United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday told the Election Commission (EC) that providing VVIP facilities to someone while denying theses to others is the violation of a level playing field in the election. “If someone gets many facilities, even VVIP facilities, while others do not, that cannot be called a level playing field,” said Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair while briefing reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. A three-member Jamaat delegation met the CEC in the afternoon at Nirbachon Bhaban in the city. The Jamaat leader said their leaders who are playing roles in the election, including the Ameer-e-Jamaat, the Secretary General and other central and top leaders, will conduct extensive tours in different areas. “They will need to travel massively. We have drawn attention to their security issues.” Read more: Jamaat-e-Islami backs Inqilab Moncho’s 24-hour ultimatum for Hadi killers He said the Election Commission told them that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant ministry and the EC would talk to it and take necessary initiatives from its side. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said a big party is violating the election code of conduct and they (Jamaat) sought immediate steps in this regard. “You may have seen various types of cards issued by a big party. We have seen those mainly through journalist friends. They are making different promises. They will distribute so many lakhs or crores of cards. They are promising that cardholders will receive thousands or lakhs of taka per card. These acts are clear violations of the election rules and the code of conduct,” he said. The Jamaat leader said they told the Commission to take action in this regard. “We have drawn their attention and urged them to take immediate measures.” Replying to a question, Ahsanul Mahboob said cards are being distributed by a big party. “They are saying 50 crore cards will be given. Each person will receive lakhs of taka.” He said they asked the EC to install CCTV cameras at polling stations as it is very important for ensuring a free and fair election. Read more: Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation  “If CCTV cameras are not installed, we believe terrorists and those with ill intentions will get a major opportunity to disrupt and sabotage the election. If CCTV cameras are there, we hope that opportunity will no longer exist,” he added. The Jamaat leader said they also discussed the overall law and order situation and recommended recovery of illegal arms and the arrest of listed criminals.

Dr Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Wednesday and will contest the upcoming national election from the Cumilla-7 constituency under the party’s electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy. Redwan Ahmed arrived at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office in the morning and formally joined the party at simple programme, leaving the LDP. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “We were part of the joint movement, and I agree with the number of seats BNP will leave for the LDP as an alliance partner. However, my party chairman Oli Ahmed does not agree with this decision.” He said most members of the LDP Standing Committee, as well as leaders and activists across the country, shared his position. “I hope Oli Ahmed will reconsider and agree to an electoral understanding with the BNP….whether he contests the election or not, I will contest it in agreement with BNP. I have been associated with the BNP since its early days, which is why I am formally returning to the party and will take part in the election,” Redwan said. Read more: BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats He also confirmed that he has already submitted his resignation letter to the LDP chairman and claimed that many LDP leaders and activists nationwide would join the BNP and work for its candidates. Welcoming him, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir congratulated Redwan Ahmed, saying his return was like “a son coming back home” and that it would further strengthen the BNP. He announced that Redwan Ahmed would contest the next election as the BNP candidate from the Cumilla-7 constituency. BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the joining ceremony. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

The Election Commissioner has started its briefing on the electoral management affairs for the deputy commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and other field-level high officials ahead of the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12. The briefing started at 10:00am at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area. Read more: EC to send SMS urging govt officials to register for postal voting Alongside the DCs and SPs, Divisional Commissioners, Metropolitan Police Commissioners, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of police, Regional Election Officers and District Election Officers are attending the briefing. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir is present in the event as the chief guest, while four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Saker and Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah are special guests. The CEC and the four election commissioners are giving necessary guidelines and instructions about the electoral management in a bid to conduct the February-12 elections in free, fair and festive manners. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed is presiding over the event. Read more: Tarique Rahman to become voter on Dec 27: Salahuddin

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday (December 22, 2025) reiterated his commitment to holding the general election on February 12 next. "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, at around 7:30 pm (Dhaka time). The discussion, which lasted for about half an hour, focused on trade and tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States, the upcoming general election, the country’s democratic transition, and the murder of young Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Read more: EC’s briefing for DCs-SPs begins Sergio Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Prof Yunus for his leadership during recent tariff negotiations.  Bangladesh succeeded in reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent. The US Special Envoy also discussed the massive funeral of Shaheed Osman Hadi, said Chief Adviser’s Press wing. The Chief Adviser noted that supporters of the ousted autocratic regime were allegedly spending millions of dollars to disrupt the electoral process and that their fugitive leader was inciting violence.  He, however, said the interim government was “fully prepared” to deal with any challenges. Read more: Tarique Rahman to become voter on Dec 27: Salahuddin “We have roughly 50 days to go before the election. We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable,” Prof Yunus said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the phone call.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will complete the formalities to become a registered voter on December 27 after returning home from London on December 25, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday (December 22, 2025). “December 25 is Thursday, December 26 is Friday, and December 27 is Saturday. During the election period, the Election Commission offices remain open. He will complete all procedures related to becoming a voter and obtaining a National Identity Card on December 27,” he said. Salahuddin Ahmed said this while talking to reporters after a meeting between a BNP delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present at the meeting. Read more: Attacks on Daily Star, Prothom Alo a direct assault on democracy: Fakhrul Salahuddin said the BNP delegation recommended the Election Commission to amend or clarify certain legal provisions related to the submission of nomination papers. “We pointed out that the requirement of submitting a certified copy of bail documents along with nomination papers is not mentioned in the Representation of the People Order (RPO). We asked for clarification on this issue and suggested that candidates should not be required to submit certified copies with their nomination papers,” he said, talking about one of their recommendations. Replying to a question regarding the law and order situation, the BNP Standing Committee member said maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of the government. “We want a fair environment for the elections. We hope that the environment for the elections will remain healthy,” he said, adding that the people also want to vote freely in a festive atmosphere. “So, we hope that the law and order situation will gradually improve,” said Salahuddin. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabiullah and former EC’s Acting Secretary Dr Mohammad Zakaria were  other members of the BNP delegation. Read more: Bangladesh Jatiya Dal chief Huda joins BNP Earlier on December 11, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers is December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the law and order situation must be maintained at any cost before the upcoming national election.  The meeting, held on Sunday afternoon (December 21, 2025), discussed in detail various issues, including the return of BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the country, security measures taken on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. Prof Yunus ordered the prompt arrest of those involved in the murder of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi and other illegal activities. The issues were discussed at a meeting held at state guest house Jamuna on Sunday afternoon with Prof Yunus in the chair. The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation in the country. Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, National Security Advisor Dr Khalilur Rahman and top officials of various security and law enforcement agencies were present at the meeting, said Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Monday. Editors’ Council, NOAB condemn arson attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star. Besides, the arrest of those involved in the murder of Inqilab Mancho spokesperson and July fighter Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi and the progress of the investigation were discussed in detail. The police informed the Chief Adviser that 31 people have already been identified through video footage on suspicion of being involved in the recent attacks on the offices of two national dailies and two cultural organizations. At least six people have been arrested in various parts of the country, including Dhaka, in these incidents till Monday morning. The arrestees are Md Kashem Farooqui, Md Saidur Rahman, Rakib Hossain, Md Naeem, Md Sohel Rana and Md Shafiqul Islam. Mob incited by Elias Hossain sets fire to Daily Star office in Dhaka The operation to arrest the remaining identified suspects is underway. In addition, three of those who tried to create chaos near the residence of the Assistant High Commissioner of India in Chattogram have been identified through video footage.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for calm and urged all concerned in Bangladesh to refrain from violence, reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint in order to preserve a peaceful electoral environment as the country heads to elections in February. The UN Secretary-General condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and extended his condolences to his family. The UN Chief called on the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial investigation, in line with international human rights standards. Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence "I have been asked about the current situation in Bangladesh, and I can tell you that the Secretary-General condemns the killing of a youth protest leader, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, and extends his condolences to his family," said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, during a regular briefing at the UN Headquarters on December 19.

The Election Commission (EC) has instructed the relevant authorities to send SMS alerts to all government officials and employees, encouraging them to register for voting through postal ballots ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and the referendum on the July Charter. The instruction was given in a letter signed on Wednesday (December 17) by KM Ali Newaz, Additional Secretary of the Election Commission and Project Director of the OCV–SDI project. According to the letter, government officials and employees working inside the country, as well as officers and employees of the armed forces who receive salaries through the iBAS++ system, will be able to cast their votes through an IT-supported postal ballot after completing registration via the “Postal Vote BD” app. The registration process will remain open until December 25, 2025, the letter said. Read more: EU deploys election observation mission to Bangladesh The 13th parliamentary election and the referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12, 2026. The EC has instructed the authorities concerned to send SMS messages to all military and civilian government officials and employees who are drawing salaries through the iBAS++ system, requesting them to complete their registration through the app by the stipulated deadline. The SMS text will be “All government officials and employees (military and civilian) are requested to complete registration through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app by December 25, 2025, to cast votes through IT-supported postal ballots.” The Commission said postal ballots will be sent by mail to the registered voters’ addresses. After casting their votes, voters will have to return the ballots in the provided return envelopes to the respective returning officers. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practised in the previous elections. Read more: ‘In-Country Postal Vote’ registration to continue till Dec 25: EC This is the first time the Election Commission has introduced an IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. Among them, the probable polling personnel who are not in the government services, and the prisoners will be able to register after December 17 to 25 for voting through the postal ballots in the upcoming election. So far 46,701 government officials and employees registered through the app to vote in the February-12 election after the announcement of the election schedule announced on December 11. The Election Commission said postal ballots will be sent by mail to the registered voters’ addresses. After casting their votes, voters will have to return the ballots in the provided return envelopes to the respective returning officers. The EC also said that instructions in this regard have already been sent to the Secretary of the Finance Division. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). Read more: February election to lay strong foundation for democracy: Rizwana

In response to a formal invitation by Bangladesh authorities, the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.  The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as its chief observer.  Read more: IRI pre-election observation team meets EC Sanaullah "I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process," Chief Observer Ijabs said on Tuesday. 

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged senior police officers to uphold their highest level of responsibility and sincerity as the country moves toward what he described as a ‘historic, festive and peaceful’ national election, one that will go beyond the ‘traditional’ election. “This is not an ordinary election. It will be a post-uprising election, different from all traditional elections. Through this election, a new Bangladesh will emerge,” he said, underscoring the importance of the next three months. Prof Yunus made the remarks while addressing the Superintendents of Police (SPs) from all 64 districts, along with other senior police officials, at the Chief Adviser’s Office. The national election is scheduled to be held in the first half of February next year.Speaking about the role of SPs in ensuring a festive and peaceful election environment, Prof Yunus stressed the need for carrying out duties with utmost precision and without mistakes. He said the government is committed to building a stronger institutional structure, one that will never falter. Prof Yunus also briefly reflected on previous controversial elections, mentioning that the police have the opportunity to help bring about positive change by acting without bias.“It is a historic responsibility,” the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus called on the SPs to play a role in holding an acceptable election, pointing out that the next election is a historic responsibility for everyone and encouraged them to take the responsibility as a challenge. He said through the uprising they dreamt of a new Bangladesh, and through the upcoming election, they aim to carry that dream forward. Prof Yunus said a referendum will also be held simultaneously during the upcoming general election, which will serve as the basis for building the Bangladesh of the future. Prof Yunus said many delegations and election observers from abroad will come in the upcoming elections. The Superintendents of Police should work towards this so that they can present this election as a wonderful example to the whole world, he said. The Chief Adviser said they have all seen the past elections - some call it a farce election, some call it a fraud. "We have to rise above that and create a new standard."Prof Yunus mentioned that bringing about that change is the major responsibility of the police force. Chinese investors can help transform Bangladesh into manufacturing hub: Prof Yunus He emphasised the initiative and creativity of the officers in making the upcoming elections fair, saying, "Not everything can be written on paper. While performing your duties, you should think about how to do the job more efficiently." Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, among others, was present.