United News of Bangladesh

Around 150,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), procured at a cost of Tk 3,825.34 crore to modernise Bangladesh’s election system during the Awami League regime, have now become a burden for the Election Commission, with experts calling for their disposal after most of the devices fell into disrepair. Officials say the majority of these machines are no longer usable – with only a few thousand currently functional, raising serious concerns over the effectiveness of the project and the use of public funds. The EVM project has also been hit by allegations of massive corruption and irregularities. Experts have questioned the quality of the machines, excessive expenditure and their overall usability, with some claiming that the devices were procured in a way that could allow manipulation in elections. According to findings, audit objections have been raised over the procurement of the machines and related equipment. Investigators believe that irregularities in the purchase process contributed to significant financial losses. Bangladesh first introduced EVMs on a trial basis in 2010 under the leadership of then Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda. The machines were used for the first time in a ward during the Chattogram City Corporation election in 2011, using devices developed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. However, technical problems soon became evident. In the 2013 Rajshahi City Corporation election, a malfunction in one centre prevented the announcement of results, prompting the then commission to step back from using EVMs. The initiative was revived after a new Election Commission took charge under KM Nurul Huda, with plans to expand the use of EVMs in elections. In 2017, the machines were again used on a trial basis in several polling rooms in a ward during the Rangpur City Corporation election. From the beginning, the introduction of EVMs remained politically controversial. While the then ruling Awami League promoted the system as a modern and transparent method of voting, opposition parties, including the BNP, raised doubts about its neutrality. Election experts, observers and civil society members also expressed concerns, but critics say these views were largely ignored. From digital dream to dumping dilemma: EVM project falters Ahead of the 2018 national election, the government approved a project worth Tk 3,825 crore to procure 150,000 EVMs. However, the project reportedly did not clearly mention where the machines would be stored or how they would be maintained. Now, the Election Commission is facing a dilemma over what to do with the machines, many of which have already exceeded their usable life. Officials are considering disposal, but the process has been stalled due to ongoing investigations into alleged corruption in procurement. The Anti-Corruption Commission is currently probing the allegations, while audit objections from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office remain unresolved. Officials said the machines cannot be disposed of at this stage, as doing so could create further complications during the investigation. In addition, any disposal process would require clearance from the Department of Environment, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. As a result, the costly EVM project now stands as a major challenge for the Election Commission, with unresolved questions over accountability, financial loss and the future of electronic voting in Bangladesh. One of the key issues highlighted by auditors relates to the pricing of the machines. ACC finds defects in EVMs, questions experts' endorsement According to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office, each EVM was purchased at around Tk 2.34 lakh, significantly higher than the estimated market price. The audit suggests that the total cost could have been limited to about Tk 343 crore, indicating excess expenditure of more than Tk 3,000 crore. Experts have also questioned the procurement method, noting that the machines were acquired without an open tender process. Instead, a direct procurement approach was followed, limiting competition and raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Besides, the machines were supplied with only a one-year warranty. After the warranty period expired, further public funds were required to maintain and repair the equipment. Despite an expected lifespan of at least 10 years, many machines reportedly developed faults within a short period. The ACC has launched an investigation into the project, focusing on procurement procedures, cost irregularities and the quality of the machines. Officials said the probe would also examine possible irregularities in training and operational expenses. Contacted, election expert Dr Abdul Alim said the EVMs used in Bangladesh were fundamentally flawed as they lacked an internationally recognised verification system. In many countries, he noted, EVMs are equipped with a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), which produces a paper slip after a vote is cast showing the chosen symbol. Riding the rough ride: ADB projects modest growth for Bangladesh The slip is then deposited in a sealed box and can be counted alongside the machine results in case of any dispute or audit. “This dual system ensures transparency and allows verification if confusion arises,” Alim said. He said Bangladesh’s EVMs did not have such a provision, making the results difficult to independently verify. The election expert also alleged that the machines were unusually expensive despite being locally produced with technology developed by BUET and manufactured at the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory. “Our EVMs are among the costliest in the world, which raises questions about possible corruption in the project,” he said. Referring to the procurement, Alim claimed the initiative was associated with Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former military adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that the project was mainly designed to misappropriate public money. He said the machines are currently unused but the government is still spending public funds to store them. The expert suggested that after completing investigations and preserving a small number of machines as samples for legal or court purposes, the rest should be destroyed to avoid further wastage of taxpayers’ money. Election Reform Commission Chairman and noted election expert Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar also criticised the EVM project, saying there are allegations that the machines were procured at several times the price of similar machines used in India. Cleared today, occupied tomorrow! Why can’t Dhaka keep its footpaths free? He described the machines as low-quality and unsuitable for ensuring credible elections, noting that many of them have already become damaged and unusable. Badiul Alam said there are allegations that the procurement was carried out with the intention of facilitating the misappropriation of public funds. He emphasised that a neutral and independent investigation should be conducted into the purchase of the EVMs and that anyone found responsible should face exemplary punishment. The election expert said the machines are unlikely to be used again in Bangladesh’s elections and have effectively become a financial burden, making it necessary for the authorities to take a clear and lawful decision regarding their future.

The Election Commission has asked its field-level officers to send updated information over all the local bodies as part of preparations for holding local government elections across the country. The EC on Tuesday sent a letter to its regional election officers and district election officers to send back the updated information regarding city corporations, municipalities, Zila Parishads, Upazila Parishads and Union Parishads. City corporation elections after Ramadan: EC Masud The Commission asked the field-level officials to send the date of last election, the date of the first meeting of the elected bodies and the expiry date of an elected representatives in every local government bodies to the EC Secretariat by March 15 next. Besides, the EC sought if there is any complication related to boundary demarcation, ward distribution and voter list or legal issues as well as the court’s stay order concerning any local government body. The officials were directed to send the information in the specific formats on an urgent basis by March 15. According to the local government laws, the five-year tenure of a local government body begins with the first meeting of the elected representatives, and elections must be held within 180 days before the expiry of the tenure. Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024, many elected representatives of city corporations, municipalities, upazila parishads and union parishads either went into hiding or were arrested. So, citing disruption in civic services due to the absence of elected representatives, the then interim government later removed the representatives of 12 city corporations, 330 municipalities, 497 upazila parishads and 61 Zila parishads (excluding three CHT districts). Administrators were subsequently appointed in many local bodies, including the 12 city corporations. However, BNP leader Shahadat Hossain, who had been second in the mayoral election, later became the mayor of Chattogram City Corporation following a court order. Following the 13th national election, the newly formed BNP government on February 23 last appointed administrators to six city corporations – including Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka North City Corporation, Khulna City Corporation, Gazipur City Corporation, Narayanganj City Corporation and Sylhet City Corporation.

The Election Commission (EC) has brought a major revision to the results of the referendum held to implement the July National Charter (constitutional reform), reducing both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ votes compared to the previously announced figures. The revised information was published through an additional gazette signed by Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmad on Wednesday. The latest gazette on revised referendum result shows that ‘Yes’ votes have been reduced to 47,225,980 and ‘No’ votes to 21,960,231. The total number of votes cast now stands at 76,621,407. Among them, 7,435,196 votes were declared invalid, resulting in 69,186,211 valid votes. As per the earlier gazette, the number of ‘Yes’ votes stood at 48,200,660, while ‘No’ votes were recorded at 22,071,726. The total votes cast were 77,695,023, of which 7,422,637 were declared invalid, leaving 70,272,386 valid votes. UNDP strengthens Bangladesh EC with IT support for post-election capacity building So, ‘Yes’ votes decreased by 974,680, while ‘No’ votes dropped by 111,495 compared to the earlier announcement. Interestingly, despite the decline in valid votes, the number of invalid ballots increased by 12,559. Overall, the total votes cast declined by 1,073,616 following the revision.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance on Sunday demanded that the Election Commission (EC) recount votes in 32 constituencies, alleging manipulation during the counting and result publication of the national election. "Particularly 32 constituencies have been identified. We have been defeated here by a small margin of votes. This is the statement of our candidates....we have submitted the list of such constituencies to the commission and asked them to recount the votes there," said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad. He said this while briefing reporters after a meeting between the delegation and the EC in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present in the meeting. Manikganj Election: 13 candidates lose deposits as BNP sweeps 3 seats Azad said there are allegations that the agents of their candidates were forcibly removed from many polling stations during the counting of votes and even those who were present in the counting room faced threats and intimidation when they tried to complain about any irregularities. “The congenial environment required for a fair vote counting has been severely disrupted. So, if there is an error in the vote counting process, it will directly affect the election results—this is natural. At the same time, various types of irregularities -- rubbing, cutting, overwriting and no signatures of our candidate’s original agent in the result sheets in many places,” he said. Responding to a question, the Jamaat leader said despite the gazette publication of newly elected MPs, legal avenues remain open for them. “There are three legal stages—Election Commission, election tribunal and the High Court. We will follow the legal process,” he said. Azad also questioned the timing of gazette publication, saying it was issued at 11:00 pm on February 13, just a day after the election. “Candidates from remote areas had no opportunity to submit complaints. We urged the Commission to investigate the allegations. Though legal doors are open, our rights have been undermined,” he said. Threatening to wage tougher programmes, he said if violence does not stop, the alliance would arrange a protest rally from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram at 3:30 pm on February 16. The Jamaat leader expressed concern over post-election violence, citing incidents similar to the Hatiya (Noakhali) violence. “There are questions whether incidents like those in 2018 are recurring. In my own constituency, three women were injured. We have submitted reports from 54 districts,” he said. He said the alliance decided to take to the streets if violence does not stop, while playing a constructive opposition role in parliament. Noting that their alliance MPs would take oath, Azad said the alliance has taken a positive decision regarding oath-taking. “We will take the oath, go to parliament and play a constructive role. At the same time, the streets will remain open for us,” he said.    

Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday described Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election as ‘acceptable, transparent, peaceful and orderly’. He commended the peaceful conduct of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections and the July Charter referendum, while highlighting areas where further progress on ‘inclusion and accessibility’ could strengthen the democratic process. “The people of Bangladesh have exercised their democratic rights to seek the fulfillment of their aspirations. We encourage them to be magnanimous and united in their shared democratic future,” said the former President of Ghana while presenting the Group’s interim statement on Thursday’s national election and referendum at a city hotel. Looking ahead to the next election cycle, he encouraged the Bangladesh Election Commission to conduct a post-election review, including of all observer recommendations, as is consistent with good practice. The final report, which will set out the full findings on the process and recommendations in greater detail, will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, and thereafter shared with the government of Bangladesh, the Election Commission, political parties, and Commonwealth governments and then made public. The Chairperson acknowledged the context in which the elections were conducted, including the significant political developments following the July Uprising of 2024, as well as decisions affecting the participation of some political parties.  While the Group noted isolated reports of post-election tensions, it encouraged all stakeholders to continue to promote calm and peaceful conduct during the post-election period, and to resolve any disputes through the relevant legal channels. The Observer Group praised the vibrant media coverage, noting its important role in informing citizens and encouraging political debate. At the same time, it raised concerns about online misinformation, cyber harassment and hate speech, which continue to affect public discourse. The participation of women and youths emerged as areas requiring greater attention. Women accounted for only 4 per cent of candidates, with seven elected, while youth activism did not always translate into formal influence within political party structures, he said.  According to the Group’s statement, despite isolated pre- and post-election tensions, polling officials, security personnel and election agents generally carried out their duties with professionalism.  The Group also noted that officials assisted elderly voters and persons with disabilities. However, many polling stations remained inaccessible, particularly on upper floors, and lacked provisions for other forms of disability. On the referendum, the Group said it recognises the Charter as a response to multiple and urgent demands for reform. “At the same time, some stakeholders expressed concerns as to whether the referendum process was sufficiently consultative and clearly communicated.” The Group encouraged all stakeholders to maintain calm during the post-election period and consider the recommendations that will be outlined in its forthcoming final report. The Commonwealth Observer Group is an independent body that will make recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. It was constituted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General. Twelve experts, drawn from the fields of politics, law, media, gender, and election administration from several Commonwealth regions, were part of the group. UN encourages political stakeholders to strengthen national unity in Bangladesh The Commonwealth admitted Bangladesh as its 34th member on 18 April 1972, after its independence in December 1971. This is the fourth time that a Commonwealth Observer Group has been deployed.

As the process of forming the 13th Jatiya Sangsad gets underway following the national election, public attention has once again turned to the state privileges enjoyed by members of parliament (MPs). The Election Commission (EC) has published the two gazette notifications of the 297 newly elected members of parliament elected to the 13th Parliament as well as the referendum results. The two gazettes were issued on Friday night by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The process for administering the oath to the newly elected lawmakers will now be arranged. Amid this process, the focus has shifted to the wide range of financial benefits, facilities, and special entitlements provided to lawmakers under existing laws. According to official rules, an MP is entitled not only to a monthly salary but also to multiple state-funded allowances and privileges, as outlined in the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Allowances) Order, 1973, and its subsequent amendments. These benefits cover allowances, transport, healthcare, travel, insurance, office expenses and telecommunications. MPs’ Benefits Monthly Salary and Allowances: Basic Salary-Tk 55,000, Constituency allowance-Tk12,500 entertainment allowance-Tk 5,000, transport allowance-Tk 70,000 (including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and driver’s salary), office expense allowance-Tk 15,000, laundry allowance-Tk 1,500, miscellaneous allowance-Tk 6,000. Vehicle Facilities Duty-free import of a car, jeep, or microbus, exempt from customs, VAT, and taxes, access to import a new vehicle under the same scheme after five years, travel Allowances Air, rail, or water travel: 1.5 times the highest class fare, road travel: per-kilometre allowance and domestic travel-Tk120,000 annual travel allowance or travel pass Daily Allowances While on duty daily allowance Tk 750, travel allowance Tk 75. Gazettes of newly elected MPs, referendum results published Attendance at parliamentary or committee sessions: daily allowance Tk 800, travel allowance Tk 200 Medical Facilities Government-level medical care for MPs and their families include monthly medical allowance Tk 700 Insurance Government insurance of Tk 10 lakh in case of death or permanent disability while on duty Optional Grant Fund Up to Tk 5 lakh per year for discretionary use Telecommunication Facilities Official telephone connection at MPs’ residences and monthly telephone and call expenses Tk 7,800 Tax Benefits All allowances and benefits received by MPs are exempt from income tax. These provisions are aimed at supporting MPs in performing their legislative and constituency responsibilities efficiently.

The Election Commission on Thursday expressed its gratitude to political parties, candidates, law enforcement personnel, government and private officials on election duty, observers, media workers, voters and the people of Bangladesh for their overall cooperation in making the referendum and the 13th national election free, fair, impartial and festive. In a press release, the commission also urged all concerned to arrange special prayers at mosques after Friday’s Juma prayers for the country’s peace, prosperity and development. EC to take strict action if evidence of vote buying is found It further requested other places of worship to hold special prayers at convenient times for the same purpose. Voting in Bangladesh’s national election concluded on Thursday in a largely peaceful atmosphere, with high hopes of restoring genuine democracy and securing a strong mandate for national reforms. The polling began at 7:30am and continued until 4:30pm without interruption at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies, amid the deployment of nearly one million security personnel and another one million polling staff. Alongside the parliamentary election, voters also participated in a referendum to express their views through ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes on proposals for several constitutional amendments. Hidden cameras on police, drones deployed to prevent chaos: EC

Dhaka, Feb 12 (UNB) - Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday said that 47.91 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots by 2pm at 36,031 out of 42,651 polling centres across the country. He said the commission has yet to receive turnout data from 6,620 centres, he told reporters at the EC secretariat in the afternoon. Bangladesh Polls: EC reports about 33% turnout by noon Responding to a claim by Jamaat regarding suspension of voting in nearly a hundred centres in three constituencies, the EC Secretary said there was a scope to halt the voting if the allegations had been proven. Akhtar Ahmed said there has so far been no major problem in the overall election situation. About his visits to two polling centres earlier in the day, he said officials there informed him that the flow of voters was slow until noon. “When we were returning, we noticed that the flow was increasing,” he said.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and participatory election. “As we approach the election day that is tomorrow, I wish to reaffirm the election commission's unwavering commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and participatory election,”  he said while briefing international election observers and foreign journalists in the city. The briefing was arranged at a city hotel on the eve of the Referendum 2026 and 13th Parliamentary Election to be held on Thursday (Feb 12). The CEC said transparency in the voting and counting process will be ensured. “Voters irrespective of gender, age or background are encouraged to participate freely,” he said. The CEC said ballots are issued only after proper identification and voting is conducted in secrecy in accordance with the prescribed rules. Any electoral dispute will be addressed strictly in accordance with established legal and constitutional procedures, he added. “Transparency remains a cornerstone of our election management,” he said, adding that  approximately 330 international observers and more than 160 international journalists are independently covering the elections. Nasir Uddin said from the very first day of his commission’s journey, they have prioritized transparency. Pointing at the observers and journalists, he said, “Your engagement is profoundly meaningful for ensuring the highest level of clarity and public confidence in this election.” 394 foreign observers, 197 foreign journalists to monitor Bangladesh  elections Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present. The CEC said the electoral process is free, fair, impartial and credible. The Commission’s preparations have followed a coordinated and multi-dimensional approach encompassing legal reform, institutional readiness, stakeholder consultations and operational planning, he said. Noting that special emphasis was placed on voter registration, he said, “Through a nationwide voter list update, approximately 4.5 million new voters have been enrolled, including 2.7 million women, bringing the total number of registered voters to over 127 million with a high level of data accuracy.” About the postal balloting system, Nasir Uddin said for the first time, the commission has introduced out of country voting through it supported postal ballots for Bangladesh diaspora voters. “Despite a limited preparation and outreach period, the response has been encouraging with approximately 0.8 million expatriate voters completing registration,” he said. At the same time, in-country postal voting has been undertaken for eligible categories of voters, he added. “All operational arrangements have been finalized,” he said, adding that all electoral materials including ballot papers have already been distributed to the returning officers for the respective constituencies and the ballot papers are currently being distributed to the polling centers. “Voting will take place in a single day beginning at 7:30am in the morning and concluding at 4:30pm in the afternoon,” said the CEC. Explaining the polling process, he said the presiding officers assisted by assistant presiding officers and polling officers will manage polling operations and vote-counting at the polling stations in the presence of candidates or their authorized agents as well as accredited observers and journalists. After the close of polling, counting will be conducted at the polling stations under the supervision of the presiding officers, he said. “Results will be announced at the polling stations upon completion of counting and subsequently compiled and publicly declared by the returning officers,” Nasir Uddin said.

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday alleged that vote-buying and the production of special clothing for women are taking place ahead of the election, but the Election Commission has failed to act despite being informed. “We see in the media that special clothing is being produced for lakhs of women. Ballot papers are being printed and seized along with equipment. Even after seeing all this, the Election Commission is not taking visible action,” he said. A BNP delegation, led by Nazrul Islam Khan, met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon on Tuesday, a day ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and referendum. Senior EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed was also present at the meeting. Other members of the BNP delegation included Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and Election Steering Committee member Ismail Jabiullah and former EC Secretary Dr Mohammad Zakaria, among others. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Nazrul Islam Khan said BNP wants a free, fair and neutral election. “We have instructed our candidates and polling agents through WhatsApp messages so that the election is not obstructed in any way. We have urged the Election Commission to play its lawful role to ensure a peaceful and credible election,” he said. He also said that individuals who often speak on talk shows in a way that inspires confidence among people are allegedly distributing money to voters. We asked the commission how it views this. The commission said it would take legal action. We have clearly said that whoever is involved in unethical, immoral and illegal activities must be brought under the law, he added. Election atmosphere festive, no reason to worry: EC Nazrul Islam Khan questioned why such incidents are not coming to the EC’s notice beforehand, even though intelligence agencies and law enforcement forces are now under the commission during the election period. “These are not issues to be dealt with only on election day. Why are they not detected earlier?” he asked. He further said some individuals consider themselves powerful, which is not being received positively by the public. “Even after informing the Election Commission, action is not being taken. Everyone must strictly perform their duties as per the law,” he said. Referring to media reports claiming that certain deputy commissioners (DCs) are aligned with specific political parties, Nazrul Islam Khan said such reports could be rumours intended to mislead party activists. “We want to see these as rumours. But the Election Commission must ensure that no official acts in a partisan manner. If anything like this is noticed, immediate action must be taken,” he said. Responding to a question, he said no situation has yet emerged that could disrupt the election. “One day is still left. We hope there will be no problems. The party that does not want elections is not participating. All parties contesting the polls want a free and fair election,” he said, expressing optimism that BNP would win with a large margin through a credible vote. On the issue of ballot box deployment, he said he would have preferred ballot boxes to be sent to polling centres on election morning. “However, many areas in the country are remote and far from police station headquarters. Sending ballot boxes at night to those areas is safer. The ballot boxes will be transparent and have four locks, with an additional lock added once voting is completed. They will be opened in the presence of polling agents,” he said. Asked about the possibility of militant attacks, Nazrul Islam Khan said such threats are often exaggerated politically. “This cannot be solved by law alone. Social awareness must be increased and social resistance must be built,” he added.