United News of Bangladesh

Ahead of the election in Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) constituency scheduled for April 9, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed its 16 platoons to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful voting process. Following directives from the Election Commission, BGB personnel will serve as mobile and static forces from five days before the election to two days after the polls to maintain law and order. According to a press release issued by the BGB Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB), under the supervision of the Mymensingh sector, the deployed platoons have established four base camps across Sreebardi and Jhenaigati upazilas to carry out their duties. Given that Sherpur-3 is a bordering constituency, the BGB presence has been strengthened, with personnel on the frontier also providing support to election areas as needed. The Sherpur-3 election, originally scheduled for February 12, was postponed following the death of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal. As per the revised schedule, voting will be held on April 9.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said he has successfully been able to keep the promise he made earlier before the nation as even a single person didn’t complain that he couldn’t vote in the February 12 general election. “Till now I’ve not found any person who complained that he couldn’t vote on Election Day. I’ve asked many people – hundreds of people,” he said. The CEC made the remark while addressing a views-exchange discussion on strengthening women’s participation in the electoral process at the Nirbachan Bhaban auditorium on the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2026. He said he has not heard that even a single person couldn’t vote, faced problems and violence in the polling station or was driven out from the polling station. “I’ve been able to deliver what promise I made before the nation,” Nasir Uddin. Talking about the post-election complaints by the political parties or particular candidates, he said different complaints might be raised after the election as it was seen after the fair elections in the past. “There might be various objections regarding the vote. Such objections are raised usually when the election is fair. It is our history and culture. We also saw it in the past. We saw different allegations like subtle manipulation of elections in 1991 and 1996,” he said. Nasir Uddin said no objection is raised normally during the course of a nice election. No person raised any single complaint when he was talking to common voters including minority community and women voters during his visit to the polling station on Election Day, he said. In the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12, BNP won 209 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. The election was held in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies, but the Election Commission published results of 297 constituencies. Besides, NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. Focusing on women’s contributions to the economy, the CEC said the value of women’s household work is not reflected in the country’s economic calculations and GDP. He praised the efficiency of female election officials who performed duties during the polls, saying no allegations of bias or irregularities have so far been raised against them. Citing the current EC’s significant success in registering women voters, Nasir Uddin said, “Previously, there was a gap of around three million between male and female voters. After the door-to-door voter list update, the gap has now reduced to about one million,” he said. Election Commissioners Anwarul Islam, Tahmida Ahmed and Abdur Rahmanel Masud, among others, spoke at the discussion.  

By-election to two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 -- will be held on April 9 next as the Election Commission announced the schedule on Tuesday. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed declared the schedule at a press briefing in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is March 02, while the scrutiny date of the nomination papers is March 05 and the last date for withdrawal of candidates is March 14. Earlier on Sunday, Election Commissioner Rahmanel Masud said the Election Commission will hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats -- Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3-- by April 14 next. Masud said the Commission is trying to complete the elections ahead of Pahela Baishakh as the rainy season and storms are common after that period. “We hope we will be able to do it before that.” Replying to a question about postal ballots, the commissioner said postal voting will remain in place for the by-election as well. Bogura-6, Sherpur-3 by-election to by April 14: EC Masud BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 and he was elected from the two seats. But Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election and took oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency.  Besides, the EC on February 04 last cancelled the election to Sherpur-3 constituency, following the death of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal. The elections to 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) were held on February 12. The EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates on February 12, keeping the election result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies withheld in line with the court’s decisions. On Tuesday, 296 newly elected MPs took oath as Tarique Rahman who was elected from two constituencies left Bogura-6 for by-election. The 296 newly MPs include 208 BNP ones, 68 Jamaat MPs, seven independent MPs and six NCP MPs, two Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, one MP each of Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Ganaodhikar Parishad, Ganasamhati Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

The Election Commission will hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats -- Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3-- by April 14 next, said Election Commissioner Rahmanel Masud on Sunday. “The by-election to Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 will be held soon, Inshallah. We are making arrangements so that the polls can be completed before April 14, that is, before Pahela Baishakh,” he told reporters at his office in the city’s Election Bhaban. Masud said the Commission is trying to complete the elections ahead of Pahela Baishakh as the rainy season and storms are common after that period. “We hope we will be able to do it before that,” he added. Replying to a question about postal ballots, the commissioner said postal voting will remain in place for the by-election as well. “Postal ballots will continue in the by-election. One ballot had already been issued earlier (for Sherpur-3), but voting did not take place. For Bogura, we will send postal ballots again,” he said. Asked about the timeframe for registration, Masud said those who have already registered will receive ballots directly (for Bogura-6). Regarding the election to reserved women’s seats in Parliament, Masud said the process has effectively begun. “The voting for reserved seats has already started in a sense, as it is mainly conducted by the parliamentary parties. Whomever the parties nominate can be considered elected. Formally, it must be completed within 90 days of the oath-taking, and we will do that, InshAllah,” he said. Saudi Arabia issues 1.4m visas for Bangladeshis, 750,000 for work When asked about the schedule, he said it will be announced soon within the stipulated 90-day period. “Time is still there. Political parties have already begun the nomination process. We will complete the formalities,” he said. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 and he was elected from the two seats. But Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election and took oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency.  Besides, the EC on February 04 last cancelled the election to Sherpur-3 constituency, following the death of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal. The elections to 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) were held on February 12. The EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates on February 12, keeping the election result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies withheld in line with the court’s decisions. On Tuesday, 296 newly elected MPs took oath as Tarique Rahman who was elected from two constituencies left Bogura-6 for by-election. The 296 newly MPs include 208 BNP ones, 68 Jamaat MPs, seven independent MPs and six NCP MPs, two Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, one MP each of Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Ganaodhikar Parishad, Ganasamhati Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

Video footage captured by closed-circuit cameras at the polling stations of the recent general election and referendum would be preserved at the offices of assistant returning officers. The Election Commission has taken the decision to preserve the video footage of two days – the day before the voting and the voting day— with a view to using these as documents. The Commission on Thursday issued the directives to the 69 returning officers -– two divisional commissioners (Dhaka and Chattogram), three regional election officers (Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna) and 64 Districts’ deputy commissioners—to store the video footage. The EC in a letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain asked the returning officers to preserve the video footage at the office of the assistant returning officers concerned. The 13th parliamentary election and referendum were held at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country on February 12 last. Some 90 percent of the polling stations were under CC camera surveillance. Bangladesh election credible, genuinely competitive: EU Chief Observer On February 13 last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders. Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. So, the BNP-led electoral alliance sealed victory in a total of 212 constituencies, while the Jamaat-led electoral alliance won in 77 constituencies.

Two candidates of Islami Andolan Bangladesh lost their deposits in Chuadanga. According to unofficial results released by the Election Commission, the party candidates in Chuadanga-1 and Chuadanga-2 failed to secure 12.5 percent of valid votes, the threshold to keep their deposits, said Chuadanga district election officer Ahmad Ali In Chuadanga-1, Zahurul Islam Azizi, the candidate of Islami Andolan with the hand fan symbol, received 10,122 votes and could not reach the required limit. In Chuadanga-2, Hasanuzzaman Sojib, also with the hand-fan symbol, received 6,374 votes and lost his deposit. Jamaat wins three Kushtia seats as 17 candidates lose deposits According to local party leaders, expected results were affected by voting conditions and other obstacles. They expressed determination to strengthen organisational work and recover in future elections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said the party recognises the overall outcome of the 13th parliamentary election and respects the rule of law, pledging to serve as a vigilant, principled and peaceful opposition. In a statement posted on his verified Facebook account, the Jamaat chief expressed gratitude to party volunteers and supporters for their tireless efforts during the election period. He acknowledged that many activists felt hurt and disappointed by the results but said their efforts were not in vain. Shafiqur Rahman said securing 77 seats has significantly increased Jamaat’s parliamentary presence, calling it a strong foundation rather than a setback. Drawing on political history, he said electoral fortunes can change over time, citing the long political journey that parties often undertake before returning to power. What perks do Bangladesh MPs enjoy? The Jamaat chief stressed that democratic politics requires patience, public trust and responsible preparation for the future. Shafiqur Rahman said the party remains committed to strengthening democratic culture, safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting a just and accountable state. He reiterated Jamaat’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and contributing constructively to national progress while holding the government accountable. Shafiqur Rahman also alleged that some party workers faced intimidation and harassment during the campaign but praised their courage and dedication to democratic participation. “Our movement has never been about a single election,” he said, adding that Jamaat will continue pursuing principled and peaceful politics in the days ahead.

President Mohammad Sahabuddin will administer the oath to new cabinet members in accordance with the Constitution, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid said on Saturday. Preparations are underway at the Cabinet Division for the swearing-in ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Abdur Rashid also said around 1,000 guests are expected to be invited to the ceremony. Gazettes of newly elected MPs, referendum results published Asked about the number of cabinet members, he said, “That depends on the person who will be the Leader of the House, the Prime Minister. It’s up to them how many ministers they want now or later.” Responding to a question about the possible date of the swearing-in ceremony he said, “We cannot confirm the date yet. Once we receive instructions or indications about the date and time, we will proceed accordingly. If it’s tomorrow, we will prepare for tomorrow (Sunday). If it’s two days later, we will prepare for that day. Only then can we provide the exact date.”

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.

Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Bangladesh Ivars Ijabs on Saturday described the national election as ‘credible, hugely and genuinely competitive and pluralistic’ but observed that there was lack of proper women's representation. “Parliamentary elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law,” he told reporters at a city hotel. Ijabs noted that for the first time since 2008, elections were genuinely competitive, conducted under a renewed legal framework that largely accords with international standards and with fundamental freedom broadly respected. He, however, said sporadic, localised political violence and persistent fear of mob attacks, often triggered by manipulated online narratives, harmed the democratic process.    Regarding the voter turnout, Ijabs said this is historically higher and lower and noted that it is shrinking everywhere and it is something concerning for all democracies. He said the limited political space afforded to women undermined their equal participation but the EC worked independently and transparently, maintaining the confidence of stakeholders and upholding the integrity of the polls. “Women candidates were, regrettably, almost absent from these elections,” Ijabs said, noting that only four percent of the contestants were women, with BNP fielding 10 and NCP two candidates, while Jamaat and 30 other parties did not have any, evidencing a ‘clear lack of political will’ to advance women in national politics.    He also highlighted the vital role of citizen observers, fact-checkers, as well as youth and women activists in rebuilding public trust in elections, enhancing transparency, and helping voters to make informed choices. The EU EOM observers noted that the election day was orderly, festive, and calm, while dedicated poll workers managed the opening, voting, and counting efficiently. EU Chief Observer calls twin polls a big day for Bangladesh democracy The presence of party agents at all stages of the process enhanced integrity, while regular updates on results tabulation at the local level by returning officers and by legacy media helped to maintain public confidence. Independent participation of persons with disabilities was not always ensured. The absence of affirmative action measures still leaves indigenous communities and minorities underrepresented in the political arena. "It is time to abandon the old practices that no longer reflect the growing maturity of Bangladesh's democracy and to chart a new course promoting independent institutions, human rights and accountability," said Ijabs. Head of the European Parliament Delegation Tomas Zdechovsky said the country is now entering a new crucial phase. “We urge the new parliament and government, backed by all other state institutions, to implement the approved reforms.” The EU EOM has been present in Bangladesh since the end of 2025 and on election day with 223 international observers, drawn from all EU Member States, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland, deployed across all 64 administrative districts. The mission will continue to observe the post-election environment and will publish a final report, including recommendations for improving future elections, in the coming months.