United News of Bangladesh

The High Court on Thursday rejected a writ petition filed by BNP-nominated candidate Md. Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan challenging the Election Commission’s decision to cancel his candidacy for the Cumilla-10 constituency (Lalmai-Nangalkot) over dual citizenship issues. A High Court bench comprising Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Md Anowarul Islam passed the order, barring him from participating in the national election. Barrister Fida M Kamal and Barrister Ruhul Quddus stood for the BNP candidate while Advocate Yusuf Ali represented the EC. Earlier, on Jan 18, following an appeal hearing at the EC office, the EC annulled Bhuiyan’s candidacy. The appeal was filed by Kazi Nure Alam Siddiqui, a candidate of Bangladesh Cultural Muktijot (Muktijot). After hearing both parties, the EC formally cancelled Bhuiyan’s nomination. On Jan 20, Bhuiyan challenged the EC’s decision at the High Court which was rejected on Thursday.  

BNP has fielded the highest candidates 288 while Jamaat-e-Islami is contesting the February 12 parliamentary election with 224 candidates across the country. A total of 1,732 contenders from 51 registered political parties and 249 independent candidates are competing in the national election from the country's 300 constituencies, according to the Election Commission’s latest statistics released on Wednesday night. Of the total candidates, 1,972 are contesting in 298 constituencies and nine have been declared valid candidates in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. Among other participating parties, 253 candidates are from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, while 192 from Jatiya Party, 90 from Gono Odhikar Parishad, 65 from Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), 42 from Insaniat Biplap Bangladesh, 39 from Basad, 34 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and 32 from National Citizen Party-NCP. This time Awami League is out of the electoral race as its registration remains suspended since the interim government slapped a ban on its activities. Besides, eight other registered political parties didn't join the  election. The eight parties included Bangladesh Workers Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Trinimul BNP, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Krishan Sramik Janata League, Bangladesher Samybadi Dal (ML), NAP and BNM. Fifteen candidates are vying for the Dhaka-12 seat in the polls, the highest from a constituency in the country, while only two contenders, from BNP and Jamaat, are running in Pirojpur-1, the lowest. The total number of contesting candidates stands at 1,972 in 298 constituencies (except Pabna-1 & 2). But, the figure is expected to rise further once the candidates from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are finalised and if the court would direct the EC to allow any other to run in the election. According to the EC statistics , 305 candidates withdrew from the race by the final deadline. In the election, the lowest two candidates -- BNP’s Alamgir Hossain and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Masud Sayeedi-- are running from Pirojpur-1 constituency. Besides, three contenders are in the electoral race from 14 other constituencies --Thakurgaon-1, Joypurhat-2, Naogaon-2, Meherpur-2, Chuadanga-1 and 2, Khulna-2,Tangail-7, Netrakona-5, Manikganj-2, Dhaka-2, Sunamganj-1 & 2, Chattogram-15 and Cox’s Bazar-1. At least 10 contestants are running from 32 parliamentary seats. Dhaka-12 leads with 15 candidates, followed by Narayanganj-4 with 13. Khulna-1, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-14 and Gazipur-2 each have 12 contenders. According to the EC statistics released on Wednesday (which differed with its previous statistics), a total of 2,580 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the election by the December 29, 2025 deadline. Among them, the returning officers declared 1,855 nomination papers valid and rejected 725 others during the scrutiny from December 30 to January 04 last. Following the disposal of appeals filed challenging the decisions of the returning officers, though 436 invalid candidates regained their candidacies, five valid candidates lost their candidatures. Later, 305 candidates withdrew their candidacies by the January-20 deadline. Highest Candidates in 30 Years Ultimately the number of contesting candidates stood at 1,972 for 298 constituencies (nine valid candidates for Pabna-1 and 2 not included here), beating out the last five general elections. Even without them though, the number of candidates making it onto the ballot this time will be the highest since 1996, despite the absence of the Awami League and some other parties staying away of their own accord. As many as 1,896 contesting candidates and 28 political parties were in the race in the 12th parliamentary election (held on January 7, 2024), while 1,861 candidates and 39 political parties in the 11th parliamentary election ( December 30, 2018). In the 10th parliamentary election held in 2014, only 390 candidates and 12 political parties contested from 147 constituencies, while 153 other parliamentary seats went uncontested. Candidacy appeals: All dual citizenship-related petitions to be settled Sunday Earlier, a total of 1,567 candidates and 38 political parties contested the 9th parliamentary election (December 29, 2008), while 1,939 candidates and 54 political parties in the 8th parliamentary election (October 1, 2001) and 2,574 candidates and 81 political parties in the 7th parliamentary election (June 12, 1996). 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.

Expressing optimism over the future of the two countries, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Wednesday said his country does not take any side in Bangladesh elections and it is the 'sovereign decision' of the people of Bangladesh whom they actually want. “The key point I want to make is - the US doesn't take sides in Bangladesh’s elections," he said during his first interaction with a small group of journalists at the EMK Centre in Dhaka. Spokesperson of the US Embassy Dhaka Poornima Rai was also present. The Ambassador said he is optimistic about the future of the two countries and looks forward to Bangladesh’s historic elections next month. He said who is elected and who is selected to become the part of the newly elected government is a sovereign decision of Bangladesh’s people and no other country had a say. "We talk to everybody as you know...we have a long history of talking to everybody, " the Ambassador said. He said they are committed to working with whoever wins in the elections. "I am excited about the future of Bangladesh. We have seen massive changes here since August 2024. I think we will continue to see changes," said the US envoy, noting that the two countries can work together on economic, trade and security issues. Ambassador Christensen said it is a very exciting time to be back here ahead of the country’s most consequential election in nearly two decades. Very Hopeful of Great Relationship Ambassador Christensen said they had a very positive working relationship with the interim government and are very hopeful that they will have a great relationship with the next government, to be chosen by the people of Bangladesh. Asked about his expectation from the next elected government, he hoped that they will do their 'very best' for the people. During the interaction with the media, he spoke on the broader bilateral relationship, indicating that cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and security would be the priorities of the relationship. The Ambassador believes there are many opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. Talking about economic issues, the Ambassador said the US business is not just trade and investment, it brings international best practices. Regarding the Myanmar-Rohingya crisis, Christensen commended Bangladesh for hosting over a million refugees. He said the US’ ongoing support. In December, the US and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs signed a $2 billion funding framework, which includes Bangladesh, to ensure aid reaches vulnerable communities effectively. Honoured to Return Christensen said he was honoured to return to Bangladesh, a country he knows well and holds in the highest regard. For over two decades, he said, he has had the privilege of working closely on US policy toward Bangladesh and the broader region. As US Ambassador, he said, his primary responsibility is to advance the interests of the American people and the agenda of President Donald Trump, making America safer, stronger and more prosperous. “You might have heard this policy referred to as the America First foreign policy. I believe that elected governments should always put their people first,” the Ambassador said, adding that America First does not mean America alone. After his recent meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to hear his perspective on upcoming elections, he said the United States looks forward to working with all Bangladeshi political parties to advance shared peace and prosperity. The US Ambassador also met with Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury to discuss his plans for the judiciary and potential areas for cooperation to strengthen the security of both the countries. On January 15, Ambassador Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship. "Today I had the honor of presenting my Ambassadorial credentials to President Shahabuddin. The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend," he said in a brief statement after the ceremony. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations. "I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship," he said. “It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Christensen who along with his wife Deanne Dao arrived in Dhaka on January 12. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka soon after his arrival, he said they both are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for them. The newly appointed Ambassador laid emphasis on enhancing the relations between Bangladesh and the United States. The US Embassy Dhaka welcomed Brent Christensen as the newly sworn-in Ambassador to Bangladesh. “I am thrilled to return to Bangladesh, a country I know so well," said Ambassador Christensen. The US Ambassador said he is excited to lead a great team at Embassy Dhaka, Americans and locally employed staff alike, to "enhance US-Bangladesh relations, advance President Trump's agenda, and work hard every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Excellent First Week He had 'excellent first week' at U.S. Embassy Dhaka. "I’m proud to join the hard-working U.S. Embassy team and look forward to advancing President Trump’s priorities and further strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh relations." Ambassador Christensen was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador on December 18, 2025. He served most recently as the Senior Official performing the duties of Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security from January-October 2025. In this role, he oversaw the Department of State’s global efforts on security cooperation, security assistance, counterterrorism,7 counternarcotics and nonproliferation. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Christensen previously served as the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of United States Strategic Command and as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ambassador Christensen has held additional assignments overseas in the US missions to the Philippines, El Salvador and Vietnam. His other domestic roles include serving as Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, as Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, as a fellow on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, and as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. Ambassador Christensen also served as one of two career Foreign Service members of the Foreign Service Impasses Disputes Panel, part of the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority. A distinguished graduate of the National War College, Ambassador Christensen earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. Bhutan among eligible countries as Bangladesh continues visa-on-arrival facility He likewise holds a Master of Science in Statistics from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University. He speaks Spanish, German and Vietnamese, and has studied French, Japanese, and Portuguese. Before joining the Foreign Service in 2002, he worked as a management consultant in Houston and New York City.  

Vehicle imports through Bangladesh’s main seaport have jumped sharply ahead of the national election through Chattogram port, giving a significant boost to government revenue. More than 7,000 vehicles were cleared through the port over the past six months, generating over Tk 1,200 crore in customs revenue, according to data provided by port and customs officials. The volume marks a record for both Chattogram Port Authority and Chattogram Customs House, driven by stronger demand and faster clearance following policy interventions by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The officials said importers have accelerated deliveries in recent months, partly to meet pre-election demand and partly to avoid the risk of higher tariffs in the future. Read more: Police to act against noise from vehicles, construction work, loudspeakers For years, hundreds of imported vehicles had remained stuck in the port’s car sheds as legal disputes and procedural delays prevented importers from taking delivery. Recent measures by the NBR have helped unlock those bottlenecks, allowing both older stock and newly imported vehicles to clear more quickly. As a result, importers are now taking delivery of at least 50 vehicles a day, easing congestion and encouraging fresh imports. Under port regulations, vehicles left uncleared for more than 30 days are transferred to Customs for auction. Currently, only 103 vehicles meet the criteria for auction — a sharp decline from previous years. Data from the Chattogram Port Authority shows a steady rise in monthly imports since the start of the current fiscal year. In July, just 450 vehicles arrived through the port. The number crossed 1,000 in August and climbed to 1,058 vehicles in December. In total, importers brought in 841 brand-new vehicles and 6,225 other vehicles through 16 specialised roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships over the six-month period. “Vehicle imports have increased significantly compared to the beginning of the fiscal year,” said Omar Faruk, Director (Administration) of the Chattogram Port Authority. “Faster clearance has helped reduce congestion in the port’s car sheds.” Read more: Bangladesh suspends Vannamei shrimp fry imports amid disease concerns Customs data points to a similar trend. Sharif Md. Al-Amin, Assistant Commissioner at Chattogram Customs House, said that during the first six months of the last fiscal year, the port cleared 6,651 vehicles, generating Tk 1,153 crore in revenue. “Compared to the previous fiscal year, this represents an increase of 1,034 vehicles and an additional Tk 124 crore in revenue,” he said. Industry insiders say the surge reflects broader dynamics in Bangladesh’s vehicle import market. Mohammed Habibur Rahman, former Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), said the country imports more than 20,000 cars annually, primarily from Japan and other markets. While Chattogram handles a large share of those imports, many traders prefer Mongla port, citing lower costs and quicker processing times, he added. Still, the recent uptick at Chattogram has sharply reduced backlog. Only 471 vehicles are currently waiting for delivery at the port’s two car sheds, which together can accommodate 1,250 vehicles. In previous months, the number had hovered around 2,000. Read more: Bangladesh Bank allows 270-day credit for LPG imports With clearance speeding up and revenue climbing, officials say the port’s vehicle yards are now operating at a fraction of the pressure seen earlier,  an uncommon development ahead of a national election, when trade flows typically face uncertainty.

A total of 1,967 candidates are left running from 298 of the country’s 300 constituencies in the 13th Jatiya Sangshad election, after 305 contestants withdrew from the race, for which the deadline expired on Tuesday. The figure is expected to rise further once the candidates from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are finalised. The last date for withdrawal in those two constituencies was extended to January 26, following a legal battle over the delimitation of their boundaries. Even without them though, the number of candidates making it onto the ballot this time will be the highest since 2008, despite the absence of the Awami League due to an activities ban, and some other parties staying away of their own accord. The number of contesting candidates in the 12th parliamentary election held in 2024 was 1,896. In 2018, the number of candidates who contested the 11th parliamentary election was 1,841. Read more: EC requests expats to cast postal votes by Jan 25 According to the Election Commission’s draft statistics released late on Tuesday night, 305 candidates withdrew from the race by the final deadline. According to the EC, a total of 2,585 aspirants initially submitted nomination papers to contest this year’s election by the December 29, 2025 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,858 nomination papers valid and rejected 726 others. Aggrieved aspirants and institutions including different banks filed a total of 639 appeals with the Election Commission, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over accepting or rejecting nominations of more than 600 aspirants. These appeals were disposed of by the Election Commission over nine consecutive days of hearings from January 10 to 18, at the end of which 431 candidates regained their candidacies - several on the strength of court orders. Read more: 13th Parliamentary Election: 35 candidates to contest five constituencies in Chandpur Ultimately the number of contesting candidates stood at 1,967 for 298 constituencies, beating out the last three elections, which were all held under a partisan government.

The High Court on Monday postponed Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) central student union (SUCSU) election slated for Tuesday. The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan passed the order after hearing a writ petition. Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajol stood for the petitioner while Advocate Mohammad Hossain Lipu stood for SUST and Additional Attorney General Anik R Haque represented the state. Read More: SUCSU election on Jan 20: 300-strong police contingent to ensure security Earlier, on Sunday, Maminur Rashid Shuvho, an independent candidate of SUCSU polls, submitted a writ petition seeking stay order on the election as the Election Commission issued an order to suspend activities of all kinds of elections before the national election scheduled to be held on February 12. Chief Election Commissioner and others made respondents to the rule.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said his party is confident that the Election Commission (EC) will be able to conduct the upcoming national parliamentary election in a competent and credible manner. “The scrutiny of nomination papers always brings some issues — this is nothing new. So far, we have seen that the Election Commission is working more or less with competence,” he said while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Fakhrul said their party placed a few of its concerns before the Chief Election Commissioner on Sunday. “We believe this Election Commission will be able to conduct the election with competence.” Asked whether all candidates are getting equal opportunities in the polls, the BNP Secretary General replied, “We have no such complaint.” Fakhrul along with BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed placed the wreath at Zia’s grave, marking his 90th Birth Anniversary. They later offered a munajat seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia who were buried there on December 31 last year. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Nazim Uddin Alam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Mir Newaz Ali, Helen Zerin Khan, Shah Nesarul Haque and SM Jahangir were also present, along with leaders of different front organisations. Later, leaders of the BNP’s different associate bodies, including Metropolitan units, Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Chhatra Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajibi Dal also placed wreaths at the grave. Fakhrul said they came to the grave of Zia, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, the architect of modern Bangladesh and promoter of multi-party democracy, to pay tribute to him, marking his 90th birth anniversary. “Beside him rests another extraordinary and indomitable leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, who dedicated her life to democracy, freedom and sovereignty of Bangladesh,” he said. Calling Zia “an immortal name in the politics of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said the late president introduced multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of press and judiciary and transformed the country’s economy from a ‘bottomless basket’ to a growing economy. “We remember him every year, and we pledge to move forward on the path he showed for establishing a liberal democratic Bangladesh,” he said. Fakhrul accuses EC of ‘questionable acts’ in many cases Referring to the upcoming national election, the BNP leader said the election has been scheduled for 12 February. “After a student-public uprising forced fascist Hasina to flee, we are now taking a fresh oath to rebuild an economy devastated by misrule and to institutionalise democracy.” Through this oath, he said, the BNP and its all front and affiliated organisations are renewing their commitment to carrying forward and implementing the ideals of Ziaur Raham in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged all concerned to unite and work for the success of the upcoming election and the country, irrespective of victory or defeat in the election, scheduled for February 12. “We must hold a fair election under any circumstances. Please inform us of any urgent information, complaint or opinion related to the election. We will immediately bring it to the attention of the Election Commission. If the government needs to take any action, we will do so,” he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks when a four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met him in the evening. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman led the delegation at the meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Mia Golam Parwar and Rafiqul Islam Khan were present. Advisers Dr Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan attended the meeting. Chinese envoy meets Jamaat Ameer “This election and the referendum must be held successfully. No matter what anyone says, the election will be held on February 12. This will not be a random election. It is the collective responsibility of the government, the Election Commission and political parties to ensure a fair and festive electoral atmosphere. We seek the cooperation of all political parties in this regard,” the Chief Adviser said. Various election-related issues were discussed during the meeting. The Jamaat leaders said their election campaign would begin in full swing from January 22 and that the party had already started campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the referendum. They said two campaigns would run simultaneously from that date. The Jamaat leaders also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related concerns, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Regarding election security, Prof Yunus said polling centres would soon be brought under CCTV surveillance, with most centres to be covered. The installations are expected to be completed by late January. He said officials at sensitive centres would be equipped with body cameras, and all activities would be monitored from a central control room. The footage would be recorded to allow immediate action in case of any untoward incident.  

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

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled its Sherpur district joint convener Md Shafikul Islam Masud for ignoring party directives and running organisational activities on his own. The decision was confirmed in a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday. The statement said Masud was expelled from primary membership and all party posts for violating party discipline and carrying out organisational activities against party instructions. Sherpur district BNP Member Secretary ABM Mamunur Rashid Palash also confirmed the matter. Masud could not be reached for comment. His mobile phone was switched off. Over 300 SAD leaders join BNP in Sherpur Masud is a former president of district Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal and was serving as joint convener of district BNP. He submitted his nomination as an independent candidate for Sherpur-1 seat defying party decision. BNP has nominated another district joint convener, Dr Sunsila Jabrin Priyanka, as its candidate for the seat.