, NHK Japan, Al Jazeera Arabic, Diplomat Magazine (Netherlands), ABC Australia, Radio 357 (Poland), DSTV Darjeeling (India), Pakistan TV Digital, and Ei Muhurte Digital Media (Kolkata, India). Besides, 25 members of the Commonwealth Observer Group, including 17 foreign observers and eight support staff, have expressed interest in monitoring the election. Of them, six have applied for visas on arrival, for which clearance has already been granted by the Home Ministry.  The Commonwealth observers include nationals from Ghana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, the United States, South Africa, Fiji, Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Zambia, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Uganda. The remaining eight members are Secretariat staff from the Commonwealth, including nationals from the UK, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and India. Besides, 25 international freelance observers, including the former Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal and representatives from organisations such as Voice for Justice, SAARC Human Rights Foundation, Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (UK), Hansard Research UK, Immigrants International Inc, UK Parliament, Africa House London, and O.P. Jindal Global University (India), have also shown interest in observing the polls. EC Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mallik said the number of foreign observers this time may exceed 500, with around 200 expected from the European Union alone. In 2024, the EC accredited 517 persons from 40 international observer organisations and 20,256 local observers from 84 organisations to observe the 12th parliamentary election. In the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, some 25,900 local observers from 81 organisations and 38 foreign observers from FEMBoSA, AAEA, OIC and the Commonwealth monitored the polls, alongside officials from foreign missions and embassies stationed in Bangladesh. The European Union and the United States, however, did not send observers to the 2018 and 2014 elections and later raised questions about the credibility of the two elections. In 2014, observer presence was significantly lower in the 10th parliamentary election, as most political parties boycotted the polls and the election to 153 out of 300 constituencies went uncontested. Only four foreign observers and 8,874 local observers from 35 organisations observed the lopsided election. In contrast, the 9th parliamentary election in 2008 witnessed the presence of a record 593 foreign observers and 159,113 local observers.

Nana Akufo-Addo, former President of the Republic of Ghana, will lead the Commonwealth observer group for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July Charter.  The Charter is a post-uprising reform framework proposing political and constitutional changes. Both polls are scheduled for 12 February 2026. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, announced the composition of the 14-member Observer Group in London, following an invitation from the Bangladesh Election Commission. She reaffirmed the fundamental importance of 'credible, transparent and inclusive' electoral processes in strengthening democratic governance and supporting long-term stability.  The Secretary-General said as they deploy their team to observe the elections and referendum being held concurrently in Bangladesh. ‘We don't take any side,’ says US Ambassador Christensen "Our presence in Bangladesh is guided not only by the responsibility to observe, but by a commitment to uphold the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people at this crucial moment in their democratic journey, acting independently and impartially to help ensure that their collective will is freely expressed.” She extended her sincere appreciation to these eminent Commonwealth citizens who have dedicated the beginning of their new year to preparing for this significant assignment in support of the people of Bangladesh. President Akufo-Addo will be joined by experts from across the Commonwealth, including professionals in politics, law, media, gender, and election administration.  The Observer Group will be supported by a Secretariat team led by Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser, Electoral Support Section. The mandate of the Commonwealth Observer Group is to observe the electoral process and provide an independent assessment of whether the elections and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner.  The Group will report on the conduct of the electoral process in line with the standards to which Bangladesh has committed itself, including its national laws. Bangladesh, Afghanistan agree to boost ties through economic partnership Upon completion of its mission, the Observer Group will submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.  The report will subsequently be shared with the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission, political parties, all Commonwealth governments, and made publicly available.

Tuesday (January 20) marks the final day for candidates to withdraw their nominations in the upcoming national election, which is scheduled to be held on February 12. Political parties that have fielded more than one candidate in any constituency must inform the respective returning officers of their final nominee by 5:00 pm on Tuesday. Independent candidates and other candidates nominated by registered political parties will also be able to withdraw their candidacies within the same deadline. The Article 16 (1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 states, “Any validly nominated candidate may, by notice in writing signed by him and delivered, on or before the withdrawal day, to the Returning Officer, either by such candidate in person or by an agent authorised in this behalf in writing by such candidate, withdraw his candidature.” EC unveils fresh roadmap for Feb-12 election The Article 16 (2) of the RPO states, “Where more than one candidate are nominated in the same constituency by a registered political party, the chairman or secretary or a person holding the same rank of the party shall inform, by notice in writing signed by him and delivered, either by himself or by any other person authorized by him in this behalf on or before the withdrawal day, to the Returning Officer, about the final nomination of a candidate and the other candidate of that party shall be ceased to be a candidate.” The Election Commission on December 11 announced the polls schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. According to the election schedule, January 20 is the final date for withdrawal of candidatures. The returning officers will publish the final list of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21.  The election campaign will begin on January 22 and will continue until 7:30 am on February 10. Voting will take place on Thursday, February 12, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. According to the EC, more than 2,560 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies by the December 29 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 others. Later, aggrieved aspirants and institutions including different banks filed a total of 645 appeals with the Election Commission, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over (acceptance or cancellation of) nomination papers filed by more than 600 aspirants. Prof Yunus calls for unity for successful election, country’s future During nine consecutive days of hearings from January 10 to 18 last, some 420 candidates regained their candidacies. Altogether, the number of valid candidates now stands at around 2,250.

The Appellate Division on Thursday cleared the way for holding the elections in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies on February 12 in accordance with the boundaries specified in the Election Commission’s September 4 gazette. An Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury passed the order. As per the order, Sathia upazila will constitute Pabna-1 constituency while Sujanagar and Bera upazilas will form Pabna-2. Acting Attorney General Arshadur Rouf Additional Attorney General Anik R Haque stood for the EC while Barrister Imran Abdullah Siddique and Barrister HM Shanjid Siddiaue represented Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP respectively. On January 14, the High Court fixed January 15 for hearing on the leave-to-appeal petition filed challenging the validity of the gazette issued by the Election Commission (EC). On January 10, the Election Commission (EC) suspended the election in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies until further order from the court . The decision was taken in line with an order issued by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on January 5 over a dispute regarding the demarcation of the two constituencies, the parliamentary constituencies No 68 (Pabna-1) and No 69 (Pabna-2). According to an EC circular issued on January 6, the commission decided to keep the elections scheduled for February 12  in the two constituencies suspended until further directives from the court. On September 4 last year, the Election Commission published a gazette on the delimitation of the country's 300 constituencies bringing changes to the boundaries of 46 constituencies, including Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. As per the gazette, the Pabna-1 was formed with the entire Santhia upazila, while Pabna-2 comprised Sujanagar and Bera upazilas. EC suspends Pabna-1, Pabna-2 elections until further court order But the EC on December 24 last issued a revised gazette to restore the previous boundaries of the two constituencies in compliance with an order of the High Court. Following the High Court order, the Pabna-1 (Constituency No. 68) was formed with Santhia Upazila and parts of Bera Upazila, including Bera Municipality and the unions of Haturia Nakalia, Natun Varenga, Chakla and Kaitola. The Pabna-2 (Constituency No. 69) was again formed with Sujanagar Upazila and the remaining areas of Bera Upazila, excluding Bera Municipality and the four unions—Haturia Nakalia, Natun Varenga, Chakla and Kaitola. Later, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Pabna-1 Mohammad Najibur Rahman and the Election Commission filed separate petitions with the Appellate Division, seeking a stay on the High Court verdict. On January 5, the Appellate Division stayed the effectiveness of the Election Commission’s revised gazette until leave-to-appeal petitions would be filed.

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