Election
Election only way to restore democracy: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that holding free and fair elections is the only way to restore democracy in the country.
"There is no alternative to democracy. There is no alternative to elections for institutionalising democracy. Democracy can be freed only through elections,” he said.
Arrange election to thwart Hasina’s “dangerous plan”: Rizvi
Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks while inaugurating the Zia Memorial Football Tournament at the Thakurgaon Government Boys High School ground here in the afternoon.
The tournament, arranged by the BNP Thakurgaon district unit, features eight BNP’s district unit teams from Rangpur division.
The BNP secretary general said democracy is essential for the development in every sector including sports, culture and good governance. “And elections are the only way to establish democracy,” he said.
“We have gone through a terrible time for the last 15 years. The previous illegitimate fascist government was like a stone in our chest. Like a monster, they destroyed all our institutions and sports fields. Our cultural arena, including football, cricket and other sports were all devastated by them,” Fakhrul added.
BNP seeks 'minimum consensus' on state reforms as talks begin
The BNP leader described last year's student-led mass uprising as a political earthquake that shook the nation, paving the way for the emergence of a new Bangladesh.
“Through their mass uprising, a new Bangladesh has been created. A new Bangladesh has been created in all areas of our social life and political life. The students have given us the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. Therefore, we have to reshape the country," Fakhrul said.
BNP’s central sports secretary former national footballer Aminul Haque, BNP central rural and cooperative affairs secretary Farhad Hossain Azad, its central committee member and Thakurgaon district BNP general secretary Mirza Faisal Amin and former national footballer Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, among others, were present.
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Earlier, local artists made a cultural presentation in the opening ceremony.
In the opening match, Dinajpur district BNP won 3(1)-2(1) against Panchagarh district BNP in a penalty shootout. The final of the tournament will be held on February 27.
11 hours ago
Jatiya Oaikymoto Commission formed, Prof Yunus to lead
A seven-member ‘Jatiya Oaikymoto Commission’ headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus has been formed to consider and adopt the recommendations submitted by six commissions.
A notification in this regard was issued by the Cabinet Division on Thursday.
The commission’s other members are Constitutional Reform Commission chief Prof Ali Riaz, Public Administration Reform Commission chief Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Police Reform Commission chief Safar Raj Hossain, Election Reform Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumder, Judiciary Reform Commission chief Justice Emdadul Haque and Anti-Corruption Reform Commission chief Dr Iftekharuzzaman.
The newly formed commission will start functioning from February 15 and its tenure has been fixed for next six months.
Election Commission formed with Nasir Uddin as CEC
The commission will hold discussions with political parties and forces to form a national consensus to consider and accept the recommendations of the commissions formed for reforms in the election system, public administration, judiciary and anti-corruption, including police activities.
The commission will recommend steps in this regard later.
The office of the Chief Adviser will perform the secretarial duties of this commission while the office of the commission will be fixed by the government, reads the notification.
3 days ago
EC working towards holding election in Dec 2025: Election Commissioner Anwarul
Election Commissioner Mohammad Anwarul Islam has said that the Election Commission is working towards holding the national election by December.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the voter registration process at Nali Krishna Chandra High School in Shibaloy upazila of Manikganj on Monday, he called for the cooperation of political leaders and other stakeholders tQuick election possible as EC can complete voter list updating by June: BNPo ensure the election is accepted by all.
“A fair election must be conducted to meet everyone’s expectations. There is no turning back,” the election commissioner also said.
Regarding the ongoing electoral reforms, he said any changes would be implemented based on the consensus of political parties.
He spoke about a significant development in the voter registration process: approximately 1.6 million deceased voters were being removed from the list, due to the house-to-house updating of the voter registry. This step aims to eliminate any chances of electoral manipulation.
Election Roadmap: BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus Monday
Election Commission Secretary Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Dhaka Regional Election Officer Mohammad Yunus Ali, Manikganj District Election Officer Mohammad Nazimuddin, were present at the time, among others.
6 days ago
Quick election possible as EC can complete voter list updating by June: BNP
After a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), BNP Senior Leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Sunday said it is possible to hold the next election promptly, as the Commission is confident to complete the updated voter list by May or June next.
"From their (EC’s) words, it seems to us that they will be ready for the election with a completely updated voter list by May or June," he said while speaking to reporters after the meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban.
Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, however, said the EC does not have the authority to make the final decision regarding the election.
According to the constitution and conventional rules, he said, a parliamentary election must be held in the country within 90 days of the resignation of a government, but currently, the country is not being run in accordance with that law.
The BNP said the government now needs to request the Election Commission to conduct the election based on political consensus.
“But, we understand that if the complete voter list is ready by next May and June, then a quick election is possible by addressing other relevant issues,” he said.
Nazrul said they primarily discussed with the Election Commission what the Commission is currently doing and its preparations for the national election. The EC is working on updating the voter list, which is expected to be finalised by March 2, he added.
The BNP leader said the EC has informed them that around 30 lakh new voters--who were not registered previously--will be added to the updated voter list. "Around 1.5 million deceased voters will also be excluded. Ultimately, 15 lakh voters are expected to be added to the voter list."
In response to a question about whether they are satisfied with the EC’s election preparations, Nazrul said, "Well, according to the law, what they are supposed to do, we understand that they are doing it correctly."
Regarding the recommendations of the reform commission, Nazrul said that the government will discuss the reform commission's recommendations with stakeholders. "If a decision is made to amend the law or regulations based on those discussions, the Election Commission must comply with them.”
Asked whether the Election Commission’s concern about losing its power if some proposals of the election reform commission are implemented was discussed, the BNP leader replied, "Look, that’s their matter, they will speak on it."
He, however, said if BNP finds any proposal from the reform commission to be an obstacle to conducting a fair election, the party will oppose it, just like the Election Commission would.
Top of FormBottom of FormEarlier, a three-member BNP delegation had a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), including the Chief Election Commissioner, to discuss various issues, including preparations for the upcoming national election.
The hour-long meeting that began at 3:30 pm was held in the conference room of the Agargaon Nribachan Bhaban.
The delegation, led by Nazrul Islam Khan, participated in the meeting. The other members of the BNP delegation were party Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Selima Rahman.
Alongside the Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, Election Commissioners Anwarul Islam Sarkar, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah, as well as EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, participated in the meeting.
Before the formal meeting, the BNP delegation entered the Election Building and met with the Chief Election Commissioner at his office around 3 pm. Later, they joined the formal meeting with the EC.
This was the BNP’s first official meeting with the newly formed Election Commission, which was established on November 21 under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin.
The BNP is aiming for the national election to take place in the middle of this year.
On Saturday, the party announced plans to hold 64 public rallies across the country to generate public support for the swift announcement of an election roadmap.
The meeting with the Election Commission is part of the party’s broader efforts to pressure for the prompt holding of the election.
Following the meeting with the EC, a BNP delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday to discuss the country’s current situation, various election-related issues, and reforms.
7 days ago
Election only way to promptly implement state-overhauling proposals: Tarique
Urging the government not to take too much time in holding polls in the name of reforms, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said election is the only way to promptly implement the state-overhauling proposals by elected representatives.
Speaking virtually at a workshop on Sunday, he also warned that the country will fall into a deep crisis and the fallen fascists will reemerge if the election is delayed due to prolonged discussions on reforms.
BNP’s Dhaka South City Unit arranged the programme at Kadamtali Balur Maath in the capital’s Shyampur area to train party leaders and workers on the party’s 31-point state-overhauling proposals.
“We’re now hearing continuous discussions about reforms. We would like to tell those talking about reforms that BNP stands at the forefront in support of them,” Tarique said.
He said there is no alternative to holding elections and handing over power to the elected representatives to implement the reform proposals. "Elections are the only way to implement the proposals made by BNP or the interim government’s commissions.”
The BNP leader said only those entrusted with responsibility by people through elections will be able to begin the work on reform, and they must be the ones to start it.
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He said the further the government delays the election, the longer the reform implementation process will take. “The work of implementing reforms must begin with those who are elected. Those elected will promise the people that, if given the opportunity, they will implement these reforms.”
Tarique said the faster reforms are implemented, the quicker it will be possible to protect the country and its people from danger. "I believe accountability to people can be ensured through elections... everyone must understand this."
He said some people ask whether all the country’s problems will be solved by holding just an election. “I say, no, not all problems will be solved immediately. But through elections, through the votes and decisions of the people, the party or persons given the opportunity to govern the country will gradually begin to untangle the knots and resolve the problems."
Tarique cautioned that the autocrats, driven out by all the people of Bangladesh, irrespective of political party or profession, will once again find an opportunity to re-establish themselves if the election process is delayed and discussions on reforms drag on for too long.
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“So, from a political party's position, I appeal to all wise and respected individuals in society who are talking about reforms not to prolong these discussions. The longer you extend talks on reforms, the deeper the country will fall into crisis. The longer you extend the discussions, the more opportunity the conspirators will have to plot,” he said.
Tarique also vowed that if their party is voted into power, they will try their utmost to fulfill the reform promises they have made to the people.
He said BNP wants to bring about a qualitative change in politics by implementing the 31-point proposals, alongside taking effective steps to keep commodity prices within the people’s buying capacity, ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, and providing quality and cost-effective education and healthcare services.
Stating that traffic congestion and pollution are two major problems in Dhaka city, Tarique said effective steps must be taken, if BNP returns to power, to improve the traffic situation and air quality.
Democratic forces must stay united to move country forward: Tarique
He said it is not possible for any government alone to resolve all civic problems without the help of the people. “So, city dwellers must remain alert and play a responsible role in overcoming many civic problems. There are many such problems in the country, and we must take measures to address them gradually,” Tarique said.
He said the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina destroyed institutions and plundered public money in the name of development, as it was not accountable to the people. “When public representatives are elected through free and fair elections, they remain accountable to the people.”
BNP seeks an election that’ll enable people to choose their govt: Tarique
Tarique said many of BNP’s leaders and activists have endured torture in the struggle to restore people’s rights. "To restore people's rights, accountability must be ensured, and accountability is ensured through elections."
From the national election to local body and institutional polls, he said, they must be held regularly after a stipulated time to ensure good governance.
14 days ago
BNP meets leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e Islam, 12-party alliance, discusses election issues
BNP held two separate meetings on Friday with the leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e Islam and the 12-party alliance to discuss the country’s current political situation and their future course of action to force the government to arrange the next election promptly, by implementing the necessary reforms.
A 10-member delegation from Jamiat Ulama-e Islam met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at around 6:30pm at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan said they discussed the current socio-economic situation of the country and reached an agreement on several key issues. “There is no reason for disagreement among patriotic and democratic political parties when it comes to the welfare of the country.”
He said that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is BNP’s a long-standing alliance partner, which joined the simultaneous movement against the Awami fascist regime.Nazrul said the goal of their movement was to ensure the end of fascism and the re-establish democracy. “Fascism has fallen, but we have yet to restore democracy.”
He expressed hope that democracy would be restored in the country through a free, fair, and inclusive election.
The BNP leader said the government must arrange the national election by implementing the necessary reforms. “We believe these reforms can be completed in a short amount of time.”
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Secretary General Monjurul Islam Afendi said they discussed the urgent need for election, measures to control the rising prices of essential goods, and steps to improve the current law and order situation.
He also said they reached a consensus to ensure no laws contrary to the Quran and Sunnah would be enacted if the BNP comes to power in the future.
Earlier, Nazrul Islam Khan held a meeting with the senior leaders of the 12-Party Alliance at the same venue.
However, there was no briefing about the outcome of the meeting from either side.
Contacted, 12-party coordinator Shahadat Hossain Selim told UNB that they discussed various issues, including arranging the election promptly, exerting pressure on the government to achieve this, and maintaining control over commodity prices and law and order during Ramadan.
He said the BNP aims to expand its alliance by involving other democratic, left-wing, and Islamic parties. “We have taken this positively and offered some suggestions in this regard.”
In response to a question, Selim said they had not finalised any action programme to take to the streets to pressure the government for an early election. “We discussed the future course of actions, but BNP will make the final decision in discussions with other parties.”
He said BNP will hold meetings with other democratic parties that participated in the simultaneous movement with them, as well as those willing to join its alliance.
Selim said they may observe various programmes simultaneously with BNP and independently, raising their voices to alleviate public suffering and press for the next election to be arranged after completing reforms, in discussions with political parties.
16 days ago
BNP seeks an election that’ll enable people to choose their govt: Tarique
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said his party is expecting a credible national election in Bangladesh through which people will decide who should look after them for the next five years.
Speaking virtually at four workshops, he also said that the problems of the country and its people cannot be resolved without a proper election system and elected representatives who are accountable to the public.
BNP's Kushtia, Magura, Chuadanga and Meherpur district units organised the programme separately to train the party leaders and workers on the party's 31-point state overhauling proposals.
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“We’ll be able to resolve the people’s problems if we give power to those who are truly responsible and accountable. The individuals who will be elected by the people through a proper election process will be accountable to them. So, we’re expecting an election that will determine who will take care of the people,” Tarique said.
He also said the election should be held in a free, fair and credible manner, ensuring that people can freely exercise their right to vote peacefully, without any obstacles.
The BNP leader said it is a positive development that discussions on state reforms are now taking place, from the Chief Adviser to ordinary people. “But at the end of the day, people would want to know what has been done to create employment, reduce commodity prices, and address the problems in the education, health, and agricultural sectors. We must concentrate on these issues.”
Take revenge on AL by implementing 31-point: Tarique tells BNP workers
The BNP leader said that they have various plans and programmes, and they will implement the state reform proposals as per their commitment to the people.
At the same time, he said that they must fulfill the people’s demands, hopes and aspirations, and address their problems.
17 days ago
CPD emphasises swift election for stability in Bangladesh
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has called for holding national election soon, stressing that a stable political environment is crucial for economic and investment growth.
"The sooner a conducive environment is created, the faster the election can be held. There is no reason to delay it," CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun said on Wednesday.
She made the remarks while responding to a question during the release of the “State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2024-25” report at CPD’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
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Dr. Fahmida underscored the importance of setting a clear timeline for elections, suggesting a window between December 2025 and June 2026.
"Uncertainty is inherent in any temporary system," she noted. "An interim or caretaker government operates for a short time, while a political government holds a longer-term mandate from the people."
She said that a government without a public mandate cannot remain in power indefinitely and emphasized the urgent need for stability to foster business and investment confidence.
“For business and investment, stability is urgently needed, organizational stability which will work with skill and accountability,” she said.
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Dr. Fahmida also pointed out that ongoing policies and reforms would ultimately depend on an elected government for implementation.
"In such an uncertain situation, major investments will not materialize. Big decisions, structural changes, and organizational transformations cannot move forward without stability," she said. "That is why holding elections is essential, and we continue to advocate for it."
CPD’s Distinguished Fellow, Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, echoed similar sentiments, saying that political and economic reforms are not mutually exclusive and can proceed simultaneously.
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He emphasized the need for democratic processes within political parties to ensure sustainable governance.
"I personally believe the country must progress through a democratic process swiftly," Dr. Rahman said, urging for continued political and economic reforms.
"These reforms are critical for our future," he concluded.
18 days ago
Interim govt forgetting duty to transfer power after fair polls: Hafizuddin
BNP’s senior leader Hafizuddin Khan has said that the interim government seems to have forgotten that its main responsibility is to transfer power to the people's elected representatives through a fair election.
“Most advisers of the current government do not uphold the spirit of the July-August mass uprising… It seems they have forgotten that their main responsibility is to hand over power to the public representatives through a credible election,” he said at a discussion on Sunday.
The Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the programme at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) on Sunday.
Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, said the current government becomes upset whenever it hears about the demand for a national election. “Is the election a misdeed or an unjust thing? We sacrificed many lives, were imprisoned repeatedly, endured immense repression, and made numerous sacrifices for the election over the last 16 years.”
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He said the current interim government appears to intend to stay in power for 30 years, which will not be possible. “An unelected government is weaker than an elected government.”
He said their party respects the students who played a role in making the mass uprising a success, forcing the fascist Sheikh Hasina to flee the country.
The BNP leader, however, said they do not expect the youth to make any comments attacking a senior politician like BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He urged the student leaders not to fear the people, rather approach them with their manifesto and programmes to rebuild the country.
“We’ll welcome it if you want to form a party. But you should form the party after coming out of power. People will become dissatisfied if you do it while staying in power, and a question will arise about your neutrality,” said Hafizd.
He also warned the student leaders not to tarnish their image by making derogatory remarks about other parties.
“The country’s people still respect you. We also value your sacrifices and your struggle for one and a half months. But please don’t ignore the sacrifices BNP and other parties have made over the last 16 years,” he said.
“The main characteristic of the interim government is impartiality. They will treat everyone equally. But please, don’t try to form a King’s Party staying in power,” the BNP leader said.
BNP’s Khosru seeks impartial interim govt for national election
He said Dr Muhammad Yunus is a respected person but lacks experience in running a state. “We don’t see his success. But we will support him because he is a Nobel laureate, well-known worldwide, and a qualified person to lead this government at this moment. But you (Yunus) please, don’t listen to the words of immature youth.”
Hafiz urged Prof Yunus to run the country in consultation with wise and talented people in the country and political parties with experience in governance. “If you do that, the people of the country will be with you, but treat everyone equally.”
He said their party wants the government to arrange a fair election promptly. “Three months are enough for whatever reforms are needed in the electoral system. So, give the people's government a chance to come to power through a fair election."
21 days ago
Dr Yunus calls for a system allowing people to vote "freely, fairly without any threat"
Sharing a background story of a changed Bangladesh with his global audience, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has laid emphasis on creating a mechanism so that everybody in Bangladesh can vote "freely and fairly" without any "interruption or threat" to anybody while exercising their democratic rights.
During a one-to-one conversation with World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, 84-year-old economist and the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Yunus said all the young people who became voters over the last 16 years did not have a chance to vote which is very unfortunate.
Unless they know what kind of election the people of the country want, the Chief Adviser said they can not go into election.
He said they are waiting to hold election and now people have to decide the process - whether they will go for the short agenda or the long agenda.
Dr Yunus said they have targeted the end of this year for the election to take place if people go for a quick reform agenda.
"If people say, no - we need a longer list of reforms, then we need another six months," he said.
The Chief Adviser spoke of the student protests that brought down a 15-year tenure of Sheikh Hasina last July.
This is the most powerful generation in human history, he announced, before addressing politicians around the world.
Dr Yunus described the reforms the interim government is undertaking to prepare the country of 171 million people for free and fair elections, possibly as soon as the end of 2025.
Reflecting on the role of the students, he said technology has changed them - they are not Bangladeshi young people anymore, they are global young people.
"We define that new Bangladesh and we are committed to creating that new Bangladesh," said the Chief Adviser.
He said the demands from the movement came that they do not want to go back to the old Bangladesh, so they have to make a new Bangladesh.
Read: National election likely by year end or early 2026: EC Masud
Dr Yunus said they do not want to go back to that kind of tradition of elections without votes.
He talked about a consensus commission to build a consensus around each piece of their work and on the basis of agreement of all parties and civil society organisations, they will prepare what they call "July charter," the month when a uprising took place in Bangladesh.
Dr Yunus said they are smarter than any other generation because of the technology they have. "So, this young generation can expand their views and create their own world."
Encouraging the young people to become entrepreneurs, the Chief Adviser said they are preparing them to take a job but job-oriented education is finished. "I said this generation is a generation of entrepreneurs."
Dr Yunus said they see enormous amounts of support internationally for Bangladesh and its people.
Klaus Schwab, impressed by Dr Yunus' speech, expressed his happiness over the "exceptional" half an hour conversation with a "visionary" man.
The Chief Adviser is scheduled to leave Davos for Dhaka on Friday night (Switzerland time) via Zurich International Airport wrapping up his very busy four-day visit with nearly 50 engagements. He will return home on January 25.
Read more: Prioritising national election is EC’s main task: Commissioner Masud
He arrived here in Zurich, Switzerland on Tuesday afternoon to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Chief Adviser at the airport upon his arrival.
Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Secretary (West) M Riaz Hamidullah, among others, are accompany Dr Yunus during the visit.
Bangladesh highlighted its efforts for an improved business and investment climate during the annual meeting of the WEF in Switzerland to attract the global business leaders and investors giving them a confidence to explore the opportunities that Bangladesh offers.
The annual meeting 2025 brought global leaders to address key global and regional challenges.
These include responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding just and inclusive energy transition.
Read more: Main goal is to ensure free, fair election: EC Sanaullah
This year's meeting convened under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age' and the programme will be oriented around five distinct but highly interconnected thematic priorities:
The meeting brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, and 350 governmental leaders, including 60 heads of states and governments, from all key regions.
23 days ago