Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Wednesday said they are going to form an advisory team with experts to finalise the balloting system for expatriate Bangladeshis living in different countries throughout the world. “This time, we will be able to bring the expatriates under the voting system, no matter whether it will be on a small scale or a large scale,” he told a press briefing at the Nirbachon Bhaban in the capital. Md Sanaullah also raised the outcomes of a workshop arranged on Tuesday by the Election Commission to seek opinions from technical experts to determine suitable voting system for expatriate Bangladeshis. He said experts suggested that adopting a single system will not be enough for Bangladesh rather it needs to go for a mixed system. Sanaullah said every system – postal, online or proxy balloting system— has merits and demerits. Every system will require trial process or mock testing and even may require piloting before its introduction on a large scale, he added. “We will form an advisory team with experts from among them (participants of the workshop). It will be formed today. This team will work to overcome the weaknesses of the three systems (postal, online and proxy balloting systems) and make them more robust in a realistic manner over the next 10 to 12 days,” said the Election Commissioner. He said the Election Commissioner said the Chief Adviser first mentioned in his speech to ensure voting rights of the expatriates. Out of 178 countries in the world, 115 countries have made arrangements for their expatriate citizens to vote. The most followed method is manual system arranged at the embassy, followed by postal balloting system, and then online or proxy voting system, he added. “We don’t single out or rule out any option,” said Md Sanaullah adding that the target of this commission is at least to introduce an arrangement so that the expatriates can vote. He said now only postal balloting system is on operation for the expatriate Bangladeshis but it is ineffective. Not a single expatriate voted in the 12th parliamentary election through the postal balloting system, he added.  

The Election Commission has sent its opinions to the National Consensus Commission, contradicting a number of reform proposals related to the election. “Addressing Prof Ali Riaz sir (Vice-chair of the national consensus commission), we’ve sent our opinions, expressing different views over some proposals – it may be 7-8 or 9-10,” said EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed while talking to reporters at his office in the capital on Monday. Raising some different views, he said the formation of a commission for the delimitation of constituencies as recommended by the reform commission is not needed. “We’ve said that the commission over the delimitation of constituencies is not needed,” he said. Besides, Akhtar Ahmed said, a formula of plus or minus 10 percent voters for the delimitation of constituencies, which is also not required. The EC argued that if the formula is followed, the number of constituencies in the urban areas will be significantly high and would be disproportionate as the influx of people towards urban areas is enormous, he said. Talking about other different views, Akhtar Ahmed said there is a proposal that the EC should make an announcement through a public notification in favour of fairness, credibility and acceptance of a national election within 48 hours of the balloting and before the issuance of gazette notification. About this proposal, he said the EC thinks this certification is not needed as a returning officer doesn’t announce unofficial election results, if he or she is not satisfied. The EC secretary said they think the number of voters and people and also geographical integrity should rightly be considered here. Akhtar Ahmed, however, said they agreed to the reform proposal to keep the national identity services under the authority of the Election Commission. Now the EC is properly providing services to 186 firms from the NID server.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah has informed the foreign diplomats stationed here that the Election Commission is taking preparation assuming that the next general election in December. "We have told them that we have to take preparations by assuming the earliest date (to hold the election). Our position is still unchanged. We are taking preparations by assuming December. We do not have different preparations,” he told reporters after a meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban on Tuesday. The meeting  was held meeting between the Election Commission headed by  Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and foreign diplomats from 18 countries and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at Nirbachan Bhaban here. Responding to a question, he said the Election Commission (EC) may consider about holding local government elections before the national polls if the government makes such a request. Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for Dec 2025 "Based on past experience,conducting elections for five tiers of local government takes about a year. Not all local government institutions have become ineffective—some have. Given these conditional factors, it is not possible to provide a specific timeline," he said. He expressed confidence that the government would take the commission’s schedule into account. The commission will also remain vigilant to ensure that nothing disrupts the national elections,  EC Sanaullah assured. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus informed them that his government is working to arrange the next general election by December this year. EC working towards holding election in Dec 2025: Election Commissioner Anwarul “The Chief Adviser and those who were with him assured us that they will arrange the election very soon. He (Prof Yunus) has also said they are working to arrange the election by December this year,” Fakhrul said while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Adviser. Mirza Fakhrul led a three-member BNP delegation during the 90-minute meeting with the Chief Adviser at state guest house Jamuna here in the evening.  

After a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), BNP Senior Leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Sunday said it is possible to hold the next election promptly, as the Commission is confident to complete the updated voter list by May or June next. "From their (EC’s) words, it seems to us that they will be ready for the election with a completely updated voter list by May or June," he said while speaking to reporters after the meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, however, said the EC does not have the authority to make the final decision regarding the election. According to the constitution and conventional rules, he said, a parliamentary election must be held in the country within 90 days of the resignation of a government, but currently, the country is not being run in accordance with that law. The BNP said the government now needs to request the Election Commission to conduct the election based on political consensus. “But, we understand that if the complete voter list is ready by next May and June, then a quick election is possible by addressing other relevant issues,” he said. Nazrul said they primarily discussed with the Election Commission what the Commission is currently doing and its preparations for the national election. The EC is working on updating the voter list, which is expected to be finalised by March 2, he added. The BNP leader said the EC has informed them that around 30 lakh new voters--who were not registered previously--will be added to the updated voter list. "Around 1.5 million deceased voters will also be excluded. Ultimately, 15 lakh voters are expected to be added to the voter list." In response to a question about whether they are satisfied with the EC’s election preparations, Nazrul said, "Well, according to the law, what they are supposed to do, we understand that they are doing it correctly." Regarding the recommendations of the reform commission, Nazrul said that the government will discuss the reform commission's recommendations with stakeholders. "If a decision is made to amend the law or regulations based on those discussions, the Election Commission must comply with them.” Asked whether the Election Commission’s concern about losing its power if some proposals of the election reform commission are implemented was discussed, the BNP leader replied, "Look, that’s their matter, they will speak on it." He, however, said if BNP finds any proposal from the reform commission to be an obstacle to conducting a fair election, the party will oppose it, just like the Election Commission would. Top of FormBottom of FormEarlier, a three-member BNP delegation had a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), including the Chief Election Commissioner, to discuss various issues, including preparations for the upcoming national election. The hour-long meeting that began at 3:30 pm was held in the conference room of the Agargaon Nribachan Bhaban. The delegation, led by Nazrul Islam Khan, participated in the meeting. The other members of the BNP delegation were party Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Selima Rahman. Alongside the Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, Election Commissioners Anwarul Islam Sarkar, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah, as well as EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, participated in the meeting. Before the formal meeting, the BNP delegation entered the Election Building and met with the Chief Election Commissioner at his office around 3 pm. Later, they joined the formal meeting with the EC. This was the BNP’s first official meeting with the newly formed Election Commission, which was established on November 21 under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin. The BNP is aiming for the national election to take place in the middle of this year. On Saturday, the party announced plans to hold 64 public rallies across the country to generate public support for the swift announcement of an election roadmap. The meeting with the Election Commission is part of the party’s broader efforts to pressure for the prompt holding of the election. Following the meeting with the EC, a BNP delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday to discuss the country’s current situation, various election-related issues, and reforms.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Thursday said the Election Commission would decide its next step once the reform proposals over the electoral system are finalised. "When everything comes into a shape or form, we will think about how to involve the EC in it. The sooner it comes, the better it will be for us to take preparation (for the next national election)," he said replying to a question from reporters at his office. The commissioner refused to say anything in advance about the reform proposal but remarked that the sooner the EC would receive the proposals, the more helpful it would be in the preparations.  Both US and India want democracy, elections in Bangladesh: Eric Garcetti "At this point, we cannot comment in advance. We can think about it when it comes. There is a proposal to create an upper house and a lower house of parliament, there is a matter of amending the constitution. When everything takes shape, we will think about how to involve the EC," he said. On Wednesday, the Electoral System Reform Commission along with three other reform commissions submitted their respective reports to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. The Election Commissioner said the EC is always ready for the national election. He said the Election Commission is committed to run fair, transparent and impartial elections. In reply to another question, he said, “It is a matter of trust. We cannot imagine ‘voting at night’. If we get the cooperation of all, we are confident that we will be able to give the nation a neutral and nice election," he said. The Electoral Reform Commission in its report has recommended re-election in a constituency if the voter turnout is less than 40 percent, introduction of “no vote” provision to stop unopposed election, and the elimination of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Main goal is to ensure free, fair election: EC Sanaullah It also recommended barring political parties from maintaining associate bodies among students, teachers, and workers, as well as their foreign chapters. Other recommendations include defense division in the definition of law enforcement agencies for election time, prioritizing the Election Commission’s own officials in appointment as returning officers and assistant returning officers, and changing a provision for an independent candidate to acquire support from 500 voters instead of submitting signatures of 1 percent of the voters. The reform commission suggested the Election Commission should be empowered to postpone or cancel elections and to conduct re-elections as well as entrusted with the sole responsibility of appointing the EC Secretary. The commission, headed by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, placed some 150 reform recommendations in its report.

The Election Commission experienced a tumultuous 2024, marked by a controversial national election and culminating in its reconstitution following a mass uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's 16-year rule. The Election Commission (EC) conducted the 12th parliamentary election on January 7 and the 6th Upazila Parishad polls in May and June. The Kazi Habibul Awal-led commission stepped down in September and the Nasir Uddin-led commission assumed office in November. Besides, the new interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, formed two commissions to introduce reforms in the electoral arena: the Electoral System Reform Commission, headed by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and the Local Government Reform Commission, led by Dr Tofail Ahmed, following the political transition on 5 August. Bangladesh needs unity, reforms, elections to move forward: Dr Yunus January 7 General Election The Election Commission, under Kazi Habibul Awal, conducted the 12th general election on January 7, 2024, amid boycotts by several major political parties, including the BNP. The one-sided polls attracted widespread criticism, with the election marked by low voter turnout, irregularities, the absence of strong opposition candidates, a lack of genuine voter choice, and the proliferation of proxy candidates. The EC announced a voter turnout of 41.8%, but discrepancies between official figures and ground-level observations were evident. As with the 2014 and 2018 controversial general elections, the 2024 election failed to gain credibility both nationally and internationally. Notably, genuine opposition parties, including the BNP, participated in the 2018 election but boycotted the polls in 2014 and 2024. It’s not true BNP prioritising election over reforms: Fakhrul Upazila Parishad Election The EC conducted the 6th Upazila Parishad Election in multiple phases between May and June, covering approximately 460 upazila parishads across the country. But this election was also marred by violence, irregularities and boycotts by the BNP and its allies. City Corporation Election The EC oversaw the Mymensingh City Corporation election and the mayoral by-election in Cumilla in March. Formation of Reform Commissions The interim government established the Electoral System Reform Commission, chaired by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, and the Local Government Reform Commission, led by Dr Tofail Ahmed. These commissions are currently preparing reports to propose reforms to the country’s electoral and local government systems. The reform reports will be submitted to the Chief Adviser. Resignation of the Habibul Awal-led Commission On September 5, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal and four election commissioners resigned midway through their five-year tenure, citing the political transition. The commission, which began its tenure on 27 February 2022, faced significant criticism for its handling of the 7 January 2024 general election, controversial remarks, and inability to curb irregularities in local elections. Interim govt weakest in history, election needed by 2025: BNP leader During the resignation announcement, Habibul Awal proposed holding general elections in phases under a non-partisan caretaker government. He also suggested party-wise proportional representation and maximising the use of technology in elections. In addition to the 12th national election, the Awal Commission conducted elections, including by-elections, in 992 Union Parishads, 496 Upazila Parishads, 71 Zilla Parishads, 90 municipalities, and 16 City Corporations during its tenure. Reconstitution of the Election Commission The interim government reconstituted the Election Commission by forming a search committee to select eligible and competent individuals for the roles of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners. On November 21, President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed retired secretary AMM Nasir Uddin as the new CEC and four others as election commissioners. The Nasir Uddin-led commission formally assumed office on 24 November. Delaying election may confuse people: Rizvi The four commissioners include former additional secretary Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, former district and sessions judge Abdur Rahman Masud, former joint secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmad, and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah. Upon assuming office, Nasir Uddin pledged to ensure free, fair, and credible elections following necessary reforms. He stated that holding the national election would only be feasible after implementing these reforms. But the reconstitution of the EC before the submission of the Electoral System Reform Commission’s report drew criticism.

The government has said that Bangladesh’s democratic polity has reached a stage where smooth and peaceful transition of power between elected governments has been ensured without any undemocratic arrangement. "Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practicing democracy," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a briefing note shared with diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Tuesday. Although many leaders and activists of BNP were keen to participate, it is regrettable that its top leadership decided otherwise on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand for the provision of a caretaker government, the ministry conveyed to diplomats. In 2011, Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the unelected caretaker provision "ultra vires" (any deed performed beyond the scope of legal authority) and void as it conflicts with the spirit of democracy. Read more: Australia urges Bangladesh govt to prioritise strengthening its democratic institutions The Election Commission repeatedly called upon BNP to participate, and the EC was even willing to revise the election schedule if BNP joined. BNP made this "irrational demand" as its principal political capital and chose to destroy the lives and properties of people, holding them hostage, said the government. The state of horrific violence that BNP and its allies unleashed throughout the country is only a vivid reminder of their drills in 2001, 2013, 2014 and 2018, the ministry of foreign affairs said. Since October 28, 2023, they set ablaze nearly a thousand public and private vehicles and over 200 establishments including police hospital premises and ambulances, vandalized nearly a thousand vehicles and many establishments including the residences of Chief Justice and other judges, caused injury to around 1,500 police personnel and around 500 civilians, attacked reporters and camera personnel, killed 24 individuals including two police personnel – one of them mercilessly beaten to death in broad daylight, the foreign ministry observed. "They sabotaged our railway system, leading to tragic incidents claiming five precious lives including burning a mother and her 3-year-old son alive and leaving many others severely injured," reads the briefing note. In the lead-up to the election, BNP "geared up its violence" in its efforts to spread fear and terror. On the preceding day of the elections, they carried out arson attacks on polling centres with a view to intimidating the voters, the ministry conveyed to the diplomats. Read more: Foreign friends continue to send congratulations to PM Hasina on her election win BNP called for a 48-hour nationwide strike to cut off the communication system and obstruct voters from traveling to their constituencies to cast their votes, it said. The Benapole Express train was set on fire, killing four passengers, causing severe injuries to many, and burning the passenger train to ashes, it said. The 12th Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh were held on January 7 in a "free, fair, impartial and transparent" manner with spontaneous participation of the voters. The people of Bangladesh as well as the international community have witnessed that the Bangladesh Election Commission, an independent and empowered constitutional body, supported by the incumbent government, can effectively conduct free, fair and credible elections, the ministry said. The 2024 polls have set a new milestone in the history of the journey of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, it said. People of Bangladesh have demonstrated their unyielding resolve to a rule-based democratic system and peace, progress and stability through their active participation, the foreign ministry said. "The incumbent government also manifested its unprecedented political commitment to take forward the democratic process, uphold the constitutional mandate, and ensure people’s right to vote." Despite the calls to boycott, violence and persistent intimidation by the BNP, the people of Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to and aspiration for a peaceful and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision, said the government. "This is a new paradigm in Bangladesh’s electoral history within the constitutional framework, based on trust, credibility, and impartiality in the election process in line with people’s aspirations," it said. The Indian High Commission's representative, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis, and high commissioners and ambassadors from various other countries were present at the "meet and greet" where Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke briefly. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present. Read more: Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles

Though the overall voter turnout was 41.99 percent in the 12th parliamentary election held on Sunday (January 07, 2024), more than 60 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in 21 constituencies and less than 30 percent voted in at least 52 constituencies, according to Election Commission data. The highest 87.24 percent votes were cast in Gopalganj-3 and Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was elected from the constituency, according to the data. The lowest turnout was 13.04 percent in Dhaka-15. State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumdar won the election from the constituency as an AL contender. In the national election held amid boycott of a major political party BNP, ruling Awami League secured 222 seats, while Jatiya Party obtained only 11 seats. Independent candidates clinched victory in 62 seats. Besides, Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) and Bangladesh Kalyan Party each won a seat. The election result of Mymensingh-3 was postponed. Out of the country’s 300 seats, Sunday’s balloting was held in 299 seats as the election to Naogaon-2 was earlier postponed by the commission following the death of a valid candidate there. The five constituencies with more than 70 percent voter turnout are: Gopalganj-3 (87.24% turnout; AL candidate Sheikh Hasina won), Gopalganj-2 (83.20%; AL candidate Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim won), Brahmanbaria-6 (76%, AL’s AB Tajul Islam won), Chattogram-6 (73.24%; AL’s ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury won) and Sirajganj-1 (72.32%; AL candidate Tanvir Shakil Joy won). Read: BNP demands fresh election to establish legitimate govt, PM Hasina’s resignation The constituencies having over 60 percent voter turnout include Naogaon-1, Bagerhat-1, Bagerhat-2, Bagerhat-4, Barishal-1, Jamalpur-1, Mymensingh-10, Faridpur-4, Gopalganj-1, Madaripur-1, Cumilla-7, Cumilla-8, Feni-2, Noakhali-6, Chattogram-7 and Bandarban. Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim secured the highest 295,291 votes for the ‘boat’ symbol in Gopalganj-2. Tanvir Shakil Joy got the second highest, 278,971 votes, in Sirajganj-1. Mirza Azam received 276,453 votes in Jamalpur-3 and Dipankar Talukdar got 271,373 votes in Rangamati. Among the elected candidates, independent candidate Awlad Hossain secured victory obtaining the lowest number of 24,775 votes in Dhaka-4. Candidates who won even after getting less than 40,000 votes are: AL nominated Muhammad Shafikur Rahman (36,458 votes) in Chandpur-4, independent contestant Saddam Hossain Pavel (39,321 votes) in Nilphamari-3 and AL’s Kamal Ahmed Majumdar (39,632 votes) in Dhaka-15. Less than 20 percent votes were cast in five constituencies, which are Dhaka-15 (13.04%), Dhaka-17 (16.66%), Dhaka-8 (18.70%), Sylhet-1 (19.30%) and Dhaka-16 (19.88%). In Sylhet-1, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was elected. Read: Visiting foreign observers describe National Election 2024 in Bangladesh as ‘free, fair and safe’ Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and Secretary General Mujibul Haque won amid low turnout of voters in their constituencies. GM Quader ran the election from Rangpur-3 where the voter turnout was only 22.36%. Mujibul Haque who contested the polls from Kishoreganj-3 witnessed voter turnout of 29.33%. The constituencies that witnessed voter turnout of 20-29 percent also include Rangpur-3, Kurigram-1, Kurigram-2, Kurigram-3, Gaibandha-1, Gaibandha-3, Bogura-2, Bogura-4, Bogura-6, Bogura-7, Chapainawabganj-3, Rajshahi-2, Patuakhali-1, Barishal-5, Mymensingh-5, Mymensingh-6, Mymensingh-8, Kishoreganj-3, Manikganj-1, Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-6, Dhaka-7, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-11, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-18, Dhaka-19, Gazipur-2, Sylhet-5, Sylhet-6, Habiganj-1, Chandpur-3, Chandpur-4, Noakhali-3, Noakhali-4, Lakshmipur-1, Lakshmipur-3, Lakshmipur-4, Chattogram-5, Chattogram-8, Chattogram-10, Chattogram-11, Chattogram-15 and Cox’s Bazar-1. A total of 4,99,65,467 votes out of 11,89,89,241 were cast in 298 constituencies in the January-7 general election. Read more:  Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory

The Election Commission (EC) has appointed 23 judicial magistrates for 16 constituencies in Chattogram to check election-related irregularities. These magistrates will be on duty for a total of five days from January 5 to January 9. Election Commission begins scrutiny of nomination papers This information was given in a notification signed by Assistant Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat's Law-1 Branch Md Al-Amin on Wednesday. A total of 653 judicial magistrates will be on duty across the country for five days, including two days before and two days after the election. Election Commission issues show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the magistrates can hold summary trials of the offences of snatching ballot papers, destroying ballot papers, snatching ballot boxes, obstructing voting, and not keeping the voting environment conducive for polls. No pressure on Election Commission from Western countries: Ahsan Habib

Following the directive of the Election Commission, Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of stations under Dhaka Metropolitan Police, who have already completed six months in their respective police station, are going to be transferred soon. Sabotage plans won’t be successful: DMP Niyoti Roy, additional deputy police commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Media and Public Relations division, confirmed the development on Sunday. She also said that as the EC decided to transfer all the OCs in phases, the DMP will send their list of OCs to be moved to the EC for its approval. Security beefed up at EC, regional election offices: DMP  Earlier on November 30, the Election Commission asked the Home Ministry to transfer OCs of police stations all over the country in phases. There are over 650 police stations in the country - 50 of them under DMP. The EC asked to prioritise the transfer of those officers who have been discharging duties at their respective police station for more than 6 months first. BNP itself locked its central office: DMP Chief