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

Though the overall voter turnout was 41.99 percent in the 12th parliamentary election held on Sunday (January 07, 2024), more than 60 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in 21 constituencies and less than 30 percent voted in at least 52 constituencies, according to Election Commission data. The highest 87.24 percent votes were cast in Gopalganj-3 and Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was elected from the constituency, according to the data. The lowest turnout was 13.04 percent in Dhaka-15. State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumdar won the election from the constituency as an AL contender. In the national election held amid boycott of a major political party BNP, ruling Awami League secured 222 seats, while Jatiya Party obtained only 11 seats. Independent candidates clinched victory in 62 seats. Besides, Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) and Bangladesh Kalyan Party each won a seat. The election result of Mymensingh-3 was postponed. Out of the country’s 300 seats, Sunday’s balloting was held in 299 seats as the election to Naogaon-2 was earlier postponed by the commission following the death of a valid candidate there. The five constituencies with more than 70 percent voter turnout are: Gopalganj-3 (87.24% turnout; AL candidate Sheikh Hasina won), Gopalganj-2 (83.20%; AL candidate Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim won), Brahmanbaria-6 (76%, AL’s AB Tajul Islam won), Chattogram-6 (73.24%; AL’s ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury won) and Sirajganj-1 (72.32%; AL candidate Tanvir Shakil Joy won). Read: BNP demands fresh election to establish legitimate govt, PM Hasina’s resignation The constituencies having over 60 percent voter turnout include Naogaon-1, Bagerhat-1, Bagerhat-2, Bagerhat-4, Barishal-1, Jamalpur-1, Mymensingh-10, Faridpur-4, Gopalganj-1, Madaripur-1, Cumilla-7, Cumilla-8, Feni-2, Noakhali-6, Chattogram-7 and Bandarban. Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim secured the highest 295,291 votes for the ‘boat’ symbol in Gopalganj-2. Tanvir Shakil Joy got the second highest, 278,971 votes, in Sirajganj-1. Mirza Azam received 276,453 votes in Jamalpur-3 and Dipankar Talukdar got 271,373 votes in Rangamati. Among the elected candidates, independent candidate Awlad Hossain secured victory obtaining the lowest number of 24,775 votes in Dhaka-4. Candidates who won even after getting less than 40,000 votes are: AL nominated Muhammad Shafikur Rahman (36,458 votes) in Chandpur-4, independent contestant Saddam Hossain Pavel (39,321 votes) in Nilphamari-3 and AL’s Kamal Ahmed Majumdar (39,632 votes) in Dhaka-15. Less than 20 percent votes were cast in five constituencies, which are Dhaka-15 (13.04%), Dhaka-17 (16.66%), Dhaka-8 (18.70%), Sylhet-1 (19.30%) and Dhaka-16 (19.88%). In Sylhet-1, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was elected. Read: Visiting foreign observers describe National Election 2024 in Bangladesh as ‘free, fair and safe’ Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and Secretary General Mujibul Haque won amid low turnout of voters in their constituencies. GM Quader ran the election from Rangpur-3 where the voter turnout was only 22.36%. Mujibul Haque who contested the polls from Kishoreganj-3 witnessed voter turnout of 29.33%. The constituencies that witnessed voter turnout of 20-29 percent also include Rangpur-3, Kurigram-1, Kurigram-2, Kurigram-3, Gaibandha-1, Gaibandha-3, Bogura-2, Bogura-4, Bogura-6, Bogura-7, Chapainawabganj-3, Rajshahi-2, Patuakhali-1, Barishal-5, Mymensingh-5, Mymensingh-6, Mymensingh-8, Kishoreganj-3, Manikganj-1, Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-6, Dhaka-7, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-11, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-18, Dhaka-19, Gazipur-2, Sylhet-5, Sylhet-6, Habiganj-1, Chandpur-3, Chandpur-4, Noakhali-3, Noakhali-4, Lakshmipur-1, Lakshmipur-3, Lakshmipur-4, Chattogram-5, Chattogram-8, Chattogram-10, Chattogram-11, Chattogram-15 and Cox’s Bazar-1. A total of 4,99,65,467 votes out of 11,89,89,241 were cast in 298 constituencies in the January-7 general election. Read more:  Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory

Voting concluded in the 12th parliamentary election on Sunday afternoon amid allegations of irregularities, ballot stuffing and sporadic violence in different parts of the country, leaving two people dead in Munshiganj and Cumilla and a number of people injured.The polling that began at 8:00 am concluded at 4pm without any break amid tight security in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies. The counting of votes started immediately after the end of voting. Voting was postponed in three polling centers due to violence, capturing of polling stations and ballot stuffing. Groups shouting ‘anti-election slogans’ blast cocktails in front of 2 Sylhet polling stationsAwami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cast her vote at Dhaka City College in the capital this morning.Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam on Sunday said 27.15 % votes were cast till 3 pm on Sunday.He shared this information at a press conference held at the Agargaon Election Commission (EC) building. Election 2024: 18.5% votes cast in 4 hours, says EC secretaryOf the total vote, 25 percent votes were cast in Dhaka, 27% in Chattogram, 32% in Khulna, 22% in Sylhet, 29 % in Mymensingh, 26% in Rajshahi, 26 % in Rangpur and 31% in Barishal, he said.Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal said he is not thinking about voter turnout and his job is to arrange the elections.UNB correspondents from Dhaka and different districts including Dinajpur, Chattogram, Bhola, Chapainawabganj and Khulna reported low voter turnout in the morning.Lower-than-expected voter turnout was also observed in Cumilla, Bagerhat, Barishal and Habiganj in the first half of the election day.A supporter of the Awami League candidate was stabbed to death allegedly by supporters of the independent candidate at Tengor in Mirkadim of Munshiganj’s Sadar upazila this morning.Besides, Noab Ali, 60, a supporter of Awami League-candidate for Cumilla-4 Razee Mohammad Fakhrul was found dead near a polling centre at Kasharikhola in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla district on Sunday. Cent percent optimistic about winning election, says Shakib after casting voteIn Chattogram-10 constituency, two people were shot in a clash between supporters of Awami League candidate and independent candidate at Kalshi-Pahartali area.Meanwhile, a clash broke out between police and BNP activists in the Chandgaon area of Chattogram city this morning after leaders and activists of the opposition party tried to bar voters from casting their votes.Four people, including a child, were injured as two crude bombs exploded in front of Battala Jamia Anwarul Uloom Madrasa at Hazaribagh Battala in the capital around 11:30 am.Crude bomb explosion was reported at a polling centre in Jashore an hour before voting began that injured a member of Bangladesh Ansar.Clashes were reported from Barishal-5 constituency as well.Voting at a polling centre in Narsingdi-4 constituency (Monohardi-Belabo) was cancelled amid allegations of irregularities.Returning Officer Dr Badiul Alam said the voting was cancelled due to allegations of ballot-stuffing.Meanwhile, balloting at two polling stations under Narsingdi-3 constituency in Shibpur upazila of Narsingdi district was cancelled over allegations of stuffing ballots and attacking the presiding officer and snatching ballot boxes.The two polling centers are—VT Chinadi Government Primary School and Dulalpur Fazil Madrasha in Shibpur upazila.Allegations of ballot-stuffing was reported from Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) as supporters of Awami League were accused of stamping the boat symbol on ballot papers.Meanwhile, two candidates in Mymensingh’s Gafargaon constituency and one candidate of Jatiya Party in Narsingdi-2 have boycotted the election alleging irregularities.Two independent candidates in Mymensingh’s Gafargaon constituency announced to boycott the election alleging vote rigging and irregularities.Independent candidate Abul Hossain Dipu with ‘Eagle’ symbol and ‘Truck’ symbol candidate Kaiser Ahmed said they boycotted the voting as the polling agents of most of the polling centres in 15 unions and municipal areas of the upazila were driven out of the polling centers.Meanwhile, Rakiqul Alam Selim, the Jatiya Party candidate for the Narsingdi-2 constituency, has withdrawn from the election, citing irregularities.Meanwhile, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that the ballot boxes were stuffed at night even in the one-sided election.“The lopsided election is being held today. There are no voters at the polling stations,” he said.Speaking at a brief rally near Kurmitola Bus Stand area, he said people have rejected the dummy election.Some 1,970 candidates, including 436 independent contenders, are running in the general election.Out of 44 political parties registered with the Election Commission, 16 are out of the electoral race.There are 11,93,33,157 voters — 6,05,92,169 male, 5,87,40,140 female and 848 transgender — under 42,024 polling stations in the constituencies, according to the EC.Some eight lakh security personnel are on election duty to maintain the electoral atmosphere by checking violation of codes of conduct throughout the country.On November 15, 2023, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal announced the schedule to hold the 12th general election on January 7, 2024.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said they want to see a "free, fair, non-violent and transparent" election and achieve the goal to build a "Smart Bangladesh" ensuring peace and stability. "We want all from the entire world to come and see, and learn from us," he said while talking to journalists after his meeting with a team of European Union (EU) experts at his residence on Wednesday (December 27, 2023) night. Momen, however, said the visiting EU team only listened to him as they wanted to know a few things, but did not make any comment on the election. “They didn't even want to talk to the media.” He said Bangladesh is a democratic country, and there is a very strong Election Commission in place that is taking all necessary steps to hold a fair election. Asked about BNP's allegations to the EU team in a separate meeting, the foreign minister said the government has not arrested anyone on political grounds but arrested those who were involved in “terrorist activities.” Also read: Don’t want to see any proxy war in region; want to show world fair polls: FM He referred to CCTV footage and statements made by some BNP supporters, mentioning who instructed them to carry out arson attacks and vandalism. "Not a single person has been arrested for political reasons . Only criminals have been arrested. We cannot tolerate terrorism," Momen said. The foreign minister said some big countries want Bangladesh to purchase things from them, but Bangladesh does not do so at the cost of sacrificing public interests. "That's why they are unhappy to some extent. But we follow our principles. If you stand by your principles, your dignity will be enhanced," Momen said. Also read: EU polls mission holds meeting with FM Momen, BNP leaders in Sylhet He also talked about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s desire to build a “Sonar Bangla” and a “Smart Bangladesh.” "We want peace. We want stability. We don't want terrorism. We want freedom of media and freedom of speech. We want the continuation of democracy. We want more job opportunities," Momen told the reporters, referring to Awami League's election manifesto. Before going to Sylhet, Momen also talked to reporters in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon. Highlighting the importance of peace and stability for greater development, he said they do not want to see any “proxy war” in the region. “Our main goal is that we do not want to see any proxy war here. Problems remain there where we see proxy war despite having resources. Europe has fallen into proxy war and is facing challenges,” he told reporters, noting that there might be efforts to make the countries in the region weaker. Momen said Bangladesh has taken a leadership role in the region and other countries acknowledge this. Read more Cumilla presiding officer show-caused for campaigning in favour of AL candidate Mustafa Kamal

A mobile court fined two supporters of independent candidate for Faridpur-2 (Saltha-Nagarkanda) constituency, Advocate Jamal Hossain Miah, for violating electoral code of conduct. They were using loudspeakers for campaigning beyond the stipulated time set by the Election Commission (EC) in Saltha upazila of the district last night. Faridpur SP bowed to money, alleges Kazi Zafarullah Saltha upazila’s Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shahadat Hossain confirmed the development to UNB this morning (Monday), saying that each of the men was fined Tk 2,000.  The campaigners were identified as Akkas Matubbar and Md. Badal. Sugarcane crushing begins in Faridpur Sugar Mill According to the sources, the duo carried out electioneering for the candidate through miking in Saltha Bazar area at 9 pm last night. Later, the upazila administration conducted a mobile court in the area and punished them for breaching the rules. Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development As per the electoral code of conduct, candidates and their supporters can carry out election campaigns using mikes from 2 pm to 8 pm every day.

A team of 15-17 security members will be posted at each polling station in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the 12th parliamentary elections slated for January 7. According to a notification issued by the Election Commission on Thursday, tighter security would be taken for vulnerable polling stations. There are some 42,000 polling stations throughout the country and a total of 11,96,91,633 voters will have rights to cast their votes in the 12th general election. Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development The commission designed separate security plans for the polling stations located outside the metropolitan area and the stations located inside the metropolitan areas. Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 15-16 security personnel including two police with arms, one ansar with arms, one ansar with arms or stick, 10 ansar with sticks, one or two village police members with sticks will protect each normal polling station. But in case of each important polling station (which is considered as vulnerable stations), there will be a team of 16-17 security men including three police with arms. Inside the metropolitan area, a 15-member security team consisting of three police members with arms, one ansar with arms, another ansar with arms or stick and 10 others ansar members with sticks will ensure security for each polling station. Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania But in case of an important polling station, a 16-member security team will guard it and the number of police members with arms would be four instead of three. The structure of the security team for special areas – Chittagong Hill Tracts and hard-to-reach areas—would be the same as was taken for other rural places outside the metropolitan areas. The law enforcement agency members will remain deployed for five days (including travelling time) from two days before the balloting and they will stay there till a day after the voting. Besides, the members of armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, Police, Armed Police and Ansar Battalion will be deployed in the election areas as mobile teams and striking forces. They will be engaged in election duty for 13 days (including their traveling time) from December 29, 2023 to January 10, 2024. Moreover, a good number of judicial magistrates and executive magistrates are there deployed in the election areas to check violation of election code of conduct. Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are contesting in the election, while BNP and some others are boycotting the polls demanding the election under a neutral government. A total of 1895 contenders are running in the parliamentary election. The candidates are now carrying out electioneering and they can continue the electoral campaign till January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.

As many as 155 aggrieved aspirants lodged appeals before the Election Commission on Thursday, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over cancellation or acceptance of nomination papers in the upcoming national election slated for January 7.  With the 155 new petitioners, a total of 338 aspirants have so far challenged the ROs’ decisions after the EC started receiving petitions on Tuesday. The EC will also receive the appeals on Friday and Saturday. PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu at Tungipara Among 155 petitions, seven appeals were lodged against the acceptance of nomination papers by the returning officers. Earlier, the EC received 42 appeals on Tuesday and 141 ones on Wednesday. The full commission will hear the appeals and hand down its decisions from December 10 to 15. A total of 2,716 aspirants including 747 independents submitted nomination papers in 300 constituencies throughout the country to run in the 12th parliamentary election. Issue of seat sharing was not discussed: Quader after meeting with Jatiya Party But the returning officers have accepted 1985 nomination papers and rejected 731 others during the scrutiny conducted on December 1-4 last. Most of the 731 nomination papers were rejected on three grounds -- mismatch in 1pc voters’ signatures submitted by independent aspirants, loans and utility bills defaults and dual citizenship. Out of 44 registered political parties, 29 parties are contesting the general election. BNP urges those who field candidates to stay away from Jan-7 polls The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17 and the voting will be held from 8am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.  

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Saturday said It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to take action for any violence or chaos centring the national election. “Awami League has confidence in the decisions of the Election Commission,” he said at a press briefing at the AL president’s Dhanmondi office in the capital. EC issues show-cause notice to MP candidate Mostafizur for attacking journalists Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said BNP could not distract people from the election by hartal, blockade and arson terrorism. “People have become completely election-oriented. There will be a record voter turnout in this election, he said. 53 candidates submit nomination forms in six constituencies of Khulna “BNP's ill efforts to make the election questionable and prevent it are still continuing. The people of Bangladesh are united under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. That's why they're looking forward to cast vote,” said the AL leader. The leaders and activists of the BNP are frustrated and they have lost confidence, he said adding that the people of the country cannot be distracted from the election by hatching conspiracies. Leaders of Khilafat Rabbani, Nezam-e-Islami meet PM, discuss polls Awami League Presidium Member Kamrul Islam, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim and other central leaders were present at the press briefing.

The Election Commission (EC) today (November 30, 2023) issued a show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan, star cricketer and Awami League-nominated candidate for Magura-1 constituency, for breaching electoral code of conduct. Shakib has also been asked to appear before the election search committee in-person tomorrow afternoon and reply to the notice. Read: Mashrafe, Shakib, get Awami League nominations for 12th ... The notice, signed by Joint District and Sessions Judge Satyabrata Shikder, who has been leading the Magura-1 election search committee, said, “You, Shakib Al Hasan, entered Magura city with a convoy from Kamarkhali area on November 29 after being declared as Awami League-nominated candidate from Magura-1 constituency.” Read: 12th parliamentary election: Shakib gets AL nomination for Magura-1 constituency The notice says that Shakib attended civic receptions, disrupting traffic on the road. Several media outlets reported on the incident. “By doing so, you have violated the provisions of sections 6(d), 8(a), 10(a) and 12 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates,” according to the notice. Shakib has been asked to reply in writing as to why legal action should not be taken against him for breaching the electoral code of conduct. Read more: Magura district welcomes Shakib warmly as MP candidate 

The daylong hartal, called by BNP to protest the schedule for the next national election, is underway in a lax manner. BNP called the hartal on the last date for submitting nomination papers to contest the 12th parliamentary polls. The hartal started at 6 am and will end at 6 pm today (November 30, 2023). Two covered vans were set on fire by miscreants in Gazipur. BNP to enforce daylong hartal Thursday Despite fear of arson attacks, a number of vehicles including public transport were seen plying the city streets. Additional police were seen performing their duties at all key points of Dhaka. The opposition parties’ shutdown is meant to register their protest against the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC), and to mount pressure on the government to quit, hold the next election under a non-party neutral government and release the opposition leaders and activists, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. BNP to enforce blockade Wednesday, hartal Thursday The 24-hour blockade called by the opposition parties on Wednesday was marked by stray incidents of arson attacks on vehicles. The opposition parties have so far observed blockades in eight phases.