United News of Bangladesh

Around 150,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), procured at a cost of Tk 3,825.34 crore to modernise Bangladesh’s election system during the Awami League regime, have now become a burden for the Election Commission, with experts calling for their disposal after most of the devices fell into disrepair. Officials say the majority of these machines are no longer usable – with only a few thousand currently functional, raising serious concerns over the effectiveness of the project and the use of public funds. The EVM project has also been hit by allegations of massive corruption and irregularities. Experts have questioned the quality of the machines, excessive expenditure and their overall usability, with some claiming that the devices were procured in a way that could allow manipulation in elections. According to findings, audit objections have been raised over the procurement of the machines and related equipment. Investigators believe that irregularities in the purchase process contributed to significant financial losses. Bangladesh first introduced EVMs on a trial basis in 2010 under the leadership of then Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda. The machines were used for the first time in a ward during the Chattogram City Corporation election in 2011, using devices developed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. However, technical problems soon became evident. In the 2013 Rajshahi City Corporation election, a malfunction in one centre prevented the announcement of results, prompting the then commission to step back from using EVMs. The initiative was revived after a new Election Commission took charge under KM Nurul Huda, with plans to expand the use of EVMs in elections. In 2017, the machines were again used on a trial basis in several polling rooms in a ward during the Rangpur City Corporation election. From the beginning, the introduction of EVMs remained politically controversial. While the then ruling Awami League promoted the system as a modern and transparent method of voting, opposition parties, including the BNP, raised doubts about its neutrality. Election experts, observers and civil society members also expressed concerns, but critics say these views were largely ignored. From digital dream to dumping dilemma: EVM project falters Ahead of the 2018 national election, the government approved a project worth Tk 3,825 crore to procure 150,000 EVMs. However, the project reportedly did not clearly mention where the machines would be stored or how they would be maintained. Now, the Election Commission is facing a dilemma over what to do with the machines, many of which have already exceeded their usable life. Officials are considering disposal, but the process has been stalled due to ongoing investigations into alleged corruption in procurement. The Anti-Corruption Commission is currently probing the allegations, while audit objections from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office remain unresolved. Officials said the machines cannot be disposed of at this stage, as doing so could create further complications during the investigation. In addition, any disposal process would require clearance from the Department of Environment, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. As a result, the costly EVM project now stands as a major challenge for the Election Commission, with unresolved questions over accountability, financial loss and the future of electronic voting in Bangladesh. One of the key issues highlighted by auditors relates to the pricing of the machines. ACC finds defects in EVMs, questions experts' endorsement According to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office, each EVM was purchased at around Tk 2.34 lakh, significantly higher than the estimated market price. The audit suggests that the total cost could have been limited to about Tk 343 crore, indicating excess expenditure of more than Tk 3,000 crore. Experts have also questioned the procurement method, noting that the machines were acquired without an open tender process. Instead, a direct procurement approach was followed, limiting competition and raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Besides, the machines were supplied with only a one-year warranty. After the warranty period expired, further public funds were required to maintain and repair the equipment. Despite an expected lifespan of at least 10 years, many machines reportedly developed faults within a short period. The ACC has launched an investigation into the project, focusing on procurement procedures, cost irregularities and the quality of the machines. Officials said the probe would also examine possible irregularities in training and operational expenses. Contacted, election expert Dr Abdul Alim said the EVMs used in Bangladesh were fundamentally flawed as they lacked an internationally recognised verification system. In many countries, he noted, EVMs are equipped with a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), which produces a paper slip after a vote is cast showing the chosen symbol. Riding the rough ride: ADB projects modest growth for Bangladesh The slip is then deposited in a sealed box and can be counted alongside the machine results in case of any dispute or audit. “This dual system ensures transparency and allows verification if confusion arises,” Alim said. He said Bangladesh’s EVMs did not have such a provision, making the results difficult to independently verify. The election expert also alleged that the machines were unusually expensive despite being locally produced with technology developed by BUET and manufactured at the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory. “Our EVMs are among the costliest in the world, which raises questions about possible corruption in the project,” he said. Referring to the procurement, Alim claimed the initiative was associated with Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former military adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that the project was mainly designed to misappropriate public money. He said the machines are currently unused but the government is still spending public funds to store them. The expert suggested that after completing investigations and preserving a small number of machines as samples for legal or court purposes, the rest should be destroyed to avoid further wastage of taxpayers’ money. Election Reform Commission Chairman and noted election expert Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar also criticised the EVM project, saying there are allegations that the machines were procured at several times the price of similar machines used in India. Cleared today, occupied tomorrow! Why can’t Dhaka keep its footpaths free? He described the machines as low-quality and unsuitable for ensuring credible elections, noting that many of them have already become damaged and unusable. Badiul Alam said there are allegations that the procurement was carried out with the intention of facilitating the misappropriation of public funds. He emphasised that a neutral and independent investigation should be conducted into the purchase of the EVMs and that anyone found responsible should face exemplary punishment. The election expert said the machines are unlikely to be used again in Bangladesh’s elections and have effectively become a financial burden, making it necessary for the authorities to take a clear and lawful decision regarding their future.

The most notable achievement of the recent parliamentary election was that voters were able to cast their ballots freely and that political parties accepted the results, said Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), on Wednesday. “Despite various questions surrounding the election, the most important point is that people were able to vote and exercise their franchise without obstruction and political parties accepted the outcome,” he said at a programme titled “Presentation of a research-based evaluation of the 13th Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026,” organised by SHUJAN. Shujan accuses EC of hurriedly publishing election gazette He said allegations of some isolated irregularities have surfaced and should be examined through proper investigation. SHUJAN central committee member Ekram Hossain read out the written paper. Badiul Alam said that although the overall environment allowed voters to exercise their franchise without major obstacles, there were allegations of isolated irregularities which need to be examined through proper investigation. “If the legal framework is inadequate, the possibility of a fair election also diminishes.Elections held under party governments in the past failed to create a conducive environment for credible polls. He warned that similar questions would persist if existing legal provisions related to elections are not fully and strictly followed.” Nearly 35% of election candidates have no income tax Records: SHUJAN  He said the Election System Reform Commission had earlier placed several reform proposals. Had those recommendations been incorporated into law, controversies surrounding loan defaulters, dual citizenship and the eligibility of independent candidates could have been avoided, he said. On loan defaulters, he said the commission proposed that loans must be regularised at least six months before an election and that habitual defaulters should not be allowed to contest at all. The failure to implement these recommendations has once again led to debate. Regarding independent candidates, he said the commission had proposed collecting signatures from a fixed number of voters—500—instead of one percent of the electorate, which could have reduced allegations of collusion.

Tension flared on Monday morning after six tampered ballot papers and two seals were recovered from a polling station in Pirganj Upazila of the Rangpur-6 constituency. The incident occurred at Hasarpara Government Primary School polling station in Madankhali Union. Locals said some students who arrived at the school in the morning found six sealed ballot papers inside a classroom. Two of the ballots were stamped for the paddy sheaf symbol, while four were for the referendum. When the matter was reported to the school headmaster, he seized the ballots and seals and informed the upazila administration. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Poppy Khatun arrived at the scene shortly after, but a crowd of agitated locals had already gathered and began protesting. At one-point, angry crowd confined the UNO and vandalized her car amid allegations of vote rigging. Following this, additional police personnel arrived and restored order in the area. The Assistant Returning Officer assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident.

Four election officials were withdrawn from duty in Mymensingh and Naogaon on Thursday following allegations of irregularities during voting. In Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila, an assistant presiding officer and two polling officers were dismissed at Kansherkul High School centre over allegations of allowing open voting and forcing out agents of rival candidates. Confirming the matter, Bhaluka Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Firoz Hossain said an assistant presiding officer and two polling officers were removed for “not preventing open voting.” Come out and vote without fear: Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman At Birunia Dakhil Madrasa centre in the same upazila, several youth were found sitting inside booths posing as agents without proper identification. Their ID cards carried only the presiding officer’s signature, without names or candidate details. Presiding Officer Mujibur Rahman said, “I was feeling unwell and did not notice the matter.” He later asked them to write their respective symbols in front of journalists. Speaking on condition of anonymity, some alleged that supporters of the “Dhaner Shish” candidate had driven out rival agents and taken their places with the presiding officer’s support. In Naogaon, Presiding Officer Nazim Uddin of Katkhoir High School centre in Sadar upazila was withdrawn around 1:30pm for allegedly signing and sealing the result sheet before vote counting and announcement. “There is no provision to sign the result sheet before counting,” said Assistant Returning Officer and Sadar UNO Mohammad Ibnul Abedin. He said Mukatadul Hasan, a senior officer of Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, took charge around 3pm. Nazim Uddin has been brought to the UNO office and further action will be taken after review. 47.91% voter turnout by 2pm: EC Secretary

On a quiet morning at the Government Pilot High School polling centre in Bhanga upazila under Faridpur-4, an elderly voter stood out on Thursday for his emotional words. Suruj Khan, 80, arrived at the polling centre slowly, leaning on his wife, Nurbahan Begum, for support. Each careful step reflected both age and determination. For Suruj, this was not just another election day; it was perhaps a final chapter in a lifelong exercise of democratic duty. Women flock to Dhaka polling centres as voting progresses Seeing the elderly voter approach, on-duty law enforcers moved forward to assist him. The presiding officer made arrangements so that he would not have to stand in line, allowing him to cast his ballot with ease and dignity. After voting for his preferred candidate, Suruj became visibly emotional. Tears welled up in his eyes as he uttered softly, “Perhaps this is the last vote of my life.” His words captured a lifetime of participation in the nation’s electoral journey, a reminder of how deeply personal the act of voting can be. When asked about the type of candidate he supported, Suruj replied with quiet conviction: “I voted for someone who will not create unrest in the area and will allow all of us to live in peace.” In the Faridpur-4 constituency, a total of eight candidates are contesting this election, offering voters a range of choices. Festive mood marks peaceful start to national election across Bangladesh

The voter turnout is 32.88 percent throughout the country till 12:00pm in the first half of the ongoing nine-hour balloting of the parliamentary election and referendum, according to the data of the Election Commission. “We’ve gleaned the data from 32,789 out of 42,651 polling stations. According to the data, the voter turnout is 32.88 percent,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed while briefing reporters at 1:10pm in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. The balloting began at 7:30am and will continue uninterrupted till 4:30pm. The balloting is being held in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country amid a peaceful environment. Hidden cameras on police, drones deployed to prevent chaos: EC

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Thursday said voting is progressing peacefully with no cause for concern, despite months of rumours surrounding the election. Talking to reporters after casting his vote at the Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College centre in the capital, he said, “For the last six months, we have been hearing rumours that the election would not be held and that various incidents would occur. But today you can see for yourselves that voting is taking place smoothly. There is no problem anywhere and no apprehension.” 37 Dhaka polling centres under risk watch: DMP Commissioner The DMP Commissioner said the Chief Adviser had called for a historic election and that the voting environment so far reflects that aspiration. “After a long 17 years, people are exercising their citizen's rights. I am also happy. I have participated in this vote,” he said. He said a peaceful atmosphere has prevailed at polling centres since morning, with no major incidents of violence reported, and mentioned that rival political parties have expressed willingness to accept the results. “I saw on television that both sides said they would accept the results whatever they may be. Since the voting is transparent and neutral, it is natural that everyone will accept it,” he added. Sajjat Ali expressed the hope that voting would continue peacefully throughout the day and that results would be announced after proper counting. Recalling his experience during the 2018 election, he said he had come to the same centre to cast his vote at that time. “My residence was here then. As you know, I retired in 2016. Now I live at Mintoo Road as DMP Commissioner. In 2018, when I entered the centre after crossing the gate, I was told that my vote had already been cast. After hearing that, I returned from the gate,” he said. DMP Commissioner orders highest security at Dhaka polling centres

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan on Thursday called upon all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers to ensure a high voter turnout in the national election. “Everyone should vote so that we can record a high voter turnout this time,” he said after casting his ballot at the Baridhara Scholars International School and College polling centre in the capital. Describing the day as a long-awaited one for the people of Bangladesh, the Air Force Chief said, “We wanted a free and fair election. We wanted to return to the path of democracy. Through this parliamentary election, InshaAllah, our aspirations are being fulfilled.” Women flock to Dhaka polling centres as voting progresses He said he had been receiving updates from across the country since morning. “Alhamdulillah, the election so far has been conducted in a manner that has even exceeded our expectations in terms of fairness.” Appreciating the efforts of the interim government and the Election Commission in organising the polls, Hasan Mahmood Khan said many years had passed since the country witnessed such a festive atmosphere during voting. “It reminds me of the elections I saw in my childhood.” Expressing the hope for a smooth conclusion to the voting process, he said the nation expects a credible election and that those elected through vote counting will carry forward the people’s hopes for a new Bangladesh. He said the Air Force, alongside other branches of the armed forces, has been deployed where necessary and is working in coordination with the civil administration to ensure foolproof security. Aerial monitoring is also being conducted in various regions, particularly in remote and hilly areas, including the Chattogram Hill Tracts, to maintain overall security during the election. Milestone Tragedy: Air Force pays tribute to Bhola's Masuma Begum

BNP is confident of a massive victory and forming the next government with a clear majority after being out of power for more than 19 years, as the party enters the battle of ballots in the 13th national election on Thursday. Senior party leaders told UNB on Wednesday that months of preparation, a nationwide campaign, large public gatherings, and what they describe as growing public frustration over economic hardship have strengthened their belief that the party is heading towards a huge victory. However, alongside this confidence, they also expressed concern over possible violence, irregularities, and what some leaders described as attempts at ‘election engineering’ in certain constituencies. Tarique thanks top Islamic scholars for supporting BNP The BNP leaders also expressed worries over the party’s rebel candidates in around 80 seats, fearing it may prevent them from obtaining a two-thirds majority. Over the past weeks, the BNP has conducted an extensive nationwide campaign under the leadership of party chairman Tarique Rahman. From divisional cities to remote districts, he has participated in more than 43 public rallies, drawing massive crowds that have reinvigorated the party’s supporters. On the final day of campaigning, after rallies across Dhaka constituencies, Tarique Rahman formally concluded the campaign with a visit to his parents’ graves. Party leaders claim that the large turnout at these gatherings has boosted morale among activists. The BNP’s election manifesto centres on the slogan ‘Bangladesh First’. The party has promised to ensure politics of justice and humanity, not revenge, production, not looting; rights, not fear, fairness, not discrimination. Building on the 19-point programme of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, and Tarique Rahman’s own 31-point plan, the manifesto pledges to build a welfare-oriented, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. BNP has placed strong emphasis on anti-corruption measures, employment generation, and institutional reform. Bangladesh’s independence safe only in hands of Tarique Rahman: BNP's Mintoo Tarique Rahman has repeatedly said the party will adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption. The party has pledged to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission, ensure accountability in administration, and reform the police and judiciary. It has also promised transparency in the banking sector. Youth employment has been highlighted as a major priority. BNP has promised to create more than one crore jobs in five years, expand technical and language training, support start-ups and simplify student loan facilities. The manifesto includes nine major pledges, covering monthly support for poor families through a family card, farmer cards, and recruitment of 100,000 health workers, skill-based education and mid-day meals, promoting sports as a profession, river dredging and tree planting, ensuring religious harmony, and building a digital economy. BNP leaders believe that these pragmatic plans and programmes have helped boost their popularity. Party leaders say strong public participation, active campaigning, a clear manifesto, and focus on youth have given BNP confidence in victory. BNP’s confidence also stems from its past experience in governance. Party leaders said during its previous terms, the party achieved food self-sufficiency, economic growth, increased electricity production, infrastructure development, and strengthened multi-party democracy, proving its capability to manage crises and govern effectively. Regarding their expectations from constituencies, BNP leaders said they are confident of strong results in divisions including Dhaka, Sylhet, Barishal, Mymensingh, and Faridpur, while anticipating competitive but favourable outcomes in Chattogram and Rajshahi. They also see the potential for significant gains in Rangpur and Khulna. Several leaders claimed the party could win more than 200 seats, with recent surveys showing BNP leading in many areas. Despite the overall optimism, BNP faces some internal challenges. Around 80 constituencies reportedly have rebel candidates contesting against official party nominees. A BNP Standing Committee member, speaking anonymously, said it is the party’s failure that they could not manage the rebel candidates. “I think we should have made more effective efforts to reach an understanding with them. In many constituencies in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions we’ll face difficulties due to the rebel candidates.” He, however, said some BNP rebels may win in different seats, and he hoped they would finally support BNP. Another concern raised by some leaders is outreach to women voters, as they acknowledged that organisational efforts to engage women directly were not as strong in certain areas. “Usually, BNP is very popular among female voters. But this time Jamaat worked vigorously and invested heavily to gain their support. Compared to Jamaat, we could not reach women voters in the same way. This is a matter of concern for us,” a BNP Vice Chairman, speaking anonymously, said. In conversations with UNB, several BNP leaders expressed concern about possible election-day violence and irregularities. They said their activists have been instructed to remain alert at polling centres and to resist any attempt at vote rigging.  At the same time, they urged voters to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic rights. When contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain told UNB, “We are very hopeful about a good result. We believe we will get a single majority. There are many allegations and discussions around different issues, but if the Election Commission and the government act neutrally until the end, the country will see a free and fair election.” On questions about rebel candidates, he added, “I am not personally worried. Our candidates will win and we will secure the majority.” BNP Central Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said it is inevitable that the BNP will return to power. “A quarter is trying to resist us by creating various obstacles. But the democracy-loving people will ensure our victory for the restoration of democracy and their rights by casting their votes for the Sheaf of Paddy.” He said they trust the Election Commission and the members of the law enforcement agencies to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. “We hope BNP will form the government soon by winning the people’s votes.” Mahdi said, adding that people will strongly resist any attempts at vote manipulation or rigging. Any attempt to thwart elections to face mass resistance: BNP

An election observation delegation from the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), currently in Bangladesh, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer to exchange views on the upcoming election. The 19-member delegation is led by former US Congressman David Dreier. During the meeting, the delegation emphasised its commitment to observing a free, fair and credible electoral process, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said in a Facebook post in the evening. The Jamaat Ameer reaffirmed his party’s full support for transparent voting, peaceful participation and respect for the will of the people. Jamaat Ameer alleges vandalisation of polling booths in Dhaka-15