United News of Bangladesh

Hungarian voters on Sunday ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, rejecting the authoritarian policies and global far-right movement that he embodied in favor of a pro-European challenger in a bombshell election result with global repercussions. It was a stunning blow for Orbán — a close ally of both U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin — who quickly conceded defeat after what he called a ″painful″ election result. U.S. Vice President JD Vance had made a visit to Hungary just days earlier, meant to help push Orbán over the finish line. Election victor Péter Magyar, a former Orbán loyalist who campaigned against corruption and on everyday issues like health care and public transport, has pledged to rebuild Hungary's relationships with the European Union and NATO — ties that frayed under Orbán. European leaders quickly congratulated Magyar. His victory was expected to transform political dynamics within the EU, where Orbán had upended the bloc by frequently vetoing key decisions, prompting concerns he sought to break it up from the inside. It will also reverberate among far-right movements around the world, which have viewed Orbán as a beacon for how nationalist populism can be used to wage culture wars and leverage state power to undermine opponents. It's not yet clear whether Magyar’s Tisza party will have the two-thirds majority in parliament, which would give it the numbers needed for major changes in legislation. With 93% of the vote counted, it had more than 53% support to 37% for Orbán’s governing Fidesz party and looked set to win 94 of Hungary's 106 voting districts. “I congratulated the victorious party,″ Orban told followers. “We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition.″ Jubilation erupted along the Danube In a speech to tens of thousands of jubilant supporters at a victory party along the Danube River, Magyar said his voters had rewritten Hungarian history. “Tonight, truth prevailed over lies. Today, we won because Hungarians didn’t ask what their homeland could do for them — they asked what they could do for their homeland. You found the answer. And you followed through,” he said. On the streets of Budapest, drivers blared car horns and cranked up anti-government songs while people marching in the streets chanted and screamed. Many revelers chanted “Ruszkik haza!” or “Russians go home!” — a phrase used widely during Hungary’s 1956 anti-Soviet revolution, and which had gained increasing currency amid Orbán’s drift toward Moscow. Turnout in the election was nearly 80%, according to the National Election Office, a record number in any vote in Hungary’s post-Communist history. ‘Choice between East or West’ Orbán, the EU’s longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, traveled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right. The EU will be waiting to see how Magyar changes Hungary's approach to Ukraine. Orbán repeatedly frustrated EU efforts to support the neighboring country in its war against Russia’s full-scale invasion, while cultivating close ties to Putin and refusing to end Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy imports. Recent revelations have shown a top member of Orbán's government frequently shared the contents of EU discussions with Moscow, raising accusations that Hungary was acting on Russia’s behalf within the bloc. Members of Trump's “Make America Great Again” movement are among those who see Orbán's government and his Fidesz political party as shining examples of conservative, anti-globalist politics in action, while he is reviled by advocates of liberal democracy and the rule of law. In Budapest, Marcell Mehringer, 21, said he was voting “primarily so that Hungary will finally be a so-called European country, and so that young people, and really everyone, will do their fundamental civic duty to unite this nation a bit and to breakdown these boundaries borne of hatred.” Strained relationship with the EU During his 16 years as prime minister, Orbán launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungary's institutions and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies. He also heavily strained Hungary's relationship with the EU. Although Hungary is one of the smaller EU countries, with a population of 9.5 million, Orbán has repeatedly used his veto to block decisions that require unanimity. Most recently, he blocked a 90-billion euro ($104 billion) EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid. His challenger came from the inside Magyar, 45, rapidly rose to become Orbán's most serious challenger. A former insider within Orbán's Fidesz, Magyar broke with the party in 2024 and quickly formed Tisza. Since then, he has toured Hungary relentlessly, holding rallies in settlements big and small in a campaign blitz that recently had him visiting up to six towns daily. In an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, Magyar said the election will be a “referendum” on whether Hungary continues on its drift toward Russia under Orbán, or can retake its place among the democratic societies of Europe. Tisza is a member of the European People's Party, the mainstream, center-right political family with leaders governing 12 of the EU's 27 nations. Uphill election battle Magyar faced a tough fight. Orbán's control of Hungary's public media, which he has transformed into a mouthpiece for his party, and vast swaths of the private media market give him an advantage in spreading his message. The unilateral transformation of Hungary's electoral system and gerrymandering of its 106 voting districts by Fidesz also required Tisza to gain an estimated 5% more votes than Orbán’s party to achieve a simple majority. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries had the right to vote in Hungarian elections and traditionally have voted overwhelmingly for Orbán's party. Russian secret services have plotted to interfere and tip the election in Orbán's favor, according to numerous media reports including by The Washington Post. The prime minister, however, accused neighboring Ukraine, as well as Hungary's allies in the EU, of seeking to interfere in the vote to install a “pro-Ukraine” government.  

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has observed that old patterns of the influence of money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy and majoritarian dominance have persisted in the elections, while imprudent actions by the government and the Election Commission have created unnecessary controversy surrounding the referendum. Although initial signs of healthy competition were visible, political parties and candidates have gradually maintained the old political settlements marked by violence in electoral activities. As a result, conflicts among parties and alliances, intra-party rivalries, unhealthy competition for power and violence have been increasing steadily. These remarks were made today at a press conference held at TIB’s Dhanmondi office to present “Pre-Election and Referendum Situation: TIB’s Observations.” TIB failed to recognise work on reforms: Finance Adviser The observations were presented today at a press conference organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), titled “Pre-Election and Referendum Situation: TIB’s Observations,” held at TIB’s Dhanmondi office. Speakers included TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman; Adviser–Executive Management Prof. Dr. Sumaiya Khair; Director, Research and Policy, Muhammad Badiuzzaman; and Director, Outreach and Communication, Mohammad Tauhidul Islam. A section of the report was presented by Senior Research Fellow Md. Mahfuzul Haque. According to TIB, alongside electoral violence, anti-election activities by fallen authoritarian forces have increased instability risks. Political parties and candidates not only continued using money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy, and majoritarian influence, but the use of money and religion has intensified. Violations of the electoral code of conduct persisted, reflecting the Election Commission’s lack of effective action. Despite the July Charter’s pledge for 5% women candidates, women were largely overlooked. Within 24 hours of the election schedule, a potential candidate was killed, and attacks, shootings, and killings of political activists and rivals continued nationwide, raising concerns over law enforcement inaction. Mismanagement by the Commission also temporarily exposed the personal data of 14,000 journalists applying for registration, threatening their safety.    Hasina named in 663 cases over July Uprising, 453 on murder charges: TIB According to TIB’s observations, well before the approved campaign period, political parties and candidates began electioneering in violation of the Wall Writing and Poster Control Act, 2012 (Sections 3 & 4) by putting up posters and campaign materials on walls, poles, vehicles, and other places. In other words, all candidates violated some aspect of the electoral code of conduct. Large amounts of money were spent by prospective candidates even before the official campaign period, and 33.8% of candidates have already exceeded the prescribed spending limit, averaging BDT 11,961,310 per candidate between 4 December 2025 and 1 February 2026. Allegations of cash distribution by influential political parties to sway voters have also emerged. Broadcast coverage of election-related campaigning shows dominance by one party, occupying about 67.25% of total coverage, while referendum campaigning received only 7.56% of coverage on BTV. Violence has also accompanied campaigning: in one constituency, clashes between two parties led to a death, and high-risk districts saw more frequent conflicts. In Barisal Division, the rate of clashes increased from 30.9% before the schedule announcement to 43.8% afterward; in Rajshahi, it dropped from 22.2% to 15.5%, and in Dhaka from 22.3% to 12.3%. Barisal recorded the highest level of clashes, while Sylhet recorded the lowest. Regarding the referendum, TIB observed that the government’s indecision—due to opposing positions of influential political parties—and the drafting of the ordinance aimed at pleasing both sides created confusion and controversy regarding the referendum and the concerns surrounding it. It is unclear whether any consultation or coordination occurred between the government and the Election Commission during the ordinance’s drafting and the promotion of a “Yes” vote. Further debate arose when, 18 days into the government’s campaign, the Election Commission issued instructions to government employees, raising questions about the legality and prudence of the directives. Had the Commission consulted the government before issuing the ordinance, its independence would not have been questioned and unnecessary confusion avoided.    Presenting TIB’s observations on the overall electoral environment, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “Election campaign expenditures of most candidates have exceeded the prescribed spending limits. At the same time, the misuse of religious content in campaign activities has been strongly evident, which is negatively affecting the values of Bangladesh. As a result, women’s political participation and, more broadly, the concept of equal rights for women have come under threat. Meanwhile, initiatives to ensure the safety and equal rights of marginalised communities, voters from diverse religious, ethnic, gender, social and cultural identities, as well as persons with disabilities, and to create an enabling environment for their participation in voting, have been jeopardised.” Dr. Zaman further stated, “Despite widespread violations of the code of conduct and various irregularities by parties and candidates at almost every stage of the election—including both online and offline campaigning—the Election Commission has largely overlooked these issues due to capacity constraints. Adequate coordination has not been established with digital platforms such as Meta or Google. Even when candidates have conducted campaigns in violation of the platforms’ own policies, the controversial content has not been removed, as business interests appear to be involved.” Reminding all stakeholders of their responsibilities during the election period, Dr. Zaman said, “In the past, people have been deprived of their voting rights; both ordinary citizens and political parties have been victims. Bearing this experience in mind, elections must be treated as genuine elections, and political parties must demonstrate the willingness to accept the people’s verdict. If our leaders—from the grassroots to the highest levels—embrace this spirit, we believe that the election can be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. At the same time, it is expected that the Election Commission, the government, political parties and law enforcement agencies will properly fulfil their respective responsibilities to ensure that all voters—irrespective of ethnicity, religion, race, minority status, gender, age or disability—can exercise their voting rights free from fear, intimidation and security concerns.” Regarding the referendum, TIB ED further stated, “In accordance with the mandate provided by the July uprising, it is the responsibility of the government to play the necessary role in securing a ‘Yes’ verdict in the referendum on the July Charter. There was no legal or rational basis for the Election Commission’s disagreement in fulfilling this role. However, since government officials are legally under the authority of the Election Commission after the announcement of the election schedule, the government interfered unnecessarily in the Commission’s jurisdiction by issuing directives to promote a ‘Yes’ vote without obtaining prior consent from the Commission—even though such promotion was considered justified. As a result of this interference, or for other considerations, the Election Commission adopted unnecessary and controversial measures in this case based on a misinterpretation of the law. Moreover, by inappropriately imposing decisions on various stakeholders—including NGOs and banks alongside government officials—the government has called its own position into question. Overall, both the government and the Election Commission have demonstrated failure in performing their expected roles in organising the historic referendum in a proper and effective manner.” Noting that a significant majority of the proposals in the July Charter—written in blood—particularly those relating to the establishment of good governance, prevention of abuse of power and corruption, protection of political and civil rights, and the commitment to equal rights for all regardless of party affiliation, opinion, religion, ethnicity, gender or other forms of diversity—reflect TIB’s long-standing research-based expectations and policy advocacy, the Executive Director announced TIB’s position in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. TIB slams draft media ordinances as ‘mockery’ of free press

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that no one would be able to foil this year’s national election despite possible conspiracies. “In the past, we have seen various conspiracies surrounding elections. There may still be attempts to sabotage the process, but I firmly believe no one can foil this year’s election,” he said while addressing an election rally at Mohammadpur Union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. He said people across the country have awakened politically, as many were deprived of voting rights in previous elections. “This time, people are determined to exercise their right to vote and protect the polling centres,” he added. BNP alleges voter migration in Dhaka, demands EC data Mirza Fakhrul, also candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency, said people of all religions and communities—Hindus and Muslims alike—would come together to vote in the upcoming election. Addressing the Hindu community, he urged them to go to polling centres without fear, cast their votes and return home peacefully, assuring them of protection. Referring to the past 17 years, he alleged that the country’s people had suffered torture and oppression under a ‘fascist regime’. “After that dark period, people have once again got the opportunity to decide the future of the country,” he said. Criticising former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader said his party did not want a leader who leaves behind countless leaders and activists. “We do not belong to a group of thieves and robbers. We follow the ideals of Shaheed Zia,” he said. Apologising on behalf of BNP leaders and activists, Mirza Fakhrul said, “If anyone makes a mistake during the election campaign, I seek forgiveness on their behalf and hope people will take it positively.” Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman Mirza Fakhrul became emotional when a supporter presented him with an egg and a clay savings bank. The BNP leader sought forgiveness from the martyrs and appealed for votes, saying the sheaf of paddy is the election symbol of former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He urged voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy in the February 12 election, seeking what he described as an opportunity to serve the people ‘for the last time’. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, along with a large number of local residents, attended the rally.  

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, officially inaugurated his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on Thursday afternoon. The campaign kicked off with a massive public rally held at Adarsha High School in Mirpur-10, part of the Dhaka-15 (Mirpur-Kafrul) constituency. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Jamaat chief signaled the start of a nationwide movement for the party. The atmosphere in Mirpur was electric from the morning, as thousands of supporters arrived in processions, carrying the party’s election symbol, the "Scale" (Daripalla). By midday, the venue and surrounding areas were packed to capacity, decorated extensively with banners and festoons, which are now legal for a limited period. The rally was attended by several prominent leaders of Jamaat and of parties in its alliance, including Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Vice President and Spokesperson of JAGPA, Advocate Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Council member and candidate for Dhaka-12. Also seen were some of the high profile Jamaat candidates from Dhaka, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14), Colonel (Retd.) Abdul Baten (Dhaka-16), and Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (Dhaka-17). The event was presided over by Abdur Rahman Musa, the seat coordinator and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat's Dhaka North City unit, while former Chhatrashibir President Zahidul Islam moderated the session. Dr. Saif Khan, son of the late Abdul Hannan Khan, delivered the opening speech. Local leaders, including Abdul Matin Khan and Anwarul Karim, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing a festive yet determined start to their electoral journey.  

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved a proposal to declare February 11 a public holiday, in addition to the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, to help voters participate and ensure law and order management in an effective manner. The approval was given at the Council’s weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on the outcomes of the meeting. EC warns against code violations over voter data collection campaign day Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was also present at the briefing. The Council approved the proposal following a high-level meeting held on Wednesday to review election preparations and security issues. Alam said the meeting also approved an additional holiday on February 10 exclusively for workers in industrial zones. Workers in industrial zones will enjoy holidays on February 10 and 11. Along with the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, this will result in a three-day break. Alam said February 10 will apply only to industrial zone workers as a holiday. 288 BNP, 224 Jamaat candidates in Bangladesh election race He said the reason behind the decision was to allow voters currently residing in Dhaka, industrial towns, and other major cities to travel to their respective hometowns to cast their votes, as February 11 falls on the day before the election. The decision is also expected to help authorities manage law and order more effectively during the election period, Alam said. An official notification regarding the decisions will be issued shortly.  

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday warned that collecting voters’ personal information and national identity card (NID) details in the name of electioneering is a punishable offence. “It has come to the Bangladesh Election Commission’s notice that some people are collecting voters’ personal data and National Identity (NID) under the guise of election campaigning. According to the National Identity Card Registration Act 2010, one cannot carry or transfer another's National Identity Card (NID)," said EC in a press release. The electioneering officially began on Thursday (January 22) ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12. Referring to provisions of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates Rules, 2025, the Commission said no political party, candidate or anyone on their behalf is allowed to offer or promise any donation, contribution or gift to any person, groups or institutions residing in the electoral area. “These activities are punishable offences under these rules. The Election Commission urges all citizens and organisations to refrain from such practices,” the EC said. Earlier, on January 13, a BNP delegation lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that a particular political party has been collecting voters’ NID details and mobile phone numbers across the country. Calling the move ‘suspicious and unprecedented’, BNP Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan said such activities could be aimed at creating fake voters or influencing voting behavior. Nazrul Islam said the collection of mobile financial service numbers could indicate the possibility of monetary transactions. The election campaign began officially on Thursday after the Commission allocated electoral symbols on Wednesday to as many as 1,972 candidates contesting the upcoming election from 298 constituencies, excluding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. The number of contesting candidates would rise further once contestants from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are added. Currently, there are nine valid candidates in the two constituencies. Altogether, the total number of candidates across the 300 constituencies stands at 1,981—comprising 1,732 candidates from 51 registered political parties and 249 independent candidates. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.  

In a decisive move to maintain party discipline, BNP has expelled 59 more local leaders for defying party directives and contesting the upcoming national election as independent candidates. In a media release issued on Wednesday night, the party said they were expelled for engaging in activities that go against the party’s policy, ideology and organisational discipline. It said all of them have been stripped of primary membership along with all posts at every tier of the party. Earlier, BNP expelled 13 leaders for running in seats allocated to alliance partners, defying the party’s decision. The expelled leaders are from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram divisions. Tarique now in Sylhet to launch election campaign Earlier in the day, party Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said BNP will take organisational action against its ‘rebel’ candidates if they do not step aside from the election race. “The time for withdrawal of candidacy has passed. Now discussions will be held by the Election Steering Committee and by the top leadership of BNP. After that, if anyone remains a candidate, organisational action will definitely be taken against them by the party,” he said. Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s election office in Gulshan area, Mahdi said the party wants all members to work together with full dedication for the candidates under the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. “Those who do not do this will definitely face organisational action from the party,” he added. BNP in favour of ‘Yes’ in referendum: Mahdi Amin According to media reports, nearly 76 rebel BNP candidates remain in the field across the country as they did not withdraw their nomination papers on Tuesday, the last date for withdrawal. Rangpur Division From Rangpur Division, the expelled leaders are ANM Bazlur Rashid (Dinajpur-2), AZM Rezaeanul Haque (Dinajpur-5) and Riyad Arafan Sarkar Rana (Nilphamari-4). Rajshahi Division From Rajshahi Division, the party expelled Parvez Arefin Siddiqui Jony (Naogaon-3), Taiful Islam Tipu (Natore-1), Dr Yasser Arshad Rajon (Natore-1), Daudar Mahmood (Natore-3), Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul (Rajshahi-5), Barrister Rezaul Karim (Rajshahi-5), KM Anwarul Islam (Pabna-3) and Zakaria Pintu (Pabna-4). Khulna Division Those expelled from Khulna Division are Nuruzzaman (Kushtia-1), Monirul Islam (Narail-2), Advocate Shahid Iqbal (Jashore-5), Dr Shahidul Alam (Satkhira-3), Engr Masud (Bagerhat-1) and Khairuzzaman Shipon (Bagerhat-4). Barishal Division From Barishal Division, the expelled are Abdus Sobhan (Barishal-1) and Md Mahmud Hossain (Pirojpur-2). Dhaka Division From Dhaka Division, the expelled leaders are Md Dulal Hossain (Narayanganj-1), Md Ataur Rahman Khan Angur (Narayanganj-2), Prof Md Rezaul Karim (Narayanganj-3), Advocate Mohammad Ali (Tangail-1), Lutfur Rahman Khan Azad (Tangail-3), Advocate Farhad Iqbal (Tangail-5), Md Jamal Ahmed Chowdhury (Narsingdi-5), Md Mumin Ali (Munshiganj-1) and Md Mohiuddin (Munshiganj-3). Mymensingh Division From Mymensingh Division, the expelled are Rezaul Karim Chunnu (Kishoreganj-1), Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal (Kishoreganj-5), Salman Omar Rubel (Mymensingh-1), AB Siddiqur Rahman (Mymensingh-10), Md Morshed Alam (Mymensingh-11), Md Delwar Hossain Bhuiyan (Netrokona-3) and Md Aminul Islam Badsha (Sherpur-3). Faridpur Division From the newly formed Faridpur Division, BNP expelled Lavlu Siddiqui (Madaripur-1), Kamal Jamal Nuruddin Molla (Madaripur-1), Milton Boiddya (Madaripur-2), Nasirul Haque Sabu (Rajbari-2), MS Khan Manju (Gopalganj-2), Sirajul Islam Siraj (Gopalganj-2) and Advocate Habibur Rahman Habib (Gopalganj-3). Sylhet Division Those expelled from Sylhet Division are Anwar Hossain (Sunamganj-3), Dewan Zainul Zakerin (Sunamganj-4), Mamunur Rashid (Sylhet-5), Mohsin Mia Madhu (Moulvibazar-4) and Sheikh Sujat Mia (Habiganj-1). Cumilla Division From Cumilla Division, the expelled are Advocate Kamruzzaman Mamun (Brahmanbaria-1), Kazi Nazmul Hossain Tapas (Brahmanbaria-5), Krishibid Saiduazzaman Kamal (Brahmanbaria-6), Engr Abdul Matin (Cumilla-2), Atikul Alam Shawon (Cumilla-7) and MA Hannan (Chandpur-4). Chattogram Division From Chattogram Division, BNP expelled Advocate Mizanul Haque Chowdhury (Chattogram-14), Shafiqul Islam Rahi (Chattogram-14), Liakat Ali Chairman (Chattogram-16), Kazi Mofizur Rahman (Noakhali-2), Engr Fazlul Azim (Noakhali-6) and Engr Tanvir Uddin Rajib (Noakhali-6).

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday upheld the candidacy of BNP candidate Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury (Chattogram-4), rejecting the appeal petitions submitted by several banks to cancel his candidature on ground of loan default. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, passed the order in the afternoon, hearing the petitions filed by Trust Bank, Bank Asia and Jamuna Bank. Aslam Chowdhury was a borrower from Trust Bank, while he was a guarantor over loans taken from two other banks. The EC, as the Electoral Appeal Tribunal, on January 10 started hearing and disposing of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons against the decisions of the returning officers on the acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals by today (Sunday).  

Barrister Rumeen Farhana, an independent candidate for the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, on Saturday quarrelled with an executive magistrate over an alleged violation of the election code of conduct. The violation was related to holding a campaign rally before the official campaign period. The incident occurred in the Islamabad (Gogad) area of Noagaon Union under Sarail upazila when Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan went to stop the rally. In a video that went viral on social media, it was seen that Rumeen Farhana became agitated when the magistrate attempted to discuss the alleged violation. She told him, “This is the last time, I am warning you, I will not listen to this. Today I am leaving just for politeness and I will not do it in the future.” She and her supporters also alleged that others are violating the code of conduct but the administration did not take action against them. At one stage, she warned the magistrate, saying, “If I do not allow you, you cannot leave this place, Sir, mind it.” She also said, “Those whose words you are following now, they used to stay under the bed by holding their ears during Sheikh Hasina's time. I am Rumeen Farhana, I do not need any party." Executive Magistrate Shahria Hasan Khan said the rally violated Rule 18 of the election code of conduct. “As the programme was against the rules, we went there and asked them to stop holding the rally,” he said. According to Section 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rule, 2025, the electioneering can be conducted from three weeks before the polling day until 48 hours prior to the start of voting, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. “Outside the stipulated campaign period, national and international days can be observed as well as religious, social and similar events can be organised without hampering the electoral environment and in compliance with the code of conduct. However, prior consent or permission from the returning officer concerned must be obtained,” said a circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain. The executive magistrate added that after the rally was stopped, its organiser, Md Jewel, was fined Tk 40,000. “The candidate left the spot without being able to hold the rally and behaved disrespectfully towards me,” the magistrate said, adding that the matter had been reported to the Additional District Magistrate.

The Election Commission on Saturday cleared the way for more 44 previously rejected candidates to return to the electoral race after hearing their appeal petitions. Besides, the EC cancelled the candidacy of BNP’s Monzurul Ahsan Munshi and upheld that of National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, in Cumilla-4. The Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, heard appeal petitions filed by both candidates against each other and passed its order. The EC accepted the appeal filed by Hasnat against the candidature of Monzurul Ahsan related to loan default, but turned down the appeal filed by Monzurul Ahsan, declaring the candidacy of Hasnat valid for the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next. On Saturday, the EC, that acts as the electoral appeal tribunal heard more than 100 appeals filed by aggrieved persons at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Of them, the Commission accepted 45 petitions including one against (the validity of Monzurul Ahsan Munshi), while rejecting 37 other petitions, and kept 21 pending to be settled on Sunday (the last day). Among the pending petitions, many appeals related to dual citizenship issue as the Commission is likely to pass a similar order for all such petitions on Sunday. With the 44 aspirants who regained candidacy, some 400 candidates returned to the electoral race in the last eight days after the EC started hearing of the appeals filed by aggrieved persons and organizations challenging the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers during the scrutiny. The Commission will settle all the 645 appeals petitions by Sunday (January 18). According to the EC, a total of 2,568 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, triggering the 645 appeals.