Awami League President  Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday requested all voters to go to the polling centres early in the morning and cast their ballots for 'boat' to let her party serve them again. “The election will be held on January 7. Please go to the polling centres early morning with other voters and cast your votes for boat (the electoral symbol of Awami League,” she said. The prime minister said this while addressing a public rally at Taraganj Degree College. Her younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present on dais. She said that boat is the symbol of the boat of Prophet Nuh that saved the human race during the Great Flood, “This boat gave your independence and developed your living standard,” she said. “Will you cast your votes for the boat? Promise me, please raise your hands,” she asked while the audience raised their hands and chanted slogans for the AL election symbol. She also introduced Awami League nominated candidate for Rangpur-2 constituency Abul Kalam Mohammad Ahasanul Huq Chowdhury (Duke) at the rally and requested all to vote for him. Read: ‘PM sounded sincere about ensuring infrastructure facilities enabling those with disabilities to move independently’ Referring to numerous implemented development programmes of the government in the last 15 years, Hasina said that it was possible for the government as the people gave votes for her party in the last three elections. She also said that there are some development programmes left unfinished to materialise the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These are to make the country free from homeless and landless people and eradicate poverty completely, she said.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also president of the Awami League, today vehemently criticized BNP-Jamaat for inciting a wave of terrorist and militant activities against citizens of the country. This campaign, she asserts, aims to disrupt the upcoming national election scheduled for January 7, 2024. She accused the BNP-Jamaat of acting on directives from London, asserting that the people of Bangladesh would not tolerate such crimes. Asserting the constitutional right of citizens to vote, Sheikh Hasina declared that no one should obstruct or harm others for exercising their voting rights. Her comments came during interaction with reporters following her visit to Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine in Sylhet. The Prime Minister emphasized that Bangladesh rejects all forms of militant and terrorist acts. She expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh would eventually reject those responsible for such actions. PM Hasina visits shrines of sufi saints in Sylhet at start of polls campaign Addressing the recent arson attacks on trains, she issued a stern warning to the perpetrators, emphasizing that such criminal acts would be met with decisive action. Sheikh Hasina criticized the BNP-Jamaat clique’s attempts to derail the election and prevent voter participation but noted the public's overwhelming support for the electoral process. “People are not responding to BNP’s strikes. What will they gain through such destructive activities? Rather, people will hate them ultimately,” she said. Highlighting her party’s past successes, she recounted the Awami League’s election victories in 2009, 2014, and 2018, attributing them to the party’s commitment to meeting the people’s basic needs. “Rest of the needs will be fulfilled Inshallah, if in the January 7 election people of Bangladesh cast their votes for the ‘boat’ symbol, and if we can from the government again. We will ensure a developed and prosperous Bangladesh. And no one will be without an address, home, and land,” she said. Sheikh Hasina also touched on her government’s goal of bringing happiness to the impoverished, in line with the vision of the Father of the Nation, and mentioned the country’s recent elevation to developing nation status. PM Hasina condoles loss of lives in China earthquake Regarding BNP’s decision to abstain from the election, she questioned the necessity of resorting to violent tactics like arson attacks, which she labeled as “terrorist and militant activities.” She condemned the BNP-Jamaat alliance’s history of violence, including recent attacks on civilians, police, and journalists. Emphasizing the democratic process within the Awami League, she stated that the party allows all members to participate in elections, leaving the choice of MPs to the electorate. She emotionally condemned the tragic deaths of a mother and child in yesterday’s arson attack on a train in Dhaka, questioning the morality of such violence. “There is nothing more painful... How can a human being do this to another?” AL upbeat as PM Hasina to launch election campaign from Sylhet Wednesday She reiterated her stance against fear tactics used to disrupt elections, referring to similar unsuccessful attempts in 2013 and 2014.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has once again said that her country's upcoming general election will be free and fair. She made it clear after UK Foreign Minister James Cleverly during a meeting with her on Saturday (May 06, 2023) said that Britain wants to see a fair national election in Bangladesh in the coming days. Bangladesh is likely to hold the next general election either end this year or early next year. Cleverly called on Hasina at the Claridge Hotel where the visiting prime minister is staying on her official UK visit. Read: US wants Bangladesh to set a strong example of free, fair election Hasina urged cooperation from all to make the next polls free and fair, according to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen who briefed the media after the meeting. “We want a fair election to be held. My party has always maintained democracy in the country. We have given the country’s democracy a strong footing,” she said. The PM further said that her government is committed to holding a fair election which requires participation of all. "I want cooperation from all to hold a fair election,” Hasina said. Read more: Awami League alone exercises democracy and holds fair polls in Bangladesh: PM Hasina She stated that the AL government had done everything required to hold a fair election. She mentioned introduction of a voter list with photographs of voters and making ballot boxes transparent so that none can manipulate the vote. “We have created a strong state of democracy in Bangladesh," she said. On the contrary the BNP during its rule had prepared a voter list with 1.23 crore fake voters for rigging votes, she said. “We have made the Election Commission (EC) as independent and powerful enough alongside bringing institutional frameworks to hold a fair election,” she said. Read More: Election is Bangladesh’s internal affair, would refrain from commenting: Japanese Ambassador The Prime Minister said they believe in Westminster like democracy following which Bangladesh has introduced a question-answer session in the Parliament. During the talks, several bilateral issues like climate change, trade and commerce alongside the Rohingyas came up prominently, Momen said. The UK foreign minister highly praised the humanitarian role of Bangladesh premier in sheltering a huge number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh. “Britain will remain beside Bangladesh for quick repatriation of Rohingyas,” Cleverly said. Read More: BNP not to join polls under AL: Fakhrul Momen said the British government introduced a resolution before the UN Security Council on the Rohingya issue and played an effective role for its adoption. Cleverly also expressed his gratitude towards Bangladesh premier for joining the coronation of King Charles III.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Wednesday said the European Union is very interested in sending polls observers to Bangladesh during the next general election. He also appreciated the positive attitude by the Bangladesh authorities about welcoming foreign observers. He was talking to reporter after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal  and other EC members at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Read more: Foreign observers are welcome during next general election: PM Hasina tells British MPs An 11-member EU delegation led by Whiteley had a wide ranging exchange of views with the CEC and his team on Bangladesh’s preparations for the parliamentary elections, including electoral observation. The general election is likely to be held in first week of January next year.   “Everybody wants a participatory, peaceful, and fair election and that is in everybody's interest,” he added. Kazi Awal said it will be better if foreign observers monitor elections.

Jatiya Party leader Raushon Ershad on Sunday returned home after treatment in Thailand and called for keeping the party united removing misunderstandings through discussions. A Thai Airways flight carrying Raushon, also the leader of the opposition in Parliament, landed at Hazrat Shahjal International Airport at 12:25pm. Later talking to reporters at the airport’s VIP Lounge, she said “I always want the unity of the Jatiya Party…there is no question of splitting the party,” she said. She said there could be some conspiracy to weaken the party like in the past. “InshAllah, we’ll foil those conspiracies and build a united and strong Jatiya Party,” she said. Raushon, the 78-year-old widow of Jatiya Party founder and late president HM Ershad, also claimed that she has no conflict with the party chairman and her brother-in-law GM Quader. “I have returned to Dhaka and I will sit with all MPs, presidium members, and others to remove confusion and misunderstanding. I am sure, we’ll be able to eliminate the misunderstanding and return to the political program unitedly soon,” Raushon said. The opposition leader called upon those who left Jatiya Party at different times with Anwar Hossain Manju, Naziur Rahman Manzur and Kazi Jafar Ahmed to return to the party. “We must give due recognitions to those who were with us during the difficult and adverse times of the Jatiya Party from 1991 to 1996,” she said. Read more: Raushon Ershad to return home on Nov 27 Raushon said their party will nominate a competent candidate to vie for the mayoral post in Rangpur City Corporation polls billed for December 27.  Replying to a question, the opposition leader said Jatiya Party has no reason to make any alliance with BNP ahead of the next general election. “People want a change for progress and peace, which only the Jatiya Party can ensure, not BNP. “There is no question of forging any alliance with the BNP,” she said. Asked whether the Jatiya Party will be in alliance with the Awami League in the 12th parliamentary election, Raushon parried the question saying, “Time will tell”. About her physical condition, Raushon said she is now fine, but still have some problem with her leg for which she has been taking physiotherapy. Raushon thanked the Prime Minister for supporting her and inquiring about her health condition during her treatment in Bangkok. She said the current geopolitics, particularly the war in Ukraine created serious economic problems, which has also affected Bangladesh. “So, we all must remain more alert and cooperate with the government to face the challenges,” she added. Read more: Raushon Ershad flies to Bangkok again for follow-up treatment Rahgir Al Mahi Ershad (better known as Saad Ershad) and his wife Mahima Saad as well as spokesperson of Raushon Ershad Kazi Mamunur Rashid also returned home with the opposition leader. JP leaders ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, Kazi Firoz Rashid MP, Syed Abu Hossain Babla MP, Opposition Chief Whip Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Prof Delwar Hossain, Sunil Shuvo Ray and Golam Moshi, among others, were present at the airport to welcome the Opposition Leader, said a press release. On July 5, Raushon went to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, for follow-up treatment. Earlier on November 5 last year, she was flown to Thailand by an air ambulance as her health condition turned critical. She returned home on June 27 and stayed eight days in the country before going to Thailand for further treatment. As in the previous time, she went to Westin Hotel in the city’s Gulshan area from the airport instead of her residence to stay there, party sources said. Raushon has returned home at a time when Jatiya Party is divided over her previous call for holding the party council while Mosiur Rahman Ranga was recently removed from the party’s all posts. As a result of the party’s internal feud, JP MPs sent a letter to the Speaker of the Parliament to recognise GM Quader as the opposition leader, removing Raushon Ershad. Meanwhile, a court issued an injunction barring GM Quader from taking any political decision regarding the party on October 31 following an application filed by former JP lawmaker advocate Ziaul Haque Mridha, who was expelled from the party on September 17.

The Election Commission (EC) has enrolled more voters than the number estimated in the voter list update programme during a countrywide campaign, including door-to-door visits. This would be the last registration process for prospective voters before the 12th parliamentary election. Enumerators of the EC visited households to complete the update in four phases starting from May 20 to November 20 this year following the terms of Section 11 of the Electoral Rolls Act 2009 Voter List Update Programme. The progress rate of the voter registration process is 8.59 percent, the commission said. The EC officials said 9,870,970 people have completed the registration process in the update programme, 1,255,233 more than the estimated number. Registration of 4,778,003 women, 5,092,716 men, and 251 third-gender people has been completed. The names of 1,709,321 people were removed from the voters' list after verification of the necessary documents, the commission said. The EC collected data about citizens born on or after January 1, 2005, January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2007. These people would gradually be included in the voter list when they turn 18. The cost of the voter list update programme this year has been estimated at Tk106.64 crore, which is Tk26 crore more than the previous time. Read more: Election Commission The EC will publish the final and updated list of voters on National Voters' Day on March 2 next year. The voter list was updated five times since the creation of the voter list with photos in 2007-2008. The polling authority now has information about more than 11.32 crore voters. Among them, there are 57,689,529 male voters and 55,597,027 female and 454 third-gender voters. Read more: Election Commission won’t favour any political party: Anisur Rahman

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the people will definitely vote for Awami League in the next general election – for the sake of continued development of the country. “I firmly believe that people will vote for Awami League if they want the ongoing development trend to continue. And if they don’t, there’s nothing to do. It is up to them,” she said at a press conference to brief on her recent visit to India, at her official residence Ganobhaban. The premier said there is nothing wrong with the formation of new political alliances as her party wants participation of all parties in the next national election. “We want all to participate in the election. If anyone doesn’t join, it is up to the decision of the respective (political) party. But we can’t halt the constitutional trend. The democratic trend in line with the constitution will continue,” she said, focusing on her government’s successes to ensure the overall socio-economic development of the country, particularly in economic progress, trade and business and employment generation.   In reply to a question whether Jatiya Party will join the next national election as an ally of the AL-led combine, the AL president said more than one year is still left to hold the next general election. “Time will say which party will stay with us or not or form a new alliance. We don’t have any problem,” she added. Replying to another question,  Hasina said the dollar crisis is not only in Bangladesh alone, rather the crisis is seen throughout the world. She feared that if the war (Russia-Ukraine) and sanctions and counter-sanctions are not lifted, the world may face a deeper crisis including famine and acute economic crisis. Read:  UNGA: PM to highlight importance of multilateralism, resolving global issues through discussions In this context, the PM renewed her call to the citizens to grow their own foods as part of the preparation to face the imminent crisis.  Asked about India’s stand on Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar during her visit, she said India thinks and realizes that the long stay of Rohingya here in Bangladesh is creating crisis and damaging the natural resources and environment. “We’ve asked India to cooperate in this regard and we’ve received a positive response….India always thinks it should be solved,” Hasina said.     She, however, said the problem lies with the Myanmar government and it is engaged in internal conflicts. Responding to another question, the premier said that she has received much more sincerity from the Indian side during her recent visit from September 5 to 8 . “I received enough sincerity. When I had talks to the (Indian) President, the Prime Minister and others, they always showed sincerity,” she said. She said all parties and the people from all creeds in India can reach consensus regarding Bangladesh as they did during the 1971 Liberation War and implementation of the historic land boundary agreement to exchange enclaves between the two countries. Sheikh Hasina said there might be various problems between the two neighbouring countries. “But I think the problems can be solved through discussion,” she continued.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said the roadmap announced by the Election Commission (EC) for the next general election is nothing but a 'conspiracy’ to prolong the stay of the Awami League government in power. "The current illegal Election Commission is trying to keep Awami League in power. The EC announced a roadmap as it’s a broker group (of Awami League).” Speaking at a doa-mahfil-cum discussion meeting, the BNP leader said Bangladesh is not a paternal property of the EC that the election will be held as per its roadmap without the participation of the opposition parties. “We, the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh, won’t sit idle sucking our fingers.” Read:Next national election by Jan 29, 2024; EVMs to be used in 150 constituencies Sammilita Chhatra O Jubo Forum arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club seeking early recovery of ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and party’s organising secretary Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu. Earlier in the day, the EC unveiled a roadmap for the 12th parliament election at a function at the auditorium of the Nirbachan Bhaban. As per the roadmap, the general election will be held by January 29, 2024, using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in 150 constituencies out of 300 across the country. Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, said the current EC does not want democracy as it is playing a subservient role by selling itself into slavery of the Awami League. “They're feet-licking dogs of foreign masters.” He also said their party is least bothered about the activities of the current EC and they are not interested in making comments about the commission. “Where we don't accept this government, why do we accept this EC?" The BNP leader said the country’s people will not accept any election under the ‘illegal’ regime of the Awami League. “No election will also be held under this EC. If they (EC) try, it will be resisted.” Read:Outline of anti-govt 'simultaneous' movement soon: Fakhrul He said their party’s now main goal is to topple the current government and restore democracy in the country. "Not only BNP but also now the people of entire Bangladesh have got united. We'll launch a united and simultaneous movement.” The BNP leader called upon people from all walks of life to make all-out preparations to put up a strong resistance against the current government and the Election Commission.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday reaffirmed that their party will not join the 12th general election under the Awami League government. "As we said before, we’re least bothered about the new Election commission. Our main worry is about the election-time government,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader said it is certain that there will be no election in the country if Awami League is there in the government.” Because they’ll (AL) try to snatch the election results in their own style again and we’ll have to just watch it sitting at home. So, we won’t join that type of election.” Read: AL 'helping big power' make Bangladesh a subservient country: BNP Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Oikya Front arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) protesting the reported communal remarks by Keraniganj Police Station OC Abdus Salam and an attack on BNP leader Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Fakhrul reiterated that BNP’s only demand is for holding the general election under a non-party neutral or caretaker government. “Our demand is not for the formation of the Election Commission (EC) and the search committee. “ He said the Awami League government must resign handing over power to a non-partisan government. “Then the non-partisan government will form the Election Commission to hold fair elections and establish the rights of people." Earlier on Saturday, President Abdul Hamid appointed former defence secretary Kazi Habibul Awal as the new Chief Election Commissioner. Based on the search committee’s recommendations, he also appointed Brigadier General Ahsan Habib Khan (retd), former district and sessional judge Begum Rashida Sultana , former senior secretaries Mohammad Alamgir and Anisur Rahman as the four other commissioners of the new EC. The tenure of the immediate past EC, led by KM Nurul Huda, expired on February 14. Fakhrul alleged that the current government has destroyed the EC like other state and constitutional organisations. He said the Election Commission, a constitutional body, has a sacred responsibility to ensure the voting rights of the country’s people so that they can vote. The BNP leader said it is also the responsibility of the EC to help form a parliament and a government that truly represents people through holding representative elections. “But this system was destroyed since Awami League came to power.” Fakhrul alleged that Awami League revoked the caretaker government system as it knew it would not able to come to power with people’s votes. “The caretaker government was their (AL’s) demand. We accepted that as it was a desire of the country’s people…there were four unquestionable elections under caretaker governments.” He said the people of all walks of life and all professions have got fed up with the ‘fascist’ rule of the Awami League government. Read: The BNP leader said people are waiting to get rid of the Awami League’s ‘misrule' and repression. Criticising the communal remarks by Keraniganj OC Abdus Salam, he said police dared make such remarks as Awami League has used them to stay in power. “I express my hatred towards the OC and also the government for giving him the scope to say such things. Where do the police get the courage to talk so much? Because you (govt) used the police in snatching votes from people at night. Also, you have been using the police for 14 years to suppress and repress those who have been fighting for democracy,” the BNP leader said. He also alleged that Awami League has been repeatedly trying to destroy communal harmony in Bangladesh for making its political gains.

Leaders of pro-BNP professional bodies on Saturday urged the party policymakers to mobilize public support in favour of the party’s demand for holding the next general election under a non-party government. On the second consecutive day of the views-exchange meeting with BNP top leaders, they also said it will not be possible to lead any movement to success without the spontaneous support and involvement of common people. A journalist who was present at the meeting said the professional body leaders urged the BNP high-command to create a solid ground for a strong movement with different pro-people programmes. He said they also advised BNP to remain careful so that no one can divert the movement to a different direction by resorting to violence. Also read: Caretaker is a must, no more game: BNP As part of their move to take opinions about their next course of action ahead of the 12th parliamentary election, BNP policymakers sat with the leaders of 12 professional bodies, including Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, Jatiya Press Club, BFUJ, DRU, Zia Parishad, teachers forums of Dhaka University, Chattogram University, Buet, Rajshahi University, Mymensigh Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Ruet, Khulna University, Nationalist Teachers’ Forum, G-9, Haji Danesh University of Science and Technology, Sylhet Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Gazipur National University and Open University, at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the meeting while party acting chairman Tarique Rahman joined it virtually from London. After a series of closed-door meetings with the party’s central and grassroots leaders, BNP policymakers also took the opinions of the leaders of 20 professional bodies on Friday. Also read: BNP won’t join election with AL in power: Abbas BNP began the series of meetings on September 14 last to know the views of party rank and file and pro-BNP professionals about the party’s next course of action ahead of the next general election. The party had six closed-door meetings in two phases with BNP vice-chairmen, advisory council members with joint secretaries general, organising secretaries, assistant organising secretaries, secretaries, executive committee members, leaders of the party’s different associate bodies and presidents of different district units. The party also sat with journalists and university teachers on September 29.