United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has highlighted the importance of building institutional readiness, stressing that effective election management is the foundation of a credible democracy. The EC, with support from the United Nations, has launched a nationwide series of regional trainings aimed at strengthening the capacity of election officials in preparation for the upcoming national elections. “Through these training programmes, we are building not only skills but also the confidence and commitment needed to ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” said the CEC. He said this training marks a milestone in our preparation for the upcoming elections. “The practical modules will enable our officials to replicate lessons across the country, enhancing capacity and confidence at every level.” Next election to determine Bangladesh’s future direction: CEC The first of 10 three-day regional trainings concluded on November 7 in Dhaka, bringing together election officials from the region for hands-on sessions focused on crisis management, cybersecurity, gender equality, human rights and media and elections, said UNDP on Sunday. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed and Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO Dr Susan Vize, UN Women Representative Gitanjali Singh, UNDP Resident Representative, Sonali Dayaratne, were present. The training is part of the UN Electoral Assistance BALLOT and DRIP projects, implemented jointly with UNDP, UN Women and UNESCO. The nationwide training series will continue in nine other regions over the next several weeks, reaching hundreds of EC officials. The initiative, UNDP said, reflects the Election Commission’s strong commitment to professionalism, inclusion, and transparency in the electoral process, ensuring that every vote counts and every voice matters. BNP to meet CEC Thursday to raise concerns over EC’s neutrality

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday asked experts to recommend practical measures to effectively fight misinformation and disinformation ahead of the next national election as the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now emerged as a global concern. “The misuse of AI has now become a global headache. Like any other tool, it can be used for both good and bad purposes—a doctor may use it to save lives, while a criminal may use it to commit crimes,” he said while addressing a workshop at the Election Training Institute (ETI) in the city. The workshop, titled ‘Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Upcoming National Parliament Election to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation’, was jointly organised by the EC’s IDEA and CBTEP projects. The CEC stressed the need for building a round-the-clock monitoring system to fight the misinformation and disinformation. “The Election Commission is taking steps to integrate AI technology to prevent AI misuse and ensure greater transparency in the electoral process,” he said. Election schedule to be unveiled in early December: CEC He said the system must be capable of identifying and countering false or misleading information that emerges even late at night. “This will be a 24-hour job,” he said, adding that the Election Commission needs to decide what kind of professionals will be involved, how quickly the information can be verified and which organisations will assist in this job to fight misinformation. “I don’t just want theoretical guidelines; we need a realistic plan — who will work, how many people will be required, and how we will collect information from remote areas,” the CEC told the participants. Expressing optimism, Nasir Uddin said the workshop will help the Commission formulate effective recommendations to combat electoral misinformation and make the upcoming 13th parliamentary election more credible and transparent. CEC hopes NCP won’t hinder democratic transition over ‘Water Lily’ row All four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present at the event.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission has been seriously working to fight the abuse of artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and disinformation on social media during the upcoming national election slated for February next. “We’ve been seriously working on this issue for a long time. InshAllah, we’ll develop a central communication cell. We’re fully aware of the consequences of abuse of social media and AI,” he said. The CEC made the remarks while delivering concluding speech at the EC’s dialogue with civil society representatives at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area. With the talks, the Election Commission opened a series of dialogues with different stakeholders ahead of the next general election planned to be held in early February 2026. He said many good suggestions came out from this discussion. “We’ll try to implement these, which are possible for us.” Noting that the Election Commission has brought back its authority to cancel the election of an entire constituency, (which was taken away in 2023), the CEC said, “If we see any problem, we’ll cancel the election of the whole constituency immediately.” He said the Commission will later arrange the polls at the constituency by deploying a huge number of security members. Nasir Uddin, in his introductory speech, said the EC is making strong progress to ensure a free, fair and credible national election. “We have already moved far ahead in making the necessary preparations for holding this election in a fair and proper manner. We are committed to delivering a free, fair and credible election. Our honourable Chief Adviser has also expressed the same,” he said. Focusing on the progress of electoral preparations, Nasir Uddin said since assuming office on November 24, 2024, the current Commission has completed a number of tasks keeping eye on the upcoming 13th parliamentary polls. The Commission has updated the voter list, amended the RPO (Representation of the People Order) and revised the electoral code of conduct. The EC worked on amendments on a total of nine laws. “Our procurement process has also advanced,” he added. Turning to the EC’s dialogue, the CEC said, “We sincerely believe that today’s discussion will play an important role in making the upcoming election fair, beautiful and acceptable.” On the postal balloting system for expatriate Bangladeshis, he said there has been a postal balloting system in the law. “It has been in the book, but not in practice,” he said. Although the rights of expatriates were recognised in the past, no effective mechanism existed for them to exercise their franchise, said the CEC. No room for confusion over JaPa’s registration, symbol: presidium member Rezaul “We are now working vigorously to introduce IT-supported postal ballots for expatriates. After extensive studies and research, the Commission has developed the IT-supported postal ballot system,” he said. Nasir Uddin added that the Commission is working on arrangements for out-of-country voting as well as ensuring the franchise of those engaged in election duty on polling day. “Almost a million people are involved in the electoral process. They cannot vote. Returning officers and presiding officers cannot vote. We will address it, InshAllah, and ensure the voting rights of all,” he assured. He said arrangements will also be made for prisoners, government officials away from their constituencies during polling. These initiatives will become milestones for the Election Commission, he added. Election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present at the discussion moderated by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. Among the representatives of the civil society, former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury, former ambassador M Humayun Kabir, Dhaka University’s Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Robaet Ferdous, Vice Chancellor of Chittagong University Dr Muhammad Yeahia Akhter, Osmani Centre for Peace and Security Studies Lt Gen (retd) Md Mahfuzur Rahman and Police Reform Commission member (Student representative) Zarif Rahman attended the dialogue. Later in the afternoon, the Commission will hold talks with eminent educationists and professors at the same venue. In the electoral roadmap unveiled last month, the Commission said the dialogues with stakeholders—including political parties, civil society members, media persons, observers, election experts and July movement activists—would begin in the last week of September and be completed within one and a half months.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday expressed the hope that the Election Commission would soon receive a letter from the interim government about the timeframe to hold the next general election in ‘early’ February, 2026. “The Chief Adviser said he would send us a letter to hold the election in early February, ahead of Ramadan. I hope we will get the letter very soon,” he told a press conference at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Earlier, on Tuesday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation, marking the first anniversary of July Uprising Day, announced that he would formally notify the Election Commission, on behalf of the interim government, to arrange the national election before Ramadan in February 2026. The CEC said the Commission has already been preparing for the election well in advance. “Despite having various challenges to hold the election in February, we are moving ahead with our preparations. There will be no lack of preparation—InshaAllah as we are taking all necessary preparations to conduct a fair election,” he added. The CEC said the election environment is steadily improving and he currently sees no major problems. “Things have improved much. The election is still a few months away. By then, you’ll see, InshAllah, everything will be in place. I believe the law-and-order situation will not be a problem,” he said. “People have lost trust [in elections]. The number one challenge is now to restore that public confidence. The voters have lost faith in the Election Commission, they’ve lost faith in the electoral system,” said the CEC. The CEC said the Commission would engage in dialogues with stakeholders after political parties complete their discussions with the Consensus Commission. “We’ve planned about a month for this,” he said. He said the EC will begin providing training to 8 to 9 lakh personnel to be involved in election duties and preparations for postal ballots for law enforcement and polling officers. “This time, we’ll try to bring nearly 10 lakh people under the postal balloting,” the CEC said, adding, “Once we receive the letter from the Chief Adviser regarding the election, we’ll hold discussions and fix the polling date. The schedule will be announced two months before that.” The CEC also urged political parties to cooperate in ensuring a level-playing field along with the Commission’s own efforts. He said the EC is committed to arranging a transparent election. “We want to make the election as transparent as possible—like a mirror. We want the people and the world to witness our sincerity and efforts. We want nothing to hide.” About the progress of the pre-election preparatory work, the CEC said an updated voter list would be finalised by August 31 next, and the electoral rolls would be updated further incorporating others who turn voters within a specific time before the election. The CEC also expressed the hope that all necessary procurement for the polls will be completed by September next.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said all confusions about the next national election have been cleared through Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ announcement to send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner to hold the polls in February next year. “He (Yunus) announced that he will send a letter to the Election Commission and the Commission will take the necessary steps to hold the election before the Ramadan in the first half of February 2026,” the BNP leader said. Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after the Chief Adviser addressed the nation, Salahuddin also said the Election Commission will announce the schedule in due time. He said the whole nation and his party have been waiting for such an announcement from the Chief Adviser for a long time. “Through this announcement, the doubts that many people had about the election process in Bangladesh are now gone,” the BNP leader said. CA Prof Yunus to write CEC to arrange national election in February “With this, the confusion that many believed existed regarding the holding of the election in Bangladesh no longer remains. The entire nation will now move forward in an election-oriented environment,” Salahuddin said. He expressed the hope that the upcoming election would be free, fair, neutral and one of the most admired polls in the world. The BNP leader also urged the entire nation and all citizens to prepare for the next national election. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said that he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can holds the national election before the next Ramadan in February. "Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty - holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government," Prof Yunus said, referring to the upcoming 2026 election. In a televised speech, Prof Yunus expressed hope that the people of this country will be able to move forward in building a 'New Bangladesh' by successfully holding the election. July Declaration highlights people’s desire for good governance, fair polls, social justice Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser made two important announcements today: one about the July Charter and the other about the upcoming election. “We welcome both announcements.” He said the July Charter includes commitments that will be recognised constitutionally and officially by the state. “We have pledged to ensure its rightful place in the constitution.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can hold the national election before the next Ramadan in February next. "Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty - holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government," Prof Yunus said, referring to the approaching election to be held in 2026. In a televised speech on the occasion of July Uprising Day, Prof Yunus hoped that the citizens of this country can successfully move forward in the efforts of building a 'New Bangladesh' by conducting the election successfully. The speech was broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar. "We, on behalf of the government, will provide all kinds of help and cooperation so that this election can be conducted in a fair, peaceful and festive manner," Prof Yunus said. Stating that the election is approaching, he urged all those who are now staying away from their constituencies to start visiting them regularly from now on—so that they can be well prepared to elect the best candidates. “As we cast our vote, let the faces of those who shed their fresh blood to restore this precious (voting) right appear before our eyes,” the Chief Adviser said. He said February is not too far away, and by the time preparations for the election get underway, the voting day will arrive. “For many years, no one of us could exercise our right to vote. This time, we all will cast our votes. No one will be left out. Let each of us be able to say, ‘I cast my vote to set the country on the path to building a new Bangladesh. It was my vote that helped the country take that path,’” Prof Yunus said, pointing at the voters. Tarique urges all to stay vigilant against fascism ahead of election “On this July Mass Uprising Day, I urge all citizens—let us pass the first major test of building a ‘New Bangladesh’ together,” he said. Prof Yunus said they will all start mental preparations and institutional arrangements from tomorrow to complete all the arrangements so that this election becomes a memorable event in the history of the country in terms of joy and celebrations, peace and order, voter turnout, harmony and sincerity. Prof Yunus said the desired goal has been achieved in terms of reforms, as under the coordination of the National Consensus Commission, all political parties in the country engaged in continuous discussions over a long period, and as a result, the 'July Charter' has reached its final stage. “The July Charter is a historic achievement. It will be remembered not only in our political history but also in the broader political arena. Not just the document itself, but the process of drafting it will also be remembered,” he said. On behalf of the nation, the Chief Adviser expressed his deepest gratitude and thanks to the leaders of all political parties and the members of the Consensus Commission—especially Professor Ali Riaz, who led this initiative. He said representatives of the political parties took part in the discussions of the Consensus Commission in a very cordial atmosphere. Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul Despite differences of opinion, the Chief Adviser said, there was a sincere effort from all parties to build consensus. “We hope that, based on this consensus, the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and also reach an agreement on its implementation.” He also hoped that the July Charter would ensure the smooth transfer of power in Bangladesh, strengthen the independence and capacity of accountable state institutions, guarantee the genuine implementation of citizens' rights, and ensure proper management of state resources and capabilities. “We must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again. The state must be reformed in such a way that any sign of fascism, anywhere, can be immediately rooted out. We should not have to wait another 16 years, and many people should not have to sacrifice their lives again. We should not need another mass uprising,” Prof Yunus said. Election as per schedule, not a day’s of delay: CA’s press secretary He said the trial in the cases filed in connection with crimes against humanity in July-August last year is progressing firmly. “The formal hearing phase of the trial has also begun. Those involved in the brutal massacres in history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country.” The Chief Adviser said the trial process and its outcomes will gradually be disclosed to the people. “The entire trial procedure is being kept transparent and visible to the people of the country.”

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said restoring public confidence in the electoral process and encouraging voters, particularly women, to return to polling stations remain the biggest challenges in the upcoming national election. “The most pressing challenge for the Election Commission in the upcoming parliamentary election is to regain voters' trust and encourage their active participation at polling centres,” he said while speaking at a views-exchange meeting on the 13th general election, held at the office of the Khulna regional election officer. ‘Even I don’t know election date yet’: CEC “Ensuring the presence of women voters remains a significant hurdle,” he added. Expressing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence, the CEC described it as a more serious threat than conventional weapons. He emphasised the need for heightened vigilance against any technology-driven attempts to influence the electoral process. The CEC also announced that a nationwide drive to seize illegal arms and curb violence would be conducted ahead of the election. “We want a transparent election. No activities will be carried out under cover of darkness. Everything must happen in broad daylight to ensure accountability,” the CEC clarified. EC taking strong steps to curb AI misuse ahead of national election: CEC “We are determined to deliver a fair election. If we fail to do so, it could cast doubt on the future of Bangladesh,” he added. The additional regional election officer of Khulna Division, along with senior district and upazila election officers of the division, were present at the meeting.    

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said it is not possible to hold a national election without the government's cooperation despite the Election Commission’s constitutional independence. “No matter how independent the EC is said to be, it is not possible to hold an election without the government's support. We have to conduct the polls with cooperation from the government," he told reporters after inaugurating a daylong training programme on electoral laws and rules at the Electoral Training Institute in the capital. He said the EC relies on support from law enforcement agencies, the administration and its officials to hold the election. “So, the government will naturally play a key role in the election. It (election) won’t be possible without it,” the CEC said. EC must be ready, no matter when election held: CEC Regarding communication with the government, the CEC said formal and informal channels remain open. “It’s not like that we’re isolated on an island, away from the government,” he said. Nasir Uddin also reaffirmed that the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election will be announced in due course assuring that the EC is following due process. “You’ll know the election date at the right time. We will announce the schedule in due course,” he said. In response to a question about the EC’s election roadmap, he said there is an internal work plan in place. “We are not hiding anything. We won’t call it a roadmap…(but) any office has a work plan. A national election of this scale must require an internal work plan. It’s for our own use—not for sharing with everybody,” the CEC added.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission will decide on Awami League’s registration only after receiving the official gazette notification. “We are waiting for the gazette notification to come. Once the sun rises in the sky, everything will be clear. Wait for that,” he told reporters in the city. The CEC made the remarks replying to a question after a meeting with a delegation from the Carter Center at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Asked whether Awami League’s registration will be cancelled once the gazette is issued, the CEC replied, “You can’t make decisions based on media reports. Once the gazette is issued, we will sit and decide. Let the notification come.”  According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), if a political party is banned, its registration with the Election Commission is automatically subject to cancellation. In the face of demands by the student leaders of the 2024 mass uprising  and several political parties including the National Citizen Party-NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the interim government has decided to ban Awami League's activities. The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League, including in cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal is completed. EC to act over ban on AL activities after receiving official gazette: CEC On Sunday, the Council of Advisers approved the draft of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, incorporating provision to ban individuals or entities involved in terrorist activities and their operations. The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 was enacted to deter some terrorist activities and ensure effective punishment along with relevant provisions. The amendment incorporates provisions for banning the activities of entities, necessary adaptations, and prohibiting the dissemination of content through online and social media platforms.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A MM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission will not get involved in any activities that may create political controversies. “The EC will not engage in any political controversies. Decisions are taken by all commission members. No single person makes decisions alone,” he said at a views-exchange meeting with election officials of the Mymensingh region at the City Corporation auditorium. Ex-MP Zafar Alam placed on four-day remand He said the EC is committed to holding the upcoming national election in a free, fair and neutral manner. There will be no chance this time for votes cast at night, he said. Responding to a question over Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Ishraq Hossain’s swearing-in, the CEC said it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government, not the Election Commission. “We have no role in this matter.” The meeting focused on the voter list update and preparations for the next general election. Regional Election Officer Shahinur Islam Pramanik presided over the event. Health Reform Commission submits report to CA Dr Yunus Additional regional election officers, district and additional district election officers, and upazila election officers of the region were present.