BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday conveyed a message to people from party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, urging them to remain patient to have the democracy restored through a national election. “Our acting chairman has urged you (people) to remain patient. We must all act with unity and patience to restore democracy, ensuring that the great victory achieved through the student-led mass movement becomes truly fruitful and meaningful,” he told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from London. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case Fakhrul said Tarique also urged all to focus on preparing for the next election, describing it as the first crucial step towards the restoration of democracy. The BNP leader made the remarks in response to questions from reporters about the message he had brought from Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul returned home from London, after completing a 12-day visit. The BNP leader, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at the airport in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm. He said he had a meeting with the BNP Acting Chairman during his stay in London. Besides, Fakhrul said, he spoke to expatriate Bangladeshis and BNP leaders and workers and joined meetings arranged by them. "There has been a discussion with the press there. My visit to London was productive and fruitful,” the BNP leader said. Read: BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman When asked about Tarique Rahman's possible return to the country, Fakhrul said, "As you know, he has been facing numerous false cases filed out of political vendetta. He’ll return home once these cases are withdrawn or resolved through the court." In response to another question, he said the political parties have been supporting the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus. “We hope they’ll arrange the polls after completing the necessary minimum reforms." The BNP leader said it is a wrong perception that their party prioritises the election over reforms, reminding that it was the BNP which had put forward its reform proposals two years ago. Earn public trust, Tarique tells BNP leaders, activists As his attention was drawn to a comment by an adviser that political parties are trying to fail the interim government, Fakhrul said, “I don’t know in what context he made that statement. But, such remarks are anti-political. We do not expect such statements to be made by them.” He said political parties are supporting the interim government with the aim of restoring democracy, for which they have been fighting for the past 15 years. Responding to another question about Bangladesh-India relations, Fakhrul said the issues between the two countries must be resolved through discussions. He, however, said the problems emerging within Bangladesh are challenging to address without an elected government. Fakhrul travelled to London on November 30 to meet Tarique Rahman and discuss with him the crucial political and the party’s organisational issues. Besides, his wife Rahat Ara Begum underwent health check-ups and received treatment in London. Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment. Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care. The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical center abroad.

Interim government’s Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Thursday said the much-desired national election would be held once the reform works become visible. He made remarks while responding to a question at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy in the evening. Adviser Mahfuj urges students to submit demands through proper channels Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who was present at the briefing said, election is the ultimate goal and the government wants the election after necessary reforms as soon as possible. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present. Rizwana Hasan said there has been no discussion at the meeting of the Council of Advisers regarding banning any organisation as they differentiate responsibility of an organisation and an individual.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Dr Col (retd) Oli Ahmad on Saturday called for a quick completion of reform works before holding the next national election, reminding all that the time is limited. “We are telling you that reforms need to be done quickly. Time is short, you have to work fast,” he told reporters after holding a dialogue with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at state guest house Jamuna. The LDP chief said the election should be held but before that those who were involved in killings and stealing money should be brought to justice.   AL has no rights to do politics; it should be banned: Oli Ahmad “Let us build the house first, and then you can decide in which room you want to stay,” Oli said, apparently indicating that reforms need to be done before the election. “What’s the point of doing an election if all the thieves and dacoits remain there?” he said, adding that Jamaat (top Jamaat leaders) were hanged (for their crimes against humanity), now Awami League (AL leaders) will have to be hanged. Oli encouraged the media to build an opinion to that end, saying it is their responsibility. “Nobody is above the law. It is the rule of the law in democracy, which needs to be maintained.” Noting that one of the points they forgot to share with the Chief Adviser and that is related to recovering stolen money for the looters. Election timing to be fixed under CA's leadership: Asif Nazrul “Those who looted people’s money should be kept in a hotel; or an army and police barrack so that they can sleep on floors instead of soft beds,” Oli said, seeking steps to force the looters to return the money to the State.

Awami League President  Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday requested all voters to go to the polling centres early in the morning and cast their ballots for 'boat' to let her party serve them again. “The election will be held on January 7. Please go to the polling centres early morning with other voters and cast your votes for boat (the electoral symbol of Awami League,” she said. The prime minister said this while addressing a public rally at Taraganj Degree College. Her younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present on dais. She said that boat is the symbol of the boat of Prophet Nuh that saved the human race during the Great Flood, “This boat gave your independence and developed your living standard,” she said. “Will you cast your votes for the boat? Promise me, please raise your hands,” she asked while the audience raised their hands and chanted slogans for the AL election symbol. She also introduced Awami League nominated candidate for Rangpur-2 constituency Abul Kalam Mohammad Ahasanul Huq Chowdhury (Duke) at the rally and requested all to vote for him. Read: ‘PM sounded sincere about ensuring infrastructure facilities enabling those with disabilities to move independently’ Referring to numerous implemented development programmes of the government in the last 15 years, Hasina said that it was possible for the government as the people gave votes for her party in the last three elections. She also said that there are some development programmes left unfinished to materialise the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These are to make the country free from homeless and landless people and eradicate poverty completely, she said.  

A team of 15-17 security members will be posted at each polling station in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the 12th parliamentary elections slated for January 7. According to a notification issued by the Election Commission on Thursday, tighter security would be taken for vulnerable polling stations. There are some 42,000 polling stations throughout the country and a total of 11,96,91,633 voters will have rights to cast their votes in the 12th general election. Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development The commission designed separate security plans for the polling stations located outside the metropolitan area and the stations located inside the metropolitan areas. Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 15-16 security personnel including two police with arms, one ansar with arms, one ansar with arms or stick, 10 ansar with sticks, one or two village police members with sticks will protect each normal polling station. But in case of each important polling station (which is considered as vulnerable stations), there will be a team of 16-17 security men including three police with arms. Inside the metropolitan area, a 15-member security team consisting of three police members with arms, one ansar with arms, another ansar with arms or stick and 10 others ansar members with sticks will ensure security for each polling station. Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania But in case of an important polling station, a 16-member security team will guard it and the number of police members with arms would be four instead of three. The structure of the security team for special areas – Chittagong Hill Tracts and hard-to-reach areas—would be the same as was taken for other rural places outside the metropolitan areas. The law enforcement agency members will remain deployed for five days (including travelling time) from two days before the balloting and they will stay there till a day after the voting. Besides, the members of armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, Police, Armed Police and Ansar Battalion will be deployed in the election areas as mobile teams and striking forces. They will be engaged in election duty for 13 days (including their traveling time) from December 29, 2023 to January 10, 2024. Moreover, a good number of judicial magistrates and executive magistrates are there deployed in the election areas to check violation of election code of conduct. Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are contesting in the election, while BNP and some others are boycotting the polls demanding the election under a neutral government. A total of 1895 contenders are running in the parliamentary election. The candidates are now carrying out electioneering and they can continue the electoral campaign till January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.

As the 12th parliamentary election of Bangladesh approaches, a wave of excitement is sweeping through Bagerhat's first-time voters. These new electors are eager to contribute to their nation's progress by electing their preferred representatives. They see this as a chance to influence the country's development and shape the future. These young voters harbor aspirations for comprehensive progress in their region. Their wish list includes a corruption-free society, a terrorism-free Bangladesh, and development plans focused on youth. Dissolve parliament, Election under Army: Insaniyat's petition on Wednesday's docket They're not just excited but also proactive, offering suggestions to advance their area and the nation. They advocate for modernizing the general and technical education systems, improving education quality at all levels, and ensuring essential goods remain affordable for the average citizen. Their focus is also on maintaining a nation free from corruption and terrorism. In Bagerhat's four constituencies, 28 candidates from various parties, including the Awami League and independents, are vying for seats. The election buzz is palpable in local markets and tea shops, with voters of all ages discussing the candidates. However, it's the new generation whose interest in the election is most pronounced. During interviews, young male and female voters from different parts of Bagerhat district shared diverse views on the upcoming election. Bagerhat District Election Officer Sheikh Muhammad Jalal Uddin disclosed that the district's four constituencies have a total voter count of 1,281,241, comprising 644,136 males, 637,097 females, and eight third-gender voters. Notably, there are 168,248 new voters, split almost evenly between males and females. Emon Sheikh, a college student, emphasized the importance of young candidates, believing they can contribute more to society. His vote will go to a candidate prioritizing education. Sheikh Hussain, another student, stressed the need for better roads, infrastructure, and living standards, alongside educational improvements. Sheikh Saker Mahmud Prince voiced a desire for honest, capable candidates, wary of those who might misuse their positions. EC going around the country to check election prep at district level Other young voters like Nazmus Sakib, Biplob, Alamin, and Monica highlighted the need for youth-focused initiatives and job creation. They believe in harnessing the power of educated youth and fostering patriotism among citizens. With high hopes and clear expectations, Bagerhat's new voters are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of their region and country. AL upbeat as PM Hasina to launch election campaign from Sylhet Wednesday

As many as 155 aggrieved aspirants lodged appeals before the Election Commission on Thursday, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over cancellation or acceptance of nomination papers in the upcoming national election slated for January 7.  With the 155 new petitioners, a total of 338 aspirants have so far challenged the ROs’ decisions after the EC started receiving petitions on Tuesday. The EC will also receive the appeals on Friday and Saturday. PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu at Tungipara Among 155 petitions, seven appeals were lodged against the acceptance of nomination papers by the returning officers. Earlier, the EC received 42 appeals on Tuesday and 141 ones on Wednesday. The full commission will hear the appeals and hand down its decisions from December 10 to 15. A total of 2,716 aspirants including 747 independents submitted nomination papers in 300 constituencies throughout the country to run in the 12th parliamentary election. Issue of seat sharing was not discussed: Quader after meeting with Jatiya Party But the returning officers have accepted 1985 nomination papers and rejected 731 others during the scrutiny conducted on December 1-4 last. Most of the 731 nomination papers were rejected on three grounds -- mismatch in 1pc voters’ signatures submitted by independent aspirants, loans and utility bills defaults and dual citizenship. Out of 44 registered political parties, 29 parties are contesting the general election. BNP urges those who field candidates to stay away from Jan-7 polls The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17 and the voting will be held from 8am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.  

The resignation letters of three technocrat ministers and three advisers to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh have been accepted. The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday (November 29, 2023). The three technocrat ministers-- Posts, Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar, Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman and State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Ala —resigned from their respective posts on November 19. Process on to accept resignations of 3 technocrats in cabinet, 4 PM's advisers Besides,  Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman, Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury and International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi also resigned from their respective posts on the same day. PM helms science, telecom ministries quit by technocrats    After resignation of the three technocrat ministers, now there are 44 cabinet members except the Prime Minister and of them 23 are ministers, 18 are state ministers and three are deputy ministers. On November 15, Kazi Habibul Awal, Chief Election Commissioner announced that the national election will be held on January 7. Resignation of 4 technocrat ministers accepted; gazette published

Eminent economist Dr Ahsan H. Mansur has said that political instability or uncertainty always affects the economy adversely. Dr Mansur, executive director of the Policy Research Institute (PRI), a Dhaka-based think tank,  was talking to UNB on the ongoing political situation centred on the 12th national election and the opposition's hartal-blockade programs. “Bangladesh's macroeconomy is facing challenges not seen in the last 25/30 years, so tackling the grave situation politically is very important,” he said. The political unrest alongside the macroeconomic instability is a double blow for the domestic economy, so the current domestic situation is different from any other election period in the history of Bangladesh, Dr Mansur pointed out. Read: Blockades are bad for economy, scare foreign investors: FBCCI President He said, “If the national election is not credible to the international and domestic people, the concern will grow over what steps and reaction come from western countries, which is the export destination of most Bangladeshi products.” Meanwhile, the foreign countries have expressed concern over a decent working environment for labour, security of labour organisations' leaders, and desired wages in the export-oriented garment industries, he said. Bangladesh's human rights record was reviewed for the fourth time under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), an important UN human rights mechanism. Bangladesh's human rights record is under the scrutiny of the UN, EU, and USA, in this case, the steps for a political resolution and securing labour rights are very crucial, he opined. Regarding releasing the second instalment of the IMF’s USD $4.70 billion loan, Dr. Mansur, who is also a former senior economist of the IMF, said that there is no reason to delay the second instalment of the loan as Bangladesh met most of the conditions set by the global lender. Read: Economy bears brunt of ongoing blockades and hartals ahead of polls: Dr Atiur Rahman He said double-digit inflation has been prevailing in Bangladesh for a long time, while the South Asian countries including Sri Lank had succeeded in controlling inflation. In this area, Bangladesh has to do more to reduce the inflation rate to 4-5 percent.    He focused on a market-based foreign exchange rate to make the exchange rate sustainable instead of being controlled by the Bangladesh Bank or Bangladesh Foreign Exchange Dealers Association (BAFEDA). Dr. Masur suggested policy reform and effective measures to stop money laundering or capital flight for a sustainable domestic foreign exchange market, in that the central banks have to apply their regulatory authority without bias or influence. “Despite a huge workforce and advantage of geographical location, Bangladesh cannot attract big volume foreign direct investment (FDI) due to lack of policy reforms and weak regulatory authority. Political unrest will work as another barrier for FDI,” he pointed out. Read: An innovation leap: Nagad Digital Bank aims to extend reach to the unbanked and underbanked Regarding political resolution, he said that there is no alternative to dialogue amongst major political parties, and tolerance of opposition for those who are in strong positions or in power is very important. Dr Mansur said all parties' participation in the upcoming election is the best option for Bangladesh in consideration of the overall current situation, while dialogue and level playing field for political parties are important issues. He thinks that the situation is not normal, as what is happening in Bangladesh is being keenly watched around the world, so the authorities must proceed with reason. 

The United States has reiterated its desire to see a "free and peaceful" election in Bangladesh as the country is heading for the national polls scheduled for January 7, 2024. "We want to see a free and peaceful election in Bangladesh. We want to see the elections carried out peacefully," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a regular briefing in Washington on November 21. Read: Netherlands to support initiative to address negative gender stereotypes, promote gender equality in Bangladesh  He said that has been the US policy, as he has made clear a number of times. Asked whether the US will condemn the political violence "orchestrated by BNP" in the context of human rights that the US cares about, Miller said, "I think I answered that with my previous answer." Read: France very much aware of specific climate vulnerabilities of Bangladesh: Ambassador Masdupuy  The Election Commission has already announced the next general election schedule for January 7. The main opposition party BNP is yet to take any decision to join the polls, while enthusiasm is seen among supporters of Bangladesh Awami League and likeminded parties who are joining the polls.