United News of Bangladesh

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Muhammad Sanaullah expressed optimism about the upcoming polls, saying he expects citizens to participate spontaneously and actively, reflecting the vibrancy of democracy. “There are only 12 days left for the election. I am very satisfied with the preparations for the Patuakhali election. I am optimistic about a beautiful and fair election,” he said while exchanging views with the Law and Order Cell and Vigilance Observation Team of Patuakhali District ahead of the National Election and Referendum on Friday. Sanaullah added that the election environment this year is significantly better than that of the last national polls. On the role of government employees during the referendum, he clarified: “Whatever is prohibited in the general election is also prohibited for the referendum. Government officials and employees cannot take sides or oppose it. Their role is limited to informing and raising awareness among the general public; they cannot advocate for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote.” The Election Commissioner also issued various directives to ensure that the upcoming National Election and Referendum are conducted in a free, fair, and impartial manner. The event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr. Md Shahid Hossain Chowdhury.

At least 16 countries have accepted Bangladesh’s invitations to send a total of 57 election observers for the country’s 13th general election and the referendum on the July Charter, both scheduled to be held concurrently on February 12. These observers will join several hundred international observers from the European Union, the Commonwealth, and multiple global organisations promoting democratic governance and human rights, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday. Among bilateral delegations, Malaysia will send the largest contingent with 14 observers, followed by Türkiye, which is dispatching 12 observers. The Malaysian delegation will be led by Ramlan Bin Dato Harun, Chairman of the Election Commission of Malaysia. The Turkish delegation, comprising several members of parliament, will be led by Mehmet Vakur Erkul, a former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh. Govt employees barred from campaigning for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in referendum: EC Other countries that have confirmed the deployment of election observers include Indonesia (5), Japan (4), Pakistan (3), Bhutan (2), Maldives (2), Sri Lanka (1), the Philippines (2), Jordan (2), Iran (1), Georgia (2), Russia (2), Kyrgyzstan (2), Uzbekistan (1), and South Africa (2). Most notable observers from these countries include Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan, Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, and Deki Pema, Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan. “We have received confirmation of close to 400 election observers so far, and we expect a few more countries to confirm the visits of their delegates very soon,” said Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator, who is supporting the coordination of election observers. Former President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo will lead the 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group, which includes Jeffrey Salim Waheed, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives; David John Francis, former Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone; and Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi, former senator of Malaysia. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) will be led by Ivars Ijabs, Chief Observer and Member of the European Parliament from Latvia. Election atmosphere to improve further with gradual presence of security forces: Shafiqul Alam The mission will also include at least seven other Members of the European Parliament: Lukas Mandl (Austria), Loránt Vincze (Romania), Tomáš Zdechovský (Czechia), Leire Pajín (Spain), Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza (Romania), Michael McNamara (Ireland), and Catarina Vieira (Netherlands). Nearly 2,000 candidates, including representatives from more than 50 political parties and independent contenders, are vying for 300 parliamentary seats. The election will be held simultaneously with a referendum on the July reform charter.

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday directed all printing presses to refrain from printing any kind of posters ahead of the upcoming referendum and the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. The directive was issued following reports of the use of banned posters in election campaigns in different areas. In a notification, the Commission said it has recently been observed that contesting candidates or persons on their behalf used posters during electioneering, which is a clear violation of Rule 7(a) of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025 and a punishable offence. “So, any registered political party, its nominated candidate, or the persons on their behalf shall conduct electioneering activities in violation of the electoral code of conduct,” the EC said. Election campaign: Code of conduct published in gazette, banning posters-drones, AI-social media misuse “The printing presses will have to abstain from printing any type of posters intended for election campaigns also,” it said. Earlier on December 11, the EC announced the schedule for holding the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12.

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday said the government employees are not allowed to campaign in favour of either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the upcoming referendum. The commission has issued the directive in a letter sent to all Returning Officers across the country. “Any person employed in the service of the Republic may inform and raise awareness among the people about the referendum. But they are strictly prohibited from calling upon people in any manner to cast votes either in favour of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the referendum,” said the letter. The letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Munir Hossain cited that relevant provisions, section 21, of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 and, Article 86, of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972. EC to issue press cards manually alongside online for election “Such activities may influence the outcome of the referendum and would be counted as a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 and Article 86 of the RPO, 1972,” said the letter. The EC asked the returning officers to take necessary measures in accordance with the legal provisions. Earlier on Tuesday, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker 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. 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. EC estimates Tk 3100 cr cost for Feb-12 election, referendum “No returning officer or assistant returning officer is campaigning for any side. Those appointed as returning officers cannot do that,” he claimed. On December 11, the Election Commission 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.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday expressed optimism that the security situation would improve with the gradual deployment of security forces, stating that political parties have so far shown restraint and tolerance while carrying out election campaigns. “We hope the coming days will look better with the gradual deployment of security forces. Overall situation will further improve,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in response to a question. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad, and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi also spoke at the briefing, where the outcomes of the Council of Advisers’ meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, were shared. Alam said the government believes political parties are demonstrating adequate restraint and tolerance and are engaging in healthy election campaigns. “Truly, they are abiding by electoral laws and following the code of conduct,” he said, referring to the situation ahead of the 2014 elections. Hundreds were killed and injured in violent attacks surrounding the controversial elections, the Human Rights Watch said in a new report released on April 29, 2014, quoting the Bangladeshi human rights organisations. Bangladesh’s government and members of rival political parties all bear responsibility for the violence which scarred national elections on January 5, 2014, said the Human Rights Watch at that time. “We believe there is still a sufficient level of tolerance among the political parties. However, we do not deny that a few isolated incidents have taken place,” the Press Secretary added, noting that, according to police data, four people have died since the announcement of the election schedule.   Violence Unacceptable, Deeply Regrettable With the national election only two weeks away, the government on Thursday called on all political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. "Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process," said the interim government in a statement, expressing deep concerns over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, said the government. "The interim government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election," according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser's press wing. The police in Sherpur have launched an investigation into the clashes and the murder. All perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security in the district has been stepped up, the government said. All parties, leaders and campaigners must play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means, it said. The government said the future of the nation depends on calm, discipline and democratic conduct from all sides. Innocents Won’t Be Arrested  Responding to a question, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said no arrests have been made so far and efforts are underway to identify the actual individuals involved by scrutinising the available video footage. He said police will speak with the families again after the burial (scheduled for 8pm on Thursday), to know whether they are willing to file a case. If not, the police will file the case. Azad said investigations are ongoing to identify the real attackers, noting that many people were present at the scene. Reject attempts to stoke fear, exploit tensions: Shafiqul Alam He said the authorities want to ensure that no innocent person is arrested or unnecessarily harassed, while those involved in the incident will not be spared. A local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami died after being injured in a clash between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening. Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit, succumbed to his injuries around 9:30 pm while on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan.

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday decided to withdraw the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Jhenaigati Upazila in Sherpur district following Wednesday’s election-related violence that left a local Jamaat-e-Islami leader dead. “The Commission has decided to withdraw the UNO and the OC. The remaining procedural steps will be completed as soon as possible,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told a press briefing in the afternoon. Describing the incident as highly condemnable, Akhtar said a violent incident occurred in Sherpur on Wednesday which went against the electoral code of conduct. “There is a provision in our code of conduct that the electoral manifesto shall be read out and the election campaign shall be carried out amid coordinal environment. Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred there yesterday,” he said. Also Read: Sherpur killing: Jamaat Ameer demands arrest of perpetrators Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami Sreebardi Upazila unit, was critically injured during a clash between Jamaat and BNP activists at the Jhenaigati Bazar area on Wednesday evening. He later succumbed to his injuries on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

The Commonwealth and the European Union are set to deploy large election observation missions for Bangladesh’s general election and the referendum on the July reform charter, both scheduled for February 12. Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator, who is supporting the coordination of election observer visits on behalf of the government, on Thursday said confirmations from international organisations and countries were increasing daily. “We feel really encouraged to see the growing interest from election observers from countries and organizations, which reflects their confidence in the interim government and the Bangladesh Election Commission to hold a free and fair election,” she said. Former President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo will lead the 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey announced in London earlier this month. AI chief writes to Prof Yunus; calls for HR guarantees during election period President Akufo-Addo will be joined by experts from across the Commonwealth with professional backgrounds in politics, law, media, gender, and election administration. The Observer Group will be supported by a Secretariat team led by Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser of the Electoral Support Section. In a statement issued on January 21, the Commonwealth said the Observer Group’s mandate is to independently assess whether the electoral process and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner. “The group will report on the conduct of the electoral process in line with the standards to which Bangladesh has committed itself, including its national laws,” the statement said. The Commonwealth Observer Group includes Jeffrey Salim Waheed, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives; David John Francis, former Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone; Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi, former senator of Malaysia; as well as representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Fiji, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, the United Kingdom and Zambia. The Commonwealth announcement followed confirmation from the European Union that around 200 observers from the 27 EU member states, along with Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, would join the EU’s Election Observation Mission (EOM) in Bangladesh. The EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) will be led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, a Latvian Member of the European Parliament, the Chief Adviser’s press wing said on Thursday, quoting messages received in Dhaka. It will include at least seven other Members of the European Parliament—Lukas Mandl (Austria), Loránt Vincze (Romania), Tomáš Zdechovský (Czechia), Leire Pajín (Spain), Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza (Romania), Michael McNamara (Ireland), and Catarina Vieira (Netherlands)—who will visit Bangladesh between February 10 and February 14. The EU EOM began its activities with the arrival of a core team on December 29. The core team comprises 11 analysts, supported by logistical and security experts, and is assessing all stages of the electoral process, including legal, political, electoral, and media aspects. Besides, 56 long-term observers were deployed on January 17 across all administrative divisions. They are monitoring electoral developments in their respective areas and reporting to the core team in Dhaka. Shortly before the election-day, they will be joined by 90 short-term observers. On the election-day, the mission will be further reinforced by observers from diplomatic missions accredited in Bangladesh and Members of the European Parliament, who will observe voting, counting, and the tabulation of results. Prof Yunus calls on armed forces to uphold public trust in elections The EU said its observers would strictly adhere to the international code of conduct for election observation, maintaining neutrality and impartiality and refraining from any interference in the electoral process. Nearly 2,000 candidates, including representatives from more than 50 political parties and independents, are contesting 300 parliamentary seats. The election will be held simultaneously with a referendum on the July reform charter.

Responding to a demand from journalists, the Election Commission (EC) on Thursday decided to issue press cards manually as well, alongside the existing online system, for media persons to cover the national election scheduled for February 12 next. “We’ve agreed in principle to reintroduce the manual system as per your demand,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed while briefing reporters on Thursday afternoon.   Replying to a question, the EC Secretary said journalists whose online applications have already been approved will receive their press cards through the online process, while those who have not yet applied online will be able to obtain press cards manually. “We’ll inform you soon when the manual issuance process of the press cards will begin,” he said. Earlier in the day, journalist leaders met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and demanded for simplifying the press card issuance process, citing difficulties with the newly introduced online system. Many Bangladesh’s journalists face voting exclusion despite new postal ballot system The Reporters Forum for Election & Democracy (RFED) arranged the meeting attended by the leaders of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), the Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) and Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF). In response, the CEC said, “The process of issuing journalist cards online is not user-friendly. This is our new journey, so a problem has appeared with it.It has become a problem. Since it (online application process) is for the first time, it is definitely a problem. Inshallah it will be resolved.” DUJ President Shahidul Islam and its general secretary Khurshid Alam, RFED President Kazi Jabel, BJC Chairman Rezwanul Haque Raza and its executive Milton Anwar Executive, BSRF President Masudul Hoque and its general secretary Obaidullah Badal, among others, spoke at the meeting moderated by RFED general secretary Golam Rabbani.

With the national election only two weeks away, the government on Thursday called on all political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. "Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process," said the interim government in a statement, expressing deep concerns over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, said the government. "The interim government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election," according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser's press wing. The police in Sherpur have launched an investigation into the clashes and the murder. All perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security in the district has been stepped up, the government said. All parties, leaders, and campaigners must play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means, it said. The government said the future of the nation depends on calm, discipline and democratic conduct from all sides. Read More: EC estimates Tk 3100 cr cost for Feb-12 election, referendum A local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami died after being injured in a clash between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening. Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit, succumbed to his injuries around 9:30 pm while on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan.

The balloting will be held through 42,779 polling stations in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the referendum and national election scheduled for February 12 next. “The final number of polling stations is 42,779 and that of polling booths is 247,482 in the referendum and 13th parliamentary election,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday. A total of 785,225 polling staff will be inside the polling stations. The officials include 42,779 presiding officers (for the same number of polling stations), 247,482 assistant presiding officers (for the same number of polling booths) and 494,964 polling officers, he said. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam pledges credible polls on Feb 12 As many as 127,711,793 voters --64,825,361 males, 62,885,200 females and 1,232 transgender persons— have the voting rights in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the EC released the final statistics of candidates in the national election. According to the statistics, the number of contesting candidates is 2017 in the 300 constituencies.