United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem on Tuesday said the Election Commission (EC) has shown a positive stance regarding the student council elections of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) and Begum Rokeya University. Shadik Kayem disclosed the change in the Commission’s position while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. The development comes a day after the Commission issued a directive suspending all organisational elections ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. Speaking to reporters, Shadik Kayem said the Election Commission assured them that it would take appropriate measures to ensure the student council elections are held in due time. "The Election Commission has assured us that they will take appropriate measures,” he said. Referring to the EC’s directive issued on Monday to suspend all organisational elections until February 12, he said they had already held talks with university authorities and the government. Shadik Kayem pointed out that the SUST student council election is scheduled for January 20, while the national parliamentary election will be held on February 12. “Stopping a student council election three weeks earlier on security grounds cannot be a logical decision. Student community will not accept such an undemocratic decision,” he said. The Begum Rokeya University student council election is scheduled to be held on January 21. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission directed authorities not to allow elections of any organisation or association, including professional bodies, before the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next. Protest erupts at SUST over EC's low bar, puts holds any elections ahead of national polls The directive, issued through a letter sent to returning officers, stated that the restriction would apply to elections of professional organisations, educational institutions, transport owners’ and workers’ associations, journalists’ associations, traders’ bodies, cooperative societies, trade unions and all other organisations. The Commission said the decision was taken to keep the parliamentary election and referendum process completely free from any form of influence.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday said the 13th parliamentary election will not be a “stage-managed” one like previous polls. “Unlike before, there will be no staged election this time. A level playing field will be ensured for everyone,” he said. CEC Nasir urges voters to vote fearlessly The CEC made the remarks after inspecting 10 booths set up at the Election Commission premises in the city’s Agargaon area to receive appeal petitions from aggrieved aspirants challenging the decisions of returning officers. He said the Election Commission believes in justice and fairness. “Everyone will receive fair treatment,” the CEC added. A total of around 300 appeal petitions were filed against decisions on nomination papers during the first three days until Wednesday. The Commission will continue receiving appeals until Friday (January 9). The appeals will be heard and disposed of between January 10 and 18. Earlier, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 others across the country’s 300 constituencies during the scrutiny conducted from December 30 to January 4. On December 12, the Election Commission announced the schedule for holding the 13th national parliamentary election alongside the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order on February 12, 2026. The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is January 20. Election campaigning will begin on January 22 and continue until 48 hours before polling, which starts at 7:30am on February 10. Army, navy, air force chiefs to meet CEC Nasir Sunday  

Reassuring stakeholders about the integrity of the upcoming polls, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission is prepared to ensure a free and fair election, citing an improved and supportive electoral environment. “The election environment is good. We believe we will be able to conduct a free and fair election,” the CEC told reporters after inspecting 10 booths installed on the premises of the Election Commission in the city's Agargaon area. The booths have been set up to receive appeals from aggrieved aspirants against the decisions of returning officers. A five-day scrutiny process of the nomination papers ended on Sunday ahead of the 13th parliamentary election scheduled to be held on February 12 next. During the scrutiny, the returning officers declared a total of 1842 nomination papers valid, while rejected 723 other nomination papers in the country's 300 constituencies. Now the aggrieved aspirants can file appeal petitions with the Election Commission from Monday to January 9, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over acceptance or rejection of the nomination papers.  The Commission will hear and dispose of the petitions from January 10 to 18. Law and order to improve ahead of election, hopes CEC Nasir The Election Commission on December 12 last declared the schedule to arrange the 13th national election and the referendum on July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. 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).  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the national election. The reaction from the party came shortly after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the election timetable in a televised address in the evening. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, the party’s central media and publicity wing chief, came up with the reaction at a press conference held at Jamaat’s Moghbazar central office. Zubair, who is also the party’s Assistant Secretary General, said the long-awaited announcement had eased concerns about whether the election would be held. “There were uncertainties over the polls, but the announcement of the schedule has reassured us,” he told reporters. Calling on the Election Commission to ensure a fair electoral process, Zubair said establishing a level-playing field for all political parties must now be the Commission’s top priority. “Without this, there is no scope for making the election meaningful.” Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said ensuring a level playing field is essential for a credible election. He urged the Election Commission to take tough measures to recover illegal weapons, arrest armed criminals and improve law and order. He expressed dissatisfaction over previous electoral processes, saying, “In the past, although assurances were given ahead of elections, fairness could not be ensured. We hope this trend will change in the upcoming polls.” Zubair said Jamaat will fully cooperate with the Commission to help ensure a festive and peaceful election environment that reflects the expectations of the August-5 ‘revolution’. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Zubair called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to give legal recognition to the July Charter. Jamaat-e-Islami, along with seven other allied parties, will continue programmes aimed at securing a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum, he said, adding that the alliance of eight protesting parties would extend all cooperation to the EC to conduct the national election and referendum smoothly. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central executive council member Mobarak Hossain and Dhaka North Ameer Selim Uddin were present at the briefing. According to the schedule announced by the CEC, voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The balloting will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break. Meanwhile, BNP welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

The Election Commission (EC) is likely to declare the national election schedule soon, as it sent a letter to Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to record the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). EC Senior Secretary Akther Ahmed said the letter requested arrangements for the recording, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the speech will be broadcast on the same day. Traditionally, the EC announces the schedule before every general election through a national address aired on BTV, or Bangladesh Betar, with the recording and the declaration taking place on the same day. Time running out for election schedule announcement: Jamaat “The election schedule will be announced any day this week,” Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah told reporters on Sunday. “By this week, we mean the second week of December, from December 8 to 15.” The 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Reform Charter) will be held simultaneously on a single day in early February 2026. White ballot papers will be used for the national election, while pink papers will be used for the referendum. Meanwhile, some 12.76 crore voters are registered to cast their votes across 42,761 polling stations in the country’s 300 constituencies. Read more: CEC Nasir, Election Commissioners in Jamuna for meeting with CA

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday called on local election observation organisations not to appoint any person involved in politics or any party as they are field-level observers to ensure their neutral role in the upcoming national election. “Please make sure that your people would be totally impartial,” he said while chairing a discussion with local election observer groups at Nirbachan Bhaban. The discussion began at 10:35am as part of the Commission’s ongoing dialogue with stakeholders ahead of the next national election, expected to be held in early February 2026. Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present. Commonwealth Secretary-General meets CEC, discusses election preparations The CEC said Bangladeshis are highly politically conscious, and therefore any observer who becomes politically involved during the election would ‘damage everything’. “Please check whether those you appoint have any political involvement or have any link and connection with any party. If they have participated in political programmes, processions or meetings, please do not appoint them,” he said. He said the Election Commission wants the observers as partners to deliver a fair and credible election to the nation. “We have promised the nation that we would deliver a fair, beautiful and credible election to the nation. The Election Commission alone cannot ensure this. We all must work together for it, he added. Pointing at the old observer organisations, the CEC said he does not want to revisit past controversies. “I don’t want to dig into the past. I always want to look ahead. Mistakes may have happened for various reasons. Let’s forget about it. Rather, we should take lessons from the past and move forward.” EC committed to neutral role for credible polls: CEC Nasir But he warned that the reputation of observer organisations would be at stake if their field-level staff fail to perform responsibly.  “Reports submitted by observers must be based on reality,” Nasir Uddin said. He said the organisations must take responsibility to monitor whether their field-level observers are reporting properly. “If any report comes that your observer is working in favour of a political party or influencing the process, this will be a great damage done to your reputation. So, please ensure they remain totally impartial,” he said. The CEC said the Commission’s sole agenda is to deliver a “credible, transparent and fair election.” Describing the observers and journalists as the CCTV cameras for the EC, he said “If they keep watch, no one will dare to commit irregularities. Your role is very important. You have a very important role to play.” He reminded organisations that observers must not engage in any election campaigning or influence the vote in any way. “Their duty is just to observe, not to intervene. If they see an irregularity, it is their duty to report it, not to intervene or stop it.” On Tuesday, the EC is holding two separate discussions—one with 40 observer organisations in the morning, and another with 41 organisations from 2:00pm. The EC is holding two discussions on Tuesday --The first discussion with 40 observer organisations, while the second one with 41 other organisations from 2:00pm. Besides, the Commission is going to sit in its second discussion with top representatives of law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces on November 27 and with the top government officials concerned on November 30 next. The meeting with the law enforcement agencies is likely to focus on the deployment of security personnel in every constituency including polling stations, their coordination among the law enforcement members and EC’s instructions to ensure security during the upcoming election. Earlier, the Election held dialogues with 47 registered political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party-NCP on November 13, 16, 17 and 19 last. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. The Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule in early December for holding the next general election in the first half of February 2026.  

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.  

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday (November 16) sought cooperation from political parties to create a safe environment for voters during the national election to be held in early February 2026. “We need your support in bringing voters to the polling stations and creating a safe environment,” he said while presiding over a dialogue with six registered political parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. The discussion began at 10:30 am as part of the Commission’s ongoing electoral dialogue with political parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. “We want your suggestions on how we can deliver a free and fair election and ensure a level playing field for all.” The CEC said the Election Commission has already formulated a code of conduct for the upcoming election. “A fair election largely depends on the proper implementation of the code of conduct. If candidates comply with it properly, the election will be fair. In this regard, we seek your cooperation.” Nasir Uddin said the Commission’s main objective is to hold the next election in a fair, acceptable environment. “To achieve this, we need your cooperation,” he said. Read more: EC to sit with 12 more political parties on Sunday The six political parties that joined the talks are Gonoforum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikyajote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party. The Commission will hold another discussion with six other political parties in the afternoon (2pm to 4pm) on Sunday. The six other parties invited for the afternoon session are Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Bangladesh Jasod, Bangladesh National Awami Party-Bangladesh NAP, Trinomul BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. Earlier, on Thursday, the EC opened its much-talked-about pre-election dialogue with registered political parties by holding two separate discussions with 12 registered political parties – six parties in the morning and six others in the afternoon. The 12 parties were Liberal Democratic Party-LDP, Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, National People's Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh Communist Party of Bangladesh-CPB, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal-Basod, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Front-BNF and Bangladesh Nationalist Movement-BNM. Read more: EC awaits formal govt request for its opinion on referendum: CEC The Commission, however, has not announced yet the times for discussions with BNP and Jamaat. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC recognised three new parties, including NCP, as registered parties. The Commission aims to complete the dialogue with all registered political parties within this month before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. Read more: Want to act as real referee in election: CEC Nasir

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.