United News of Bangladesh

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker on Tuesday said officials assigned to perform election duties will carry out publicity about the referendum but won’t campaign for or against any side. “Our position on the referendum is that we are encouraging people to participate in it. However, those entrusted with election duty will not legally work in favour of or against any side,” he said while responding to a question from reporters at his office in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. The Election Commissioner said returning officers, assistant returning officers and other election officials would carry out publicity related to the referendum but would not take sides. “No returning officer or assistant returning officer is campaigning for any side. Those appointed as returning officers cannot do that,” he claimed. Replying to a question on whether publishing election results might take longer this time due to the counting of postal ballots alongside manual ballots for both the general election and the referendum, Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission is trying to announce the results within the expected timeframe. Imams can play key role in holding successful referendum: Jashore DC “In previous elections, we usually saw that most unofficial results came in by midnight. This time as well, it will be similar—at most by late night or by the following day,” he said. Responding to another question regarding demands to ban the Jatiya Party from participating in the election, the Election Commissioner said registered political parties that have valid nominations will take part in the polls. “We believe that all registered parties with nominations will contest the election,” Anwar said. About the maintenance of electoral code of conduct, he said mobile courts have so far conducted drives in 128 constituencies. “They identified 144 violations of the code of conduct, fined a total of Tk 905,500 and filed 94 cases in the last 18 days since January 8,” he added. Addressing allegations by Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) that there is no level-playing field, Anwarul Islam said the Election Commission has already taken necessary measures to address their complaints. “We have forwarded every specific complaint they submitted to the concerned returning officers and the Electoral Inquiry Committees, and action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said. EC Anwar said the EC believes the overall election atmosphere this time is much better than many previous elections. Nation's future hinges on ‘Yes’ vote in referendum: Land Adviser He said the people are participating in the election with full confidence. “Political parties are taking part, and election campaigns are being conducted in a festive manner across the country. These things are reflection of public confidence (in EC),” the Election Commissioner said. Asked whether the Election Commission has any concerns about the February 12 elections, Anwarul Islam said the commission has taken all necessary steps to ensure a fair and neutral election.“Inshallah, you, the nation and the world will see that a fair election is held on February 12.”  

Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 and convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that a level playing field has yet to be ensured for the upcoming national election. Speaking during electioneering at different spots in Badda-Satarkul area in the morning, Nahid claimed that the Jamaat alliance activists are being subjected to intimidation ahead of the polls. “Although there is no direct obstruction to campaigning, a climate of fear is being deliberately created so that people refrain from going to polling centres. But these attempts will not succeed,” he said. NCP joined Jamaat-led alliance to protect ‘July Generation’, says Nahid Nahid also accused the Election Commission of not maintaining neutrality towards the Jamaat alliance, alleging that he was served with a show-cause notice for campaigning in favour of a referendum, while no action was taken against others for promoting their respective parties. Nahid said the election would mark the end of extortionists, terrorists and land grabbers. “People expected extortion and land grabbing to stop after August 5, but that has not happened in some cases. February 12, the election day, will be the final day for extortionists.” Highlighting various local problems, Nahid assured voters that he would work to address the area’s crises if elected. “This election is not just about a change of power; it is about building a new Bangladesh. It is going to be a historic election where new dynamics will be seen in the electoral field.” Khaleda’s struggle for restoring democracy to be remembered forever: Nahid Calling on voters to cast their ballots freely, the NCP convener said, “Vote for whoever you choose, but do so after careful consideration, because this election will determine the fate of Bangladesh.” Addressing local residents, he urged them not to be influenced by money, benefits or false promises. “Think carefully and vote for a deserving candidate who is truly capable of bringing change to your area and the country.” During the campaign, Nahid called on voters to vote for the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol and to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.  

For the first time in its history, 129 prisoners at Jashore Central Jail will be able to exercise their right to vote through postal ballots. The inmates have already completed online registration, and all arrangements have been made to facilitate their voting. Abid Ahmed, the Superintendent of Jashore Central Jail, said, “Online registration for prisoners began in the first week of December and concluded on 31 December. By the end of this period, a total of 129 prisoners had successfully registered to vote.” Sources at the jail said that when prisoners were informed about the opportunity, many expressed interest. They, however, said some were unable to register online due to not having a national ID card or for other reasons. A few also chose not to apply, anticipating the possibility of being granted bail. In the end, 129 prisoners completed online registration by December 31. Once they receive their postal ballots, the inmates will also be provided with booklets containing information about the candidates and their symbols for their respective constituencies. This will allow them to make informed decisions. The jail authorities have ensured a suitable environment for voting within the facility. The Election Commission will send separate envelopes to registered prisoners. Each package will include instructions for voting, designated spaces for signatures, and the ballot paper. Prisoners will cast their votes and seal the envelopes themselves. Subsequently, the sealed envelopes, along with a copy containing their signature, will be handed over to jail authorities, who will dispatch them to the post office. The postal service will then deliver them to the Election Commission, which will count them alongside votes from the relevant constituencies. Even if a registered prisoner is released on bail, they must vote at the designated booth inside the jail. After voting, they will be allowed to leave the facility. “The jail authorities are providing maximum support to ensure registered prisoners can cast their votes. The opportunity to vote via postal ballot for the first time has generated considerable enthusiasm among the inmates,” Abid Ahned added. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ashek Hasan, who is also the Returning officer, told UNB, “All possible assistance is being provided to the jail authorities to ensure smooth voting. The administration is working sincerely to ensure prisoners can exercise their voting rights without any hindrance.”

Despite decades of pledges to ensure women’s political empowerment, the upcoming national election paints a starkly different picture, with female representation on the ballot remaining alarmingly low. The election will see participation from registered 51 political parties, yet more than 30 of them, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have failed to nominate even a single woman candidate in the 13th parliamentary election, raising fresh concerns over gender inclusion in national politics. Of the 2,568 nomination papers submitted for the election, only 109 were filed by women—just 4.24 per cent of the total, according to data reviewed by UNB. After scrutiny, the Election Commission (EC) has validated 1,842 candidates, including 1,779 men and only 63 women, meaning women make up just 3.4 percent of the final candidates. What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Later, 417 candidates regained their candidacies after appealing to the Election Commission. January 20 was the last day for the withdrawal of candidacies. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,981 candidates, including 80 women, are contesting the 13th national parliamentary election, with women making up only 4.04% of the total. Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) noted that women make up only 3.38% of party-affiliated candidates, while the share is 10% among independent candidates. While the world embraces music education, Bangladesh seen stepping backwards According to EC data, the upcoming election will have 12 crore 77 lacs 11 thousand 793 registered voters, including 64 crore 8 lacs 25 thousand 361 men, 62 crore 8 lacs 85 thousand 200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters. Legal framework and previous elections Under Section 22(ka)-(gha) of the July 2025 National Consensus Ordinance, every political party was to nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the parliamentary election, gradually increasing to 33 percent in future polls. But the ordinance has not yet been implemented, making the rule effectively non-binding. 288 BNP, 224 Jamaat candidates in Bangladesh election race Historical participation has remained low. According to Transparency International Bangladesh, women candidates accounted for 3.51 percent (55 women) in 2008, 5.55 percent (30 women) in 2014, and just 0.81 percent (73 women) in 2018. In the 12th Jatiya Sangsad, 20 women were elected, representing 6.67 percent, the highest in four consecutive parliaments. In the 9th Jatiya Sangsad, women lawmakers accounted for 3.32 percent, in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad 6.55 percent, and in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad just 3.68 percent. Party-wise breakdown Of the 51 parties contesting, only few fielded women aspirants. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had nominated women for the highest 15 constituencies but now has 10 valid women candidates following scrutiny and withdrawal, after the rejection of Fatema Khanam’s nomination (Natore-3) and non-scrutiny of three nominations of Khaleda Zia. Other women candidates nominated by political parties include: 9 from Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Marxist, 6 each from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, 5 each from Ganasamhati Andolan and Jatiya Party, 3 each from Ganaodhikar Parishad (GOP), National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from mass uprising, nominated only three women out of its 44 candidates. Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 Others including AB Party, 2 each from Gong Forum and Biplobi Workers Party, 1 each from Bangladesh Muslim League, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basosd, Bangladesh Republican Party, National People’s Party (NPP), Aamjanatar Dal, Islami Front Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Labour Party, nominated female candidates. During scrutiny, several women aspirants lost candidacy: three from Basad, and one each from Jatiya Party, Ganasamhati Andolan, Biplabi Workers Party, AB Party, NPP, and Bangladesh Labour Party. Human trafficking, instability erode global trust in Bangladesh’s passports Among 37 independent women aspirants, only six nominations were declared valid: Sabina Yasmin (Natore-2), Dr. Tasnim Zara (Dhaka-9), Meherjan Ara Talukdar (Jamalpur-4), Akhtar Sultana (Mymensingh-6), Tahmina Zaman (Netrakona-4), and Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2). Among the parties, 276 aspirants from Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party, 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and other smaller parties, each with fewer than 40 aspirants, also have no female candidates. Potential impact In a recent report, the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted that out of 51 political parties contesting the upcoming general election, 30 have not nominated a single woman candidate. The report highlighted that one of Bangladesh’s major parties, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has not fielded any women candidates in the constituencies where it is contesting. While Bangladesh has previously had two female prime ministers and witnessed significant participation of women in the student-led movements of 2024, HRW noted that women in the country are still largely deprived of the right to participate meaningfully in politics. Telling again, no uncertainty over election: Press Secretary Political parties must be held accountable for failing to nominate at least five percent women candidates in the upcoming national election despite pledging to do so under the July National Charter, said the Women’s Political Rights Forum (FWPR). The forum urged political parties to treat women’s nomination as a constitutional obligation rather than a token gesture and called for structural reforms to integrate women into leadership roles and ensure a gender-responsive political system. At a press conference titled “Nomination Crisis of Women Candidates: Gap between Parties’ Commitments and Implementation and the Accountability of the Election Commission” held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, forum leaders expressed concern over women’s extremely low participation. Forum leader Reetu Satter readout a written speech in the press conference where she said the women had prominent roles in the uprising of July in 2024, but women candidates were deprived of getting party nominations for Jatiya Sangsad. Forum leader Samina Yasmin said women voters constitute nearly 50 percent, or possibly more, of the electorate. “If women make up 51 percent of voters, our next critical task is to raise awareness about women’s rights, organize them, and ensure their active political participation. Is it realistic to come to power by excluding 51 percent of the population and relying on the remaining 49 percent? This is a fundamental question,” she said. Confusion clouds Shammo murder probe as key suspect remains elusive Samina said the forum is trying to work directly and indirectly with women leaders who are contesting the election and actively campaigning. “We are observing what kinds of challenges they are facing, how they are addressing them and what effective pathways could be developed to tackle these challenges in the future.” Despite widespread discussions on women’s rights, the number of female candidates in this election remains alarmingly low, forcing a serious reassessment of the situation, Samina added. Meanwhile, the Social Resistance Committee, a platform of 71 organizations working on women, human rights, and development issues, has expressed concern over the low number of women candidates in the upcoming election. In a statement, the committee said that given the prevailing misogynistic culture in society, women are hesitant to contest as independent candidates. It described this as a reflection of the patriarchal political culture and a strategy to maintain male-dominated politics. Highlighting the need for women’s visible participation in elections and politics, the Social Resistance Committee urged all political parties and the Election Commission to ensure women’s equal participation in political decision-making and governance, emphasizing that this is essential for building a democratic and equitable society.

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday warned that collecting voters’ personal information and national identity card (NID) details in the name of electioneering is a punishable offence. “It has come to the Bangladesh Election Commission’s notice that some people are collecting voters’ personal data and National Identity (NID) under the guise of election campaigning. According to the National Identity Card Registration Act 2010, one cannot carry or transfer another's National Identity Card (NID)," said EC in a press release. The electioneering officially began on Thursday (January 22) ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12. Referring to provisions of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates Rules, 2025, the Commission said no political party, candidate or anyone on their behalf is allowed to offer or promise any donation, contribution or gift to any person, groups or institutions residing in the electoral area. “These activities are punishable offences under these rules. The Election Commission urges all citizens and organisations to refrain from such practices,” the EC said. Earlier, on January 13, a BNP delegation lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that a particular political party has been collecting voters’ NID details and mobile phone numbers across the country. Calling the move ‘suspicious and unprecedented’, BNP Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan said such activities could be aimed at creating fake voters or influencing voting behavior. Nazrul Islam said the collection of mobile financial service numbers could indicate the possibility of monetary transactions. The election campaign began officially on Thursday after the Commission allocated electoral symbols on Wednesday to as many as 1,972 candidates contesting the upcoming election from 298 constituencies, excluding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. The number of contesting candidates would rise further once contestants from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are added. Currently, there are nine valid candidates in the two constituencies. Altogether, the total number of candidates across the 300 constituencies stands at 1,981—comprising 1,732 candidates from 51 registered political parties and 249 independent candidates. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.  

A total of 1,967 candidates are left running from 298 of the country’s 300 constituencies in the 13th Jatiya Sangshad election, after 305 contestants withdrew from the race, for which the deadline expired on Tuesday. The figure is expected to rise further once the candidates from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are finalised. The last date for withdrawal in those two constituencies was extended to January 26, following a legal battle over the delimitation of their boundaries. Even without them though, the number of candidates making it onto the ballot this time will be the highest since 2008, despite the absence of the Awami League due to an activities ban, and some other parties staying away of their own accord. The number of contesting candidates in the 12th parliamentary election held in 2024 was 1,896. In 2018, the number of candidates who contested the 11th parliamentary election was 1,841. Read more: EC requests expats to cast postal votes by Jan 25 According to the Election Commission’s draft statistics released late on Tuesday night, 305 candidates withdrew from the race by the final deadline. According to the EC, a total of 2,585 aspirants initially submitted nomination papers to contest this year’s election by the December 29, 2025 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,858 nomination papers valid and rejected 726 others. Aggrieved aspirants and institutions including different banks filed a total of 639 appeals with the Election Commission, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over accepting or rejecting nominations of more than 600 aspirants. These appeals were disposed of by the Election Commission over nine consecutive days of hearings from January 10 to 18, at the end of which 431 candidates regained their candidacies - several on the strength of court orders. Read more: 13th Parliamentary Election: 35 candidates to contest five constituencies in Chandpur Ultimately the number of contesting candidates stood at 1,967 for 298 constituencies, beating out the last three elections, which were all held under a partisan government.

Tuesday (January 20) marks the final day for candidates to withdraw their nominations in the upcoming national election, which is scheduled to be held on February 12. Political parties that have fielded more than one candidate in any constituency must inform the respective returning officers of their final nominee by 5:00 pm on Tuesday. Independent candidates and other candidates nominated by registered political parties will also be able to withdraw their candidacies within the same deadline. The Article 16 (1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 states, “Any validly nominated candidate may, by notice in writing signed by him and delivered, on or before the withdrawal day, to the Returning Officer, either by such candidate in person or by an agent authorised in this behalf in writing by such candidate, withdraw his candidature.” EC unveils fresh roadmap for Feb-12 election The Article 16 (2) of the RPO states, “Where more than one candidate are nominated in the same constituency by a registered political party, the chairman or secretary or a person holding the same rank of the party shall inform, by notice in writing signed by him and delivered, either by himself or by any other person authorized by him in this behalf on or before the withdrawal day, to the Returning Officer, about the final nomination of a candidate and the other candidate of that party shall be ceased to be a candidate.” The Election Commission on December 11 announced the polls schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. According to the election schedule, January 20 is the final date for withdrawal of candidatures. The returning officers will publish the final list of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21.  The election campaign will begin on January 22 and will continue until 7:30 am on February 10. Voting will take place on Thursday, February 12, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. According to the EC, more than 2,560 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies by the December 29 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 others. Later, aggrieved aspirants and institutions including different banks filed a total of 645 appeals with the Election Commission, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over (acceptance or cancellation of) nomination papers filed by more than 600 aspirants. Prof Yunus calls for unity for successful election, country’s future During nine consecutive days of hearings from January 10 to 18 last, some 420 candidates regained their candidacies. Altogether, the number of valid candidates now stands at around 2,250.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said his party is confident that the Election Commission (EC) will be able to conduct the upcoming national parliamentary election in a competent and credible manner. “The scrutiny of nomination papers always brings some issues — this is nothing new. So far, we have seen that the Election Commission is working more or less with competence,” he said while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Fakhrul said their party placed a few of its concerns before the Chief Election Commissioner on Sunday. “We believe this Election Commission will be able to conduct the election with competence.” Asked whether all candidates are getting equal opportunities in the polls, the BNP Secretary General replied, “We have no such complaint.” Fakhrul along with BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed placed the wreath at Zia’s grave, marking his 90th Birth Anniversary. They later offered a munajat seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia who were buried there on December 31 last year. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Nazim Uddin Alam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Mir Newaz Ali, Helen Zerin Khan, Shah Nesarul Haque and SM Jahangir were also present, along with leaders of different front organisations. Later, leaders of the BNP’s different associate bodies, including Metropolitan units, Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Chhatra Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajibi Dal also placed wreaths at the grave. Fakhrul said they came to the grave of Zia, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, the architect of modern Bangladesh and promoter of multi-party democracy, to pay tribute to him, marking his 90th birth anniversary. “Beside him rests another extraordinary and indomitable leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, who dedicated her life to democracy, freedom and sovereignty of Bangladesh,” he said. Calling Zia “an immortal name in the politics of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said the late president introduced multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of press and judiciary and transformed the country’s economy from a ‘bottomless basket’ to a growing economy. “We remember him every year, and we pledge to move forward on the path he showed for establishing a liberal democratic Bangladesh,” he said. Fakhrul accuses EC of ‘questionable acts’ in many cases Referring to the upcoming national election, the BNP leader said the election has been scheduled for 12 February. “After a student-public uprising forced fascist Hasina to flee, we are now taking a fresh oath to rebuild an economy devastated by misrule and to institutionalise democracy.” Through this oath, he said, the BNP and its all front and affiliated organisations are renewing their commitment to carrying forward and implementing the ideals of Ziaur Raham in Bangladesh.

National Citizen Party (NCP) reconsiders whether it should participate in the upcoming national election, citing what it described as one-sided decisions by the Election Commission (EC), party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said on Sunday (January 18, 2026). Speaking at an emergency press conference at the party’s makeshift office at Banglamotor on the final day of appeal hearings, Asif said the prevailing situation has prompted the party to reassess its electoral stance. “Given the current circumstances, we believe the time has come to reconsider whether we should take part in this national election. We will review the matter of participating or not participating in the election," he said.  Asif, who is also the chairman of NCP’s central election management committee, said no final decision has been taken yet. NCP accuses EC officials of bias ahead of election The issue will be discussed at the party’s political council and also within its 10-party alliance, after which the party will announce its position, Asif said.  He alleged that the Election Commission has lost public confidence, saying it failed to gain the trust of political parties and voters required to conduct a credible election. “If the electoral process continues in this manner, we fear the EC will not be able to deliver a free and fair election in Bangladesh.” Asif criticised the EC for what he termed unilateral decisions allowing candidates with dual citizenship and loan defaulters to contest the polls, claiming such moves undermine electoral integrity. He also alleged that incidents outside the EC on the final day of appeal hearings were orchestrated, accusing the student wing of a major political party of creating a 'mob' situation. “On the last day of appeals, there is a mob outside, while their secretary general is meeting the commission inside. These are all staged dramas.” Asif said NCP will continue its legal battle and consult its alliance partners before announcing further programmes. Meanwhile, despite expressing uncertainty over participation in the election, NCP on the same day announced the formation of a political liaison sub-committee to accelerate the work of its central election management committee ahead of the national election. Read more: EC revokes candidacy of BNP’s Munshi, upholds NCP’s Hasnat in Cumilla-4 The ten-member committee has been formed with Akram Hossain as its head and Faisal Mahmud as secretary, tasked with strengthening coordination and boosting the party’s election-related activities.

The Election Commission on Sunday cleared the way for most candidates facing dual citizenship complications to contest the February 12 national election, but rejected appeals from two BNP aspirants from Cumilla-3 and Cumilla-10. BNP candidate Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan (Cumilla-10) lost his candidature on ground of dual citizenship issue during the hearing in his absentia, while another BNP contestant Sarowar Alamgir (Chattogram-2) lost his candidacy on ground of loan default on Sunday. EC clears Aslam Chy, blocks BNP bids in Ctg-2, Cumilla-10 However, the EC, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, kept the fate of BNP candidate Kazi Shah Mofazzel Hossain Kaikobad (Cumilla-3) pending for the verification of denouncement of his Turkish citizenship. But the Commission is most likely to uphold his candidacy to run the election from Cumilla-3. Earlier, on Saturday, the Commission cancelled the candidacy of BNP’s Monzurul Ahsan Munshi and upheld that of National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, in Cumilla-4. Munshi's candidacy was revoked on the grounds of loan default. Read more: Swiss, Brazilian envoys meet Tarique  The EC heard more than 20 petitions related to dual citizenship issues, including several taken up suo motu, and delivered verdicts on all such appeals on Sunday, the final day of the nine-day hearing, aiming to ensure consistency in decisions on similar cases. The candidates, who faced dual citizenship barriers but their nominations were finally upheld or restored, include BNP candidates Abdul Awal Mintoo (Feni-3), Afroza Khanam (Manikganj-3), AKM Kamruzzaman (Dinajpur-5), Shama Obaid (Faridpur-2), Shawkatul Islam (Maulvibazar-2), Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan (Brahmanbaria-4), Moniruzzaman (Satkhira-4), Tahir Raihan (Sunamganj-2) and Fahim Chowdhury (Sherpur-2), Jamaat-e-Islami candidates Nazrul Islam (Dhaka-1), Zunaid Hasan (Brahmanbaria-3), AKM Fazlul Haqaue (Chattogram-9) and Mahbubul Alam (Kurigram-3), NCP candidate Ehteshamul Haque (Sylhet-1) independent candidates Anwar Hossain (Sunamganj-3) and Sujat Miah (Habiganj-1) and Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Zahirul Islam (Noakhali-1). Besides, the Commission upheld the candidacy of BNP’s Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury (Chattogram-4) and restored the candidacy of Jamaat’s Mohammad Mosleh Uddin Farid (Jashore-2), settling the appeal petitions on ground of loan default. The EC on Saturday last (January 10) started hearing of the appeal petitions filed by aggrieved persons and organisations against the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance and cancellations of nomination papers during the scrutiny. The Commission ended the hearing settling  all the 645 appeals on Sunday (January 18). Following the nine-day hearing, more than 400 previously invalid candidates returned to the February-12 electoral race. Speaking at the conclusion of the hearings, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the Commission did not show any bias while disposing of appeals filed against decisions of returning officers. He said the EC even relaxed the requirement of one-percent voter endorsement for independent candidates to encourage broader participation, adding that the Commission wants a participatory election to be held. 60 more candidates reinstated on day 6 of appeals process “We assure that neither I nor my team delivered any judgment with bias,” the CEC said, adding that uniformity was maintained in decisions related to dual citizenship issues. According to the EC, a total of 2,568 aspirants submitted nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies by the December-29 deadline. After scrutiny, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 others. The Election Commission on December 11 announced the polls schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. According to the schedule, the late date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till (7:30am on February 10) 48 hours before the balloting period.