United News of Bangladesh

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.

The government has ordered that 158 Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) be transferred to various government offices ahead of the national election. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification in this regard on Wednesday night (November 26). The transfers, involving senior assistant secretary-level UNOs, follow the recent appointment of new UNOs in 166 upazilas across eight divisions earlier. Read more: 64 districts get SPs through lottery: Home Adviser   According to the notification, the transferred officers must leave their current posts and join their new assignments by November 30. Failure to comply will be considered an immediate release from their current position. Officers whose new workplaces have already changed must submit joining letters indicating the updated office address. Meanwhile, the government has appointed superintendents of police for 64 districts across the country. Read more: 826 judges get promotion

As Bangladesh approaches its national elections scheduled for February 2025, crime statistics indicate a rise in criminal incidents across the country, but police insist that the apparent deterioration in law and order does not reflect the real situation. A senior official at the Police Headquarters, preferring not to be named, said the force is “fully prepared” to ensure nationwide security during the polls. He cautioned that comparisons between past and present crime figures could be misleading. “Earlier, many crime incidents were not recorded at local police stations. Now, almost every incident is being documented. So when you compare the two periods, it may seem like crime has increased. But in reality, law and order is better in many areas than before,” he said. The official also highlighted the role of social media in timely case registration. “In the past, cases were often not recorded properly and on time. Now, when an incident occurs, social media becomes active instantly, compelling the police to register cases promptly and accurately,” he added. Crime Trends According to police headquarters statistics, October saw 319 murders nationwide, slightly up from 297 in September but just below 321 cases in August. Dacoity cases rose to 56 from 50 the previous month, while robbery increased to 180 from 169. Burglary incidents remained high at 301, compared with 295 in September and 311 in August. Kidnappings jumped to 110 in October, up from 96 in September and 90 in August. Theft incidents also increased, standing at 931 compared with 888 in September and 956 in August. These figures indicate that criminal activity continues to affect both urban and rural areas. Amir Khosru alleges plot to delay 13th parliamentary polls Particularly concerning is the persistently high number of crimes against women and children, with 1,985 incidents recorded in October, virtually unchanged from 1,904 in September and 1,904 in August. Police sources noted that violent and organised crimes are not only frequent but also increasingly sophisticated, with criminal syndicates reportedly impersonating law-enforcement officers to commit robberies and abductions. Election Preparedness Police officials stressed extensive preparations for the upcoming polls. “A total of 150,000 police personnel are being trained in phases. Training for around 50,000 members has already been completed. The rest will finish on schedule,” a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official said. The procurement of body-worn cameras is underway, expected to be purchased through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM) due to time constraints. “We expect to be fully ready to carry out our responsibilities during the polls,” the official added. Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury described the law-and-order situation as “satisfactory,” noting that while it is “not excellent, it’s not bad either.” Speaking after a meeting with field-level law enforcement officials at Barishal Police Lines, he emphasised that a fair election relies not only on law enforcement but also on the Election Commission and political parties. Ahead of the elections, Police Headquarters has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch (SB), and DMP to submit lists of honest, neutral, and administratively efficient police inspectors for appointment as officers-in-charge (OCs) at police stations across the country. The directive, issued on 16 November by the Personnel Management–2 wing of PHQ, states that deploying “competent, impartial and professionally credible” police station chiefs is crucial to ensuring a peaceful and fair parliamentary election. Officials said the neutrality of OCs will play a vital role in maintaining law and order during the election period. Govt reviewing body camera purchase plan: Finance Adviser

No political party or candidate will be allowed to carry out electioneering in educational institutions, government offices or foreign lands, in addition to religious places of worship, according to the recently published electoral code of conduct. The Election Commission has imposed the ban on campaign in educational institutions, government offices and foreign territories for the first time in the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Election Rule 2025, which was published in official gazette on November 10 last ahead of the national election to be held in February 2026. A candidate must resign from the president or member post of the management committee of an educational institution before the start of election campaign. No candidate is allowed to receive any type of reception from an institution, association or organisation and no one involved in election campaign can stay in government Dak-Bungalow, rest-house, circuit-house or any government office. According to the section 15 of the code of conduct, any registered political party or its nominated candidates or independent candidates or anyone acting on their behalf can’t carry out any form of election campaign in mosques, temples, pagodas, churches or any other religious place of worship and any government office or educational institution. The EC is introducing a hybrid postal balloting system for expatriate Bangladeshis to vote in the upcoming national election, but it barred campaign abroad. Police HQ seeks ‘honest, neutral’ inspectors for OC posts ahead of election “No political party or candidate can’t hold any type of public rally, street rally and meeting or carry out campaign in foreign land centering the election,” states section 06 of the code of conduct. No Posters; Maximum 20 Billboards The use of posters has completely been banned, but billboards, banners and festoons alongside leaflets and handbills can be used in the electioneering. Besides, campaigning through electronic and digital media is allowed this time. As per the section 7 of the code of conduct, posters cannot be used under any circumstances, and pamphlets, leaflets, handbills, festoons or banners made from non-biodegradable materials such as rexine, polythene, plastic or other environmentally harmful substances are prohibited. Banners, leaflets, handbills and festoons must be in black and white. The maximum allowable size is 10 feet by 4 feet for banners, 8.27 inches by 11.69 inches for leaflets, and 18 inches by 24 inches for festoons. These restrictions do not apply to electronic or digital media campaigns. A candidate cannot install more than 20 billboards in an election area (constituency), each with a maximum size of 16 feet by 9 feet. Poly-coated banners, leaflets or festoons, as well as PVC banners, are prohibited. No More  Than  3 Loud Speakers Under Section 17 of the new code, a candidate, or anyone acting on his or her behalf, can’t use more than three microphones or loudspeakers simultaneously in a constituency. This is aligned with Article 44B(3A) of the Representation of the People Order 1972, which prohibits candidates from incurring expenses on more than three microphones or loudspeakers at a time. However, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on November 11 explained the provision saying that not more than three amplifiers can be used in a meeting or rally. “If a candidate holds three rallies, they can use a total of nine amplifiers — three for each,” he said. To curb sound pollution, the new code states that sound from microphones used in campaigns must not exceed 60 decibels, and loudspeakers may only be used from 2pm to 8pm daily. The violation of the code of conduct could lead to cancellation of the candidature as a provision incorporated in the code alongside the RPO. Read more: Jamaat, NCP, other parties join EC’s dialogue Campaign Plan Political parties or candidates must submit their campaign plans to the authorities before the campaign begins. To foster mutual harmony and maintain a friendly environment, the returning officer or assistant returning officer will bring all candidates together after symbol allocation to present their electoral manifestos and pledge to follow the code of conduct. Candidates or party representatives can take part in electoral dialogues hosted by television channels but must avoid personal attacks. No Drone, Quadcopter The new code of conduct banned the use of any type of drone, quadcopter or such type of machine in the election campaign and the balloting hours. Only the president and general secretary of a political party — or their equivalents — may use helicopters for campaign travel. However, no campaign material may be displayed, distributed or dropped using the helicopter. Previously, only the party chief or equivalent could use a helicopter. Some 4,000 expats register on first day to vote in next election AI-Social Media Misuse According to the code of conduct, Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be used for malicious purposes in any election-related matter, including campaigning. Candidates, their election agents or political parties must submit the name, account ID, email ID and other relevant social media information to the returning officer before the campaign begins. The code prohibits all harmful content — including hate speech, misinformation, facial distortion, fabricated materials or inflammatory language targeting opponents, women, minorities or any other group of people. No political party, candidate or affiliated person can create, publish or share false, misleading, hateful, obscene or defamatory content on social media or any other platform through editing or AI manipulation, with the intention of misleading voters or tarnishing any person’s image. Punishment Punishment for violating the code has been made stricter, with the maximum penalty raised to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 150,000 (previously Tk 50,000). A new provision requires candidates to submit a written commitment to abide by the code and accept punishment in case of violation. Read more: Motivate voters to go to polling stations: CEC to political leaders

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday (November 18) said law-enforcement agencies are fully prepared to act against any attempt to destabilise the country, as the next national election is going to be held in the first half of February. He made the remarks at a meeting with German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rudiger Loltz at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where the overall law-and-order situation dominated the discussions. The Adviser said law and order across the country remains normal, except a few isolated incidents reported following the verdict against Sheikh Hasina. He warned that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt public security in the coming days. Read more: Fakhrul calls for resistance against ‘vested quarter’ ahead of Hasina verdict Jahangir Alam said that the responsibility for announcing the specific polling date lies with the Election Commission, but emphasised that security agencies are ready to support the electoral process whenever required. The meeting also focused on public reactions to the verdict, preparations surrounding the national election timeline, prisoner extradition, cybercrime, and other areas of cooperation. Germany and Bangladesh are ‘tested friends’, the Adviser said, adding that he hopes bilateral relations will continue to strengthen. Additional Secretary (Political) of the Home Ministry Khandaker Md Mahabubur Rahman and Anja Kersten, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, also attended the meeting. Read more: Working with a clear commitment to create fair election atmosphere: CEC

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday (November 18) said the government is reviewing the proposed procurement of body cameras to ensure transparency, rational planning and appropriate use in sensitive operational areas. The initial proposal sought a very large number of body cameras, prompting the committees to ask the authorities concerned to revisit the plan, pricing and procurement method, he told reports after meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat. He said the revised plan should adopt a more rational, need-based approach. “The procurement should be rational. We suggested that body cameras be used in particularly sensitive and critical areas, not everywhere,” he said, adding that the Home Ministry shares the same view. The adviser said the purpose of introducing body cameras is to strengthen monitoring, improve accountability and support evidence-based action. Read more: Govt to decide on body camera purchase for police within days: Finance Adviser “The idea is not to deploy body cameras indiscriminately but to ensure they serve their intended purpose where sensitivity and oversight are crucial,” he added. On whether the number of cameras will be reduced, Dr Salehuddin said rationalisation is likely. “The number will be reduced, but I cannot say by how much at this stage. We will be able to comment once the revised proposal is submitted,” he said. He added that the revised proposal will be placed very soon. On September 23, the government approved procurement of around 40,000 body cameras for police personnel ahead of the national election scheduled for February. The cameras are to be procured through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to ensure quality, transparency and neutrality. Dr Salehuddin earlier said buying through UNDP would help avoid controversies over quality and pricing as international tenders would be floated and responsibility placed with the agency. Read more: Govt okays procurement of new firearms for Ansar and VDP

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission has been working with a clear conviction and commitment to create a fair and beautiful electoral environment. “We will take all necessary preparations from our side to create a proper and nice election environment. We will keep trying. Our intention and commitment are absolutely clear. And we are working accordingly,” he said while chairing a pre-election dialogue with five political parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital this morning. The discussion was held with five political parties as part of the EC’s ongoing dialogue with registered political parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary election to be held in early February 2026. Later in the afternoon, the Commission sat with six other political parties on Monday. “No matter how many storms, cyclones or turmoil come, we will take every required step to ensure a fair and beautiful environment for the election,” the CEC said. Seeking cooperation from political parties for building a peaceful and proper electoral atmosphere, he said such cooperation is “very essential.” “Please influence your candidates and workers to follow the code of conduct. If we get your cooperation, it will make the enforcement process much easier for us,” Nasir Uddin said, pointing to political parties. Noting that the country belongs to all, the CEC said organising a proper election is a fundamental requirement for leaving behind a nice country for future generations. “If a beautiful election can elect representatives and the country can be entrusted to them, I think a bright future can be ensured for the nation. We seek your full cooperation and hope we will receive it,” he added. Referring to expatriate voting rights, the CEC said although postal ballots for expatriates have always existed in the law, no Election Commission in the past worked with this complex issue. “Postal balloting has always been in the law, but it was never practised. We have taken up this work,” he said. He said many new but “gigantic and complex tasks” have come to the present Commission. Despite many limitations, this Commission has not given up and continues to move forward like a sailor steering a storm-tossed ship through challenges. “InshaAllah, whatever challenges lie ahead, we are prepared to face them. We must move forward overcoming these challenges," he said. Addressing the afternoon discussion, the CEC said his commission has no flaws or lack of sincerity in its electoral preparation. "We’re facing all kinds of challenges with sincerity, patience and courage. We are ready to face all kinds of challenges that come in the future as well," he said. Describing the political parties as the major players in the electoral process, he sought the cooperation from the parties to ensure a friendly atmosphere before and even after the balloting. The five parties that participated in the morning session are Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote (Muktijote), Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Kalyan Party and Bangladesh Muslim League-BML. The six parties that participated in the afternoon session are Zaker Party, Amar Bangladesh Party-AB Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Bangladesh Islami Front, Khelafat Majlish and Jatiya Ganotantrik Party-Jagpa. The political leaders suggested the EC apply its authority strictly to ensure proper implementation of code of conduct and election-friendly atmosphere. Bikalpadhara Bangladesh Secretary General Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan said there is no precedent of revoking the candidature of a person nominated by a major political party for poll code violation. “So, it is important to ensure the strict application of the EC’s authority,” he said, adding that if a few candidatures are revoked for violating the code of conduct, then discipline will be created among the rest. Bangladesh Kalyan Party Chairman Syed Muhammad Ibrahim highlighted the need for social media monitoring and immediate action against violations of poll code. Bangladesh Muslim League (BML) President Sheikh Zulfikar Bulbul Chowdhury stressed creating a level-playing field and eliminating the influence of black money in the elections. Zaker Party Secretary General Shamim Haider urged the EC to ensure transparency and equal access for all parties in media coverage and law enforcement. Amar Bangladesh Party General Secretary ABM Fuad said the commission's rules, although targeting candidates and parties, do not focus enough on voters. He stressed the need for ensuring security during election campaigns, restrictions on government establishments and religious and educational institutions, and effective control over social and online media. Election commissioners Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present in the discussions. On November 13, the EC opened its pre-election dialogue with the political parties and already held talks with a total of 34 ones out of 53 registered political parties on the first three days of the electoral dialogue.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday (November 16) urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said. Speaking at a discussion, he also said a vested quarter is conspiring to use this moment to push Bangladesh back into chaos. “We must stand firm and resist them,” he said. The BNP leader said the country’s people, particularly the students, have created an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s rights. “We must not waste this opportunity. We have to work to make the path towards democratic transition easier.” Read more: Tarique hails Australian MPs’ call for democracy, election integrity in Bangladesh He urged all political parties to unite on the question of establishing democracy and move forward towards the coming election. “Guided by the ideals of Maulana Abul Hamid Khan Bhasani, we must work to establish democracy in this country.” The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides, who face five counts of alleged crimes against humanity linked to last year’s deadly student-led uprising in Dhaka during July–August. BNP arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 49th death anniversary of Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a legendary politician and one of the dreamers of Bangladesh’s independence. Fakhrul said the country’s politics has now fallen into a state of confusion, with ‘contentious’ elements entering the political arena that the people of Bangladesh could never imagine. He said it is unfortunate that the country is now facing a critical crisis due to bad politics practised by some parties. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case The BNP leader reiterated that elections are the only path to a transition to democracy. “An election is the only way through which we can move towards democracy and reflect the people’s aspirations.” Despite confusion, frustration and uncertainty, he said a possibility has now emerged that the national election will be held on 26 February. Fakhrul, however, warned that certain quarters are still deliberately trying to create uncertainty in the country by raising various demands with the intention of obstructing, halting or delaying the election. “But the people of this country now need one thing above all — an elected government that has public support,” he said. Fakhrul urged all political parties to support the election process instead of making efforts to derail the polls, for the sake of the country and its people. “Support the election so that the people can express their opinion, their belief, and elect their representatives through this vote.” He warned that the economic situation is deteriorating day by day and will worsen further without an elected government. “The law-and-order situation is already bad, and without an elected government it will deteriorate even more.” Fakhrul recalled how Bhasani devoted his entire life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and deprived, living very simply as a lifelong champion of the people. BNP to reinstate ‘faith in Allah’ in constitution if returns to power: Salahuddin He urged BNP leaders and workers to read books on the life and work of Bhasani and follow his ideals. Fakhrul also recalled that Bhasani had recognised in Ziaur Rahman a leader capable of changing the country’s fate, and blessed him, and had encouraged NAP leader Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia to work alongside Zia.