BNP senior secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday asked the interim government to arrange a free and fair election soon by completing the necessary reform tasks for the sake of building a new and democratic Bangladesh as per the aspirations of the recent revolution. “We’ve to move towards the establishment of a new, revolutionary, democratic Bangladesh with the rule of law Bangladesh and independence of the judiciary. So, a free and fair election should be held as soon as possible,” he said while addressing a rally in the city. Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) jointly arranged the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal all ‘false’ cases filed against Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman and opening the daily Amar Desh.     Rizvi said the aspirations of the revolution could be implemented soon if the power of the people is given to (the representatives of) people by completing the necessary reform tasks. Noting that fascism and Nazis should never be politically and socially rehabilitated in the country, he said Mussolini hadn’t returned to Italy and Hitler hadn’t been resettled in Germany. “So, mafia-nazi-fascists should no way be resettled in Bangladesh,” he said. Referring to sending Mahmudur Rahman to jail, the BNP leader said it is a question of the nation as to why the government that came through a huge sacrifice is torturing the pro-democratic revolutionary people by using the laws enacted by Sheikh Hasina. "We want to see a revolutionary government. A government will have to work realising the public sentiment. We don’t want a government like Sheikh Hasina's one,” he said. Rizvi questioned why Mahmudur Rahman had to go to jail in the 'fascism-free Bangladesh.' Citing that the law adviser is surely a dignified man and very close to them, he said the law adviser mentioned about laws in this regard, but the revolutionary government should not work on the basis of the traditional laws. Referring to Jagannath University student Khadijatul Kubra who was sent to the jail in a case filed under the Digital Security Act (DSA) by the Awami League government, he questioned why master's student Khadija still in the jail and how does the administration run. "If a student is still in jail just because of a (facebook) post, then we have to understand the ghosts of Sheikh Hasina are in the court, the administration and the police today and they are disturbing this government at every step," he said. The BNP leader claimed that now the secret associates of Sheikh Hasina are trying to create confusion in the administration, the police and everywhere. "Your police stand idle. How come a murder is committed in front of the police! Then the responsibility (of the murder) goes on the interim government,” he said. Addressing the function, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said they feel very sad that they had to take to the streets to meet their demands after the students-people mass uprising. “We demand all closed media outlets including newspapers be opened. We demand the withdrawal of the false cases filed by killer Hasina against the journalists and political leaders," he said. DUJ President Shahidul Islam said the law adviser must tell why Mahmudur Rahman had to go to jail. BNP's Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sapu, among others, spoke at the rally presided over by BFUJ acting president Obaidur Rahman Shahin.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to leave for New Delhi on Saturday to attend her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony at his invitation. PM's speechwriter, M Nazrul Islam, today confirmed her joining in the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Sunday (June 9). She will return home on June 10, he added. Modi is likely to take oath as the prime minister of India for the historic third term in a row on June 9 after his BJP-led NDA alliance won 293 seats in the elections for 543-member Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament. PM Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremsinghe are among the foreign leaders who have been invited to witness Modi’s oath-taking ceremony. Earlier, Modi invited Hasina to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his government,  and she accepted the invitation. Modi has thanked PM Hasina for her warm wishes following his election victory. Prime Minister Hasina was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Modi, reflecting the warmth and personal rapport between the two leaders. "India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade," Modi said. In a message shared through X, Modi said he looks forward to working together to further strengthen the people-centric partnership between Bangladesh and India. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Narendra Modi on the resounding victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Lok Sabha election. "As the leader of the largest democracy in the world, you carry the hopes and aspirations of the people of India," she said. Modi received a congratulatory telephone call from Sheikh Hasina for the victory of NDA, according to the Press Information Bureau of India. The two leaders pledged to continue working together to further deepen the historic and close ties under the renewed mandate towards achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 and Smart Bangladesh 2041. They acknowledged the significant improvements achieved in the lives of the people of both countries in the last decade and looked forward to further enhancing the transformative relationship across all domains that include economic and development partnership, energy security, connectivity including digital linkages and people-to-people contacts among others. PM Narendra Modi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday and tendered his resignation along with the Union council of ministers.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today (June 05, 2024) congratulated the winning alliance led by BJP and the people of India for exercising their democratic rights in the just-held election in India. The Foreign Minister also congratulated the Congress-led alliance INDIA. “We congratulate NDA, INDIA and the people of India for continuing the democratic trend. It’s an inspiration and example of democracy,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. The BJP emerged victorious on 240 out of 543 seats, while the Congress secured 99 seats. Despite the Lok Sabha having 543 members, counting was conducted for 542 seats following the uncontested election of BJP's Surat candidate, Mukesh Dalal. Hasan said a new government will soon be formed in India and hoped that the relations between Bangladesh and India will reach to a new height with deeper cooperation and expansion of people-to-people ties. Read more: PM Hasina to visit New Delhi June 21-22 and China July 9-12 “This is the choice of the Indian people. The same alliance will be in power. Our ties will continue. Our relationship with India is based on the spirit of 1971 Liberation War and bonded through shared sacrifice and blood,” said the Foreign Minister. He said opposition parties in India play a responsible role which is not seen in Bangladesh. Responding to a question on the water-sharing issue, Hasan said the government of Bangladesh deals with the central government of India and they will continue discussion on fair share of water of common rivers. “We have excellent relations with India. This special relationship cannot be compared to anyone else,” Hasan said. Read more: Dhaka's interest to join BRICS: Beijing assures its support to Dhaka

The High Court (HC) on Monday (May 20, 2024) barred Monowar Hossain Dipjol from serving as general secretary of the executive committee of Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association for the 2024-26 term. An HC bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque also directed relevant authorities to investigate allegations of irregularities in the election. Additionally, the court issued a rule demanding an explanation as to why the election results should not be annulled in light of these allegations. Film Artistes' Association election 2024: Misha Sawdagar elected president, Dipjol general secretary The HC's orders followed a petition filed by actress Nipun Akter, who contested the election for general secretary and is currently in the USA, according to her lawyer, Palash Chandra Roy. Senior lawyer Shah Manjurul Haq, Barrister Harunur Rashid, and Palash Chandra Roy represented Nipun in court, while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state. Lawyer Manjurul Haq stated that the court's stay on Dipjol's position means he cannot perform his duties as general secretary. The court also mandated the Social Welfare Ministry to investigate the alleged election irregularities. On May 15, actress Nipun submitted a petition to the HC seeking the cancellation of the election results and a restriction on the duties of the Misha-Dipjol panel, which had won the election. Allegations of embezzlement against actor Apurba Nipun also requested the court to set a schedule for a new election. In the election held on April 20, Dipjol defeated Nipun by 16 votes, as announced by Chief Election Commissioner Khorshed Alam Khosru. Dipjol received 225 votes, while Nipun, the immediate past general secretary, garnered 209 votes.

Voting for the first phase of the 6th Upazila Parishad Election is underway across 139 upazilas nationwide, with polls open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm without any interruptions. A positive voter turnout was observed on Wednesday, marking a spirited start to the electoral process. In Sylhet, voting is proceeding peacefully across four upazilas — Sylhet Sadar, Dakshin Surma, Bishwanath, and Golapganj — under strict security. Although election materials were delivered the night before the polls, ballots were distributed early in the morning, ensuring a smooth start to the day's voting. Mohammad Zillur Rahman, the district’s Senior Election Officer, highlighted the comprehensive monitoring in place, with four judicial magistrates and in each union one executive magistrate stationed to oversee the electoral process. Bagerhat's festive atmosphere was evident in the Kachua and Rampal upazilas, where especially female voters participated actively. The district has 30 polling centers in Kachua and 49 in Rampal, all bustling with voters.  

Voting in the first phase of the 6th Upazila Parishad Election is underway amid a festive mood in Kachua and Rampal upazilas of Bagerhat. The voting began at 8:00 am and will continue till 4:00 pm without any break. At the polling centers of the two upazilas, voters, especially women, were seen standing in lines to cast their votes. The overall mood is peaceful. CCC, CMP ink deal to ensure road safety in Chattogram Voters are exercising their franchise at 30 polling centres in Kachua upazila and 49 centres in Rampal upazila.  Bagerhat District Election Officer and Returning Officer Sheikh Muhammad Jalal Uddin said voting in Kachua and Rampal upazila parishads of Bagerhat was going on peacefully.  Forest Department deploys teams and drones to monitor Sundarbans fire situation No untoward incident has been reported. BGB, police, RAB, Ansar, executive and judicial magistrates are on duty to maintain law and order, he added.  

Six people including five presiding officers were arrested on charge of holding a “secret meeting to work for a chairman candidate” in Sirajganj upazila parishad election to be held tomorrow. Canceling the appointment of 10 presiding officers including the arrested ones, the local administration appointed 10 new presiding officers. Sirajganj deputy commissioner and also returning officer Mir Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman shared the information at a press conference last night. He said they conducted a joint drive with police, election office and district administration after being tipped off that a secret meeting was taking place at Garden Palace Resort in Kadai area of Sadar upazila, involving several presiding officers supporting a chairman candidate. Though no one could be arrested from the spot during the drive, later CCTV footage and some resort staff were taken to the local police station for questioning, he said. Read more: Upazila election with or without party symbol doesn’t conflict with law: LGRD Minister The arrested presiding officers are Serajul Islam, 52, assistant prof of Jamuna Degree College; Ashraful Islam, 53, principal of S.B. Railway Colony School and College; Abu Sama, 44, lecture of Sirajganj Police Lines School and College; Babu Kumar Ghosh, 42, lecture of Ratankandi School and College; Yasin Arafat, 53, senior principal officer at Janata Bank Sirajganj Zonal Office; and Aminul Islam, coordinator of the meeting, assistant teacher of Shiyalkol Government Primary School and President of Sirajganj District Primary Teachers' Association. Police Superintendent Arifur Rahman Mandal said they conducted drives in the district and arrested them including the meeting’s mastermind Aminul Islam. The ongoing operation to arrest others continues, he said, adding that a case was filed accusing 20 individuals, including eight unidentified ones with the Sadar police station. The upazila has a total of 171 polling centres. Read more: Upazila Election: 418 BGB platoons deployed ahead of 1st phase

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud has said BNP needs to straighten up now that the election is over. "After the election, the BNP's posture crumbled. We want them to overcome their disappointment and stand straight," he said. The minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after unveiling the covers of journalist and researcher Mizanur Rahman's 'Badaljata Bangladesh' and poet Rebecca Shilpi's fourth poetry book 'Bimurto' on the Suhrawardy Udyan premises of the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela on Tuesday. Publisher of the two books Shafique Rahman, Chairman of Nongor Prokashoni, President of River Safety Organization Nongor Sumon Shams, former Vice-President of Bangladesh Chhatra League HM Mehedi Hasan and other guests were present on the occasion. Read more: BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader "We hope that BNP will engage in distributing leaflets and follow democratic procedures to overcome their disappointment. They will not succeed in manipulating public opinion with petrol bombs,” said the minister. Before the book unveiling, Dr. Hasan remarked, "The Ekushey Boi Mela  has become a festival of life, transforming into a meeting place for Bengalis. Young and old, children and adolescents, youth, adults, and the elderly all come to the fair to take a breath, turn the pages of books, and buy books. Our goal is to build a humane, socially responsible state, and we must work united towards that goal." Describing the transformation of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Foreign Minister mentioned the significant differences between Bangladesh 15 years ago and today. He also emphasized that there would be many differences in Bangladesh in the next 10 years. “From the Padma Bridge to the air conditioned metro rail, development through the riverine country and the tunnel under the river, under the leadership of Bangabandhu's Daughter, we have progressed relentlessly at an unstoppable pace.” Read more: Usurping power AL govt showing arrogance: Rizvi

Voting in the election to Naogaon-2 constituency (Patnitala and Dhamoirhat upazilas), which was postponed following the death of independent candidate Aminul Haque, began amid strict security measures on Monday (February 12, 2024) morning. The balloting began at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm without any break. The Election Commission suspended the election due to the death of the independent candidate on December 29, eight-day ahead the 12th national election held on January 7 this year. Visiting several polling stations, the UNB correspondent found a huge presence of voters. Read more: BNP's program is nothing but restarting an old car: Foreign Minister Abdullah Al Mamun, presiding officer of Puiya Government Primary School centre, said that they have taken all preparations to hold the polls in a fair and peaceful environment. With the cooperation of the members of the law enforcement agencies, they will be able to hold the polls in a fair and peaceful environment, he hoped. Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Golam Mowla said all security measures have been taken so that election can be held in free, fair and neutral manner. There are 16 police and Ansar members in important centers each and 15 members in other centers each, he said, adding that on an average there is one police mobile team for every four centers along with a striking team and reserve team. Read more: 15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi Executive Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates are performing duty along with patrolling by members of the Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guard Bangladesh, he said. A total of four candidates including one from the ruling Awami League and one from Jatiya Party are contesting the polls.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday announced the complete results of the country's General Election 2024 held on Feb. 8. According to the election results announced for the National Assembly (NA), or the lower house of the country's parliament, independent candidates got 101 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif got 75 seats and the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians of former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari got 54 seats. Read: Pakistan's ex-PM Sharif says he will seek coalition government after trailing imprisoned rival Khan  The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan got 17 seats, the Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan got four seats, the Pakistan Muslim League got three seats, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and Balochistan National Party got two seats each, while Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan, Pakistan Muslim League (Zia-ul-Haq Shaheed), Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party Pakistan, Balochistan Awami Party, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party and the National Party got one seat each. Read: Pakistan votes for a new parliament as militant attacks surge and jailed leader's party cries foul  The ECP announced the result of 262 out of 266 seats for the NA after the country held general elections on Feb. 8 to elect a government for the next five-year term. The election body of the country postponed voting for one seat due to the death of a candidate and withheld the result for one seat and announced partial re-voting for it.