United News of Bangladesh

Candidates will not be allowed to enter any polling center other than their own. Even after casting their vote, a candidate will not be permitted to re-enter their designated center, said the Election Commission of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) and Hall Students’ Union Election 2025. The information was disclosed on Monday night at a press conference organized by the Election Commission at Jagannath University, where Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan briefed the media. He further said that all preparations for conducting the election have been completed. With the cooperation of all concerned, he expressed optimism that a transparent, orderly, acceptable, and historic election would be held. According to him, voting will take place uninterrupted from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. However, voters who enter the polling center and its perimeter before 3:00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their votes. Read more: Long-cherished JnUCSU Election on Tuesday As per Election Commission data, a total of 16,645 voters will exercise their franchise at 38 polling centers in the JnUCSU election. In addition, 1,242 voters will vote at a single polling center for the hall students’ union election. The Chief Election Commissioner said that votes will be counted separately at each center after polling ends. The respective returning officer will announce the results immediately at the center. Later, after consolidating results from all centers, the Election Commission will announce the final results. A total of six machines will be used for vote counting. To ensure transparency and security, a three-tier security system will be enforced across the campus, he said. The entire university campus and all polling centers have been brought under CCTV surveillance. Moreover, live broadcasting of vote counting will be arranged through three digital boards across the campus and surrounding areas, as well as on the social media platform Facebook. He also stated that voters whose ID cards have expired will be able to vote by accessing the voter list and collecting their voter ID via QR code scan on mobile phones or as a printed copy. The voter list will be photo-based. The Election Commission further informed that indelible ink will be used at polling centers. Ballot papers will be supplied department-wise in the morning. Students will vote only in the department where they are registered as voters. The ballot papers will contain special security codes. Read more: Election season kicks off in Bangladesh; 2,582 candidates submitted nomination papers It was also announced at the press conference that a ‘mock test’ was completed on Monday ahead of the election, in which around 30 candidates participated. No extra ballots have been printed. After casting their votes, voters must leave the campus. Only candidates and valid cardholders will be allowed to remain on campus. Those present at the press conference included Election Commissioners Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Professor Dr. Kaniz Fatema Kakoli, Professor Dr. Zulfikar Mahmud, and Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman. Also present were Director of the ICT Cell Professor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin and PRIP Director Dr. Muhammad Anwarus Salam.

BNP has formed its electoral alliance largely with parties that stood by it during the anti-fascist movement, bringing together moderate democratic, left-leaning and right-leaning groups, even though seat-sharing talks failed with several others.  As part of its electoral strategy, the BNP has formally brought some alliance leaders into the party and given them its election symbol: ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. BNP sources said the party has shared 17 seats with its alliance partners, including those who joined the party to contest with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, while 283 BNP candidates are contesting the polls. The party is expected to publish a detailed list of both its own candidates and alliance nominees very soon, as the deadline for submitting nomination papers ends today (Monday).  The biggest surprise in the alliance is BNP’s consensus with the registered Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, which has been allotted four seats — the highest number given to any single alliance partner. With the Awami League barred from political activities under the changed political situation, the next parliamentary election is expected to see a direct contest mainly between the BNP-led alliance and the Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition.  Most of BNP’s electoral partners are parties that remained active on the streets alongside the BNP during the long movement against the Awami League regime. Seat-sharing agreements with these parties have already been finalised. The BNP has left seats to registered alliance partners that enjoy national recognition and have a realistic chance of winning. As per the arrangement, the BNP will not field any candidates in these constituencies. According to the seat-sharing agreement, Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna will contest from Bogura-2, Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho from Bhola-1, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque from Dhaka-12, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki from Brahmanbaria-6, and Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haq Nur from Patuakhali-3, all using their respective party symbols. In Dhaka-12, although the BNP initially nominated former Dhaka North unit convener Saiful Alam Nirab, his nomination was later withdrawn in favour of alliance partner Saiful Haque. Besides, unregistered party NPP Chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad will contest from Narail-2, while unregistered Jamiat Senior Joint Secretary General Mufti Rashid Bin Wakkas will contest from Jashore-5 using the Sheaf of Paddy. Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider will contest from Pirojpur-1. The BNP has withdrawn its own candidates from these seats to maintain alliance unity. As part of its electoral strategy and to strengthen unity, the BNP has also absorbed several top leaders of smaller, unregistered parties and given them the party symbol, despite their limited organisational strength. Among them, Bangladesh LDP Chairman Shahadat Hossain Selim is contesting from Lakshmipur-1, while Bangladesh National Party Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda will contest from Kishoreganj-5. Both leaders joined the BNP after dissolving their parties. The BNP earlier nominated its own candidate for Kishoreganj-5 but later changed its decision to reinforce the alliance. LDP Secretary General Redowan Ahmed will contest from Cumilla-7, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan from Jhenaidah-4, and National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Bobby Hajjaj from Dhaka-13, all using the BNP symbol after joining the party. The BNP has also reached a seat-sharing agreement with the registered Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh in four constituencies. The BNP will not nominate candidates in these seats. Jamiat candidates are Maulana Md Manjurul Islam Afendi in Nilphamari-1, Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4, Maulana Md Ubaidullah Faruq in Sylhet-5 and Maulana Junayed Al Habib in Brahmanbaria-2. They will contest using their party symbol, the Date Palm Tree. Sources said the BNP earlier reached a preliminary understanding with Oli Ahmed-led LDP over two seats — Chattogram-14 and Cumilla-7. However, Oli Ahmed later withdrew from the seat-sharing process after demanding around eight seats. Following this, LDP Secretary General Redowan Ahmed joined the BNP and secured nomination with the party symbol, while Oli Ahmed joined the Jamaat-led alliance. Tarique Rahman visits BNP headquarters after 19 years The Labour Party also stayed out of the BNP alliance after failing to secure any seats. Political analysts say that with the Awami League absent from the electoral race, it is natural for parties that supported the events of August 5 to compete with each other for power. This competition has resulted in clear political polarisation. Two main blocs have now emerged —one led by the BNP and the other led by Jamaat-e-Islami, along with the NCP and other Islamic parties. The upcoming election is expected to be contested mainly between these two alliances.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) and Hall Students’ Union elections will be held on Tuesday (December 30, 2025). Voting will start at 9:00 am and continue until 3:00 pm without any break. A total of 16,500 students are expected to exercise their voting rights at 178 booths across 39 polling centers. Ballot papers will be distributed to the polling centers in the morning before voting begins. Votes will be counted using digital OMR machines. To ensure security, CCTV cameras have been installed at every polling center. Read more: Candidates not allowed to enter any center other than their own: JnUCSU Election Commission Ahead of the election, the university administration has strengthened security in and around the Jagannath University campus. Alongside law enforcement personnel, intelligence officers have also been seen on duty. A police control room has been set up at Victoria Park in front of the university. Meanwhile, to ensure campus security, a separate notice issued by the Registrar’s Office instructed all students to vacate the campus by 3:30 pm on Monday. It was also announced that all buses operating under the university transport pool would depart 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. Officers and teachers assigned election duties have been directed to perform their responsibilities in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines. Faisal Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kotwali Police Station, said there is no security concerns surrounding the elections. “We have taken all necessary preparations. Special forces are on standby around the campus, and CCTV cameras have been installed at various important points for round-the-clock surveillance,” he added. Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Zulfikar Mahmud said that all preparations related to the election have been completed. “Responsibilities have been assigned to teachers and officials for election duties. We hope the election will be held smoothly with everyone’s participation,” he added. Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim said, “The JnUCSU election will definitely be held. The ministry has sought some information from me regarding security matters. Overall, I am optimistic that the election will be conducted in a very fair and festive environment.” Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed VP candidate AKM Rakib said, “Tomorrow (Tuesday) is our long-cherished election, for which we have been continuing movements and struggles for a long time. We have stood by the students in the past and will continue to do so in the future. We hope for a good election in a festive atmosphere.” Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed VP candidate Riazul Islam said, “Students are spontaneously participating in our campaign. Just as talented students in other campuses across Bangladesh have placed their trust in Shibir, we are hopeful that the same trust will be reflected in the JnUCSU election.” Chhatra Shakti-backed Oikjoboddho Jobiyan panel’s VP candidate Kishor Samya said, “The Election Commission is merely a nominal commission. This commission could not resolve even a single violation of the code of conduct. We call upon students to vote against oppression.” JnUCSU election: Students asked to vacate campus by 3:30pm According to the list published on the website, there are 4 candidates for the Liberation War and Democracy position, 9 for Education and Research, 5 for Science and Technology Editor, 5 for Health and Environment Editor, 4 for Law and Human Rights Editor, 8 for International Affairs Editor, 7 for Literature and Culture Editor, 7 for Sports Editor, 4 for Transport Editor, 10 for Social Service and Student Welfare Editor, 7 for Library and Seminar Editor, and 57 candidates contesting 7 general member positions. In the women’s hall, for 13 positions, the preliminary list includes 3 candidates for Vice-President (VP), 3 for General Secretary (GS), 2 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS), 2 for Literature and Publication Editor, 4 for Culture Editor, 2 for Library Editor, 2 for Sports Editor, 3 for Social Service and Student Welfare Editor, 4 for Health and Environment Editor, and 8 candidates contesting 4 general member positions in the hall parliament.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Monday instructed field-level police officers to maintain law and order at any cost, giving the highest priority to the upcoming national election. Addressing the monthly crime review meeting at the Police Headquarters, the IGP emphasised that any election-related disorder must be met with immediate and strict legal action. Prof Yunus reaffirms fair polls as preparations underway in full swing “Pre-election law and order is of paramount importance. The visible presence of police must be increased through regular patrols and strengthened searches at check-posts,” he said, adding that anyone obstructing lawful police duties must be arrested and produced before court. Baharul Alam also directed officers to intensify efforts to recover weapons looted from police stations during last year’s August student–public mass movement, and to widely publicise government-declared rewards for such recoveries. All metropolitan police commissioners, range DIGs, and district superintendents of police (SPs) joined the meeting virtually. Arms smuggling attempts rise ahead of Bangladesh polls: Home Adviser At the headquarters, Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain, Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khondaker Rafiqul Islam, DIG (Operations) Md Rezaul Karim, and DIG (Confidential) Md Kamrul Ahsan attended. The meeting also reviewed the overall crime situation for November 2025, covering execution of conviction warrants, progress of case investigations and trials, conviction rates and other key issues.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, also chairman of the National Cyber Security Council, on Sunday said the government needs to strengthen its technological capacity ahead of the national election and take strict action against all forms of cybercrime. The Chief Adviser directed the National Cyber Security Agency to ensure robust cyber security ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The directive came at a meeting of the National Cyber Security Council held at the State Guest house Jamuna with the Chief Adviser in the chair. He said the government is working to bring all citizen services on online platforms and many services are already being delivered digitally at home and abroad. To ensure these services remain secure and uninterrupted, the Chief Adviser said, strengthening cyber security is essential. Professor Yunus instructed the authorities concerned to give special priority to sectors providing citizen services. “Institutions including the Cyber Security Agency that adopt cyber security measures must regularly update their software and hardware, while the personnel involved must also be made more skilled.” Institutions and related personnel should be brought under a rating system so that proper evaluation of cyber security and overall performance becomes easier, he said. Prof Yunus directed the National Cyber Security Agency to play an effective role alongside the judiciary to ensure that no one involved in crimes in the financial sector goes unpunished. At the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb i said 35 institutions have already been listed as Critical Information Infrastructure and suggested including more institutions in the list. He stressed the importance of coordination between the National Cyber Security Agency and the BTRC to prevent rumours, misinformation, disinformation and other cybercrimes surrounding the upcoming election. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said various measures have already been taken to further strengthen cyber security in the banking sector and more initiatives are in the pipeline. He also praised the initiative to form sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams. Member Secretary of the National Cyber Security Council and Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency Dr Md Tayebur Rahman presented the agency’s activities and future action plans through a PowerPoint presentation. He also detailed the ‘Cyber Incident Reporting and Response System’ designed for receiving complaints of cybercrimes and processing them. Others present at the meeting included Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam and National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan. Following the promulgation of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 on May 21, the National Cyber Security Council was formed on August 26 to ensure cyber security for state institutions and citizens under the amended ordinance.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the 13th parliamentary election billed for February 12 next year from two constituencies: Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the decision while speaking to UNB on Saturday night (December 27, 2025). “Our party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will contest the election from two seats. One is Bogura-6 and the other is Dhaka-17. This is a party decision,” he said. BNP demands release of teacher held over offensive remarks about Tarique Salahuddin said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest the election from three constituencies--Bogura-7, Feni-1 and Dinajpur-3, while Tarique Rahman will contest from Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17. When asked about campaign activities suggesting that Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, a BNP ally, will contest from the Dhaka-17 seat, Salahuddin said Partho is not contesting the polls from Dhaka-17. Tarique thanks nation for warm welcome “He will contest the election from his home constituency, Bhola-1, using his party’s own election symbol,” the BNP leader said. 

BNP has reached an electoral understanding with seven more alliance partners of the anti-fascist movement, leaving eight parliamentary seats for them for the upcoming national election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the list at a press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday afternoon (December 24, 2025). Under the arrangement, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna will contest from Bogura-2, Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) leader Mostafa Jamal Haider from Pirojpur-1, and National People’s Party (NPP) Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad from Narail-2. Islami Oikya Jote leader Mufti Rashid Bin Wakkas will contest from Jashore-5, while Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur will contest from Patuakhali-3 and the party’s General Secretary Rashed Khan from Jhenaidah-4. Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque will contest from Dhaka-12, and Ganosanghati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki from Brahmanbaria-6. LDP Secretary General Dr Redwan joins BNP Fakhrul said BNP reached the understanding after long discussions with the parties that simultaneously took part in the anti-fascist movement. “After detailed discussions with our partners in the simultaneous movement, we have reached agreements on these seats. I am sharing the list with you today.” He said discussions with other partners are still ongoing and more decisions may be announced later. Read more: LDP Secretary General Dr Redwan joins BNP The BNP Secretary General also said Cumilla-7 seat has been allocated to Dr Redowan Ahmed, who joined BNP on Wednesday, while Dhaka-13 has been allocated to NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, who is expected to join the party soon. Fakhrul said alliance partners will contest the election with their respective party symbols, while those who have joined BNP will contest with the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. Warning party leaders and activists, Fakhrul said BNP will not field any candidate in the seats left for alliance partners as per the central decision. “If anyone contests as an independent candidate in those seats, organisational action will be taken against them,” he said. BNP Standing Committee Members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the press conference. Earlier on Tuesday, the party announced to leave four seats for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The Jamiat candidates are Md Manjurul Islam Afendi in Nilphamari-1, Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4, Md Ubaidullah Faruq in Sylhet-5 and Junayed Al Habib in Brahmanbaria-2. BNP has already announced party candidates for 272 of the 300 parliamentary seats in two phases. Read more: Homebound Finally: Tarique set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday morning Of the remaining 28 seats, four were allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh on Tuesday, while eight more seats were allocated to other alliance partners on Wednesday. Sixteen seats are yet to be finalised.

Apparently ruling out the possibility of the Awami League’s participation in the upcoming national election, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday (December 15, 2025) said that no democratic country in the world would allow an organisation led by such a ‘terrible criminal’ to engage in any form of activity, let alone taking part in elections. “This (AL) party leader (Sheikh Hasina), is a fugitive from justice, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, and is calling for terrorist attacks against Bangladesh,” he told UNB when asked whether the Awami League would be permitted to participate in the next general election. The much-sought national election and a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 will simultaneously be held on February 12 (Thursday) under a non-political government after 18 years as the Election Commission announced the schedule on Thursday evening. Read more: No uncertainty over national election, reaffirms CEC Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule in his pre-recorded speech telecast by state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar recently. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). Read more: Jamaat Ameer warns against return to ‘fascist past’

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday (December 15, 2025) reaffirmed that there is no uncertainty over the upcoming national election as it will be held in free, fair and competitive manners on time. “InshaAllah, rest assured-- we will rightly see a fair, nice and competitive election at the right time,” he said while inaugurating a Youth Voter Festival in the city’s Gulshan area. Referring to the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and an independent aspirant from Dhaka-8 constituency, the CEC described the incident as a stray incident. Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission remains firmly committed to fulfilling the promise it has made to the nation. “With everyone’s participation, InshaAllah, we will present a beautiful election,” he said. Read more: Environment congenial for February, 2026 election: Salehuddin Replying to a question, the CEC said there is no uncertainty over the election and the Election Commission is fully prepared to move ahead with the election process. “There is no uncertainty about the election. We are fully prepared to move ahead. The election will be held inshaAllah…the election will be held with everyone’s participation and cooperation. Whatever concerns come to your mind, cast them aside,” he added. Nasir Uddin asked all to prepare for the election so that the Commission can hold a fair election with everyone’s support. In reply to another question if the law and order situation is a barrier on the way to deliver a fair election, he said the overall situation has improved significantly compared to the condition seen in the next week after August 05, 2024. CEC Nasir urges voters to vote fearlessly “Where has the law-and-order situation deteriorated? Only occasional criminal incidents occur,” the CEC questioned, adding, the incident involving Hadi is something we think isolated. Such incidents were always seen in the past. There were the killings of former minister ASM Kibria and former MP Ahsanullah Master.” He said the law and order situation has improved considerably compared to the situation in a week after August 5 2024, when police stations were inactive. “Now we can move freely on the streets and sleep peacefully. So, there has been no deterioration in law and order.” The CEC said the Election Commission held a meeting with law enforcement agencies on Sunday and issued necessary directives. The law enforcement agencies informed the Commission that they are fully prepared to maintain peace and order throughout the election period. Read more: Bangladesh Polls: Permission must for social, religious events before electioneering  Emphasising the role of young voters, Nasir Uddin urged them not only to cast their own votes but also to motivate others to participate in the election. “The youth is the symbol of courage and creativity. It is not possible to build the country without you. The upcoming election will be fair, beautiful and transparent, and it will be held with the youths. Bangladesh needs to move forward by relying on the youths. We hope that the next election we hold will be a free, fair and credible election,” the CEC described. described the coming election as historic, highlighting its several unique and important features. “For the first time in 54 years, expatriate Bangladeshis have been brought under the voting process through postal ballots.”The CEC also said arrangements have been made for nearly one million officials and employees involved in the election process, including members of the law enforcement agencies, to cast their votes—many of whom were previously unable to do so. Election schedule to be declared in second week of Dec: CEC Nasir Besides, the Commission has taken initiative to bring the persons under lawful custody (prisoners) and the government employees posted outside their respective constituencies under the postal balloting system in this election. “In addition, a referendum will be held alongside the national election. Considering all these aspects, this election is undoubtedly historic.” Calling the Commission’s initiatives bold and strong, Nasir Uddin said the active participation of young voters would be crucial to the success of the process. “If you stand with us in this courageous step, InshaAllah, we will be successful in delivering a free, fair and credible election. With your participation in this bold step of ours, InshaAllah we will be successful in delivering free, fair and credible elections,” the CEC said. Read more: Dialogue urges parties to prioritise rights of women and children in election manifestos

The Election Commission (EC) has allowed the celebration of the national and international days and arrangements of social and religious events during pre-campaign period with prior permission or consent from the returning officers concerned. The directive was issued through a circular released on Sunday night (December 14, 2025) to ensure the maintenance of a conducive electoral atmosphere during the pre-election period. The circular mentions that the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum was announced on December 11, 2025, and the polls will be held on February 12, 2026. According to the Section 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rule, 2025, the electioneering can be conducted from three weeks before the polling day until 48 hours prior to the start of voting, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. Read more: UN briefs Bangladesh’s political parties on election commission support “Outside the stipulated campaign period, national and international days can be observed as well as religious, social and similar events can be organised without hampering the electoral environment and in compliance with the code of conduct. However, prior consent or permission from the returning officer concerned must be obtained,” says the circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10), according to the schedule announced by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. This circular was sent to all the 69 returning officers – Dhaka and Chattogram divisional commissioners, Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna Regional Election Officers and 64 district deputy commissioners. As per the schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. Read more: Bangladesh national election, referendum on Feb 12; schedule announced The last date for submission of appeal against the decisions of the returning officers is January 11 and the appeals would be disposed of on January 12-18. The returning officers will publish the final lists of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21. The balloting will be held from 7:30am to 4:30pm without any break on February 12.