election
National Election: 15-17 security men to guard every polling station
A team of 15-17 security members will be posted at each polling station in the 300 constituencies throughout the country in the 12th parliamentary elections slated for January 7.
According to a notification issued by the Election Commission on Thursday, tighter security would be taken for vulnerable polling stations.
There are some 42,000 polling stations throughout the country and a total of 11,96,91,633 voters will have rights to cast their votes in the 12th general election.
Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development
The commission designed separate security plans for the polling stations located outside the metropolitan area and the stations located inside the metropolitan areas.
Outside the metropolitan areas, a team of 15-16 security personnel including two police with arms, one ansar with arms, one ansar with arms or stick, 10 ansar with sticks, one or two village police members with sticks will protect each normal polling station.
But in case of each important polling station (which is considered as vulnerable stations), there will be a team of 16-17 security men including three police with arms.
Inside the metropolitan area, a 15-member security team consisting of three police members with arms, one ansar with arms, another ansar with arms or stick and 10 others ansar members with sticks will ensure security for each polling station.
Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania
But in case of an important polling station, a 16-member security team will guard it and the number of police members with arms would be four instead of three.
The structure of the security team for special areas – Chittagong Hill Tracts and hard-to-reach areas—would be the same as was taken for other rural places outside the metropolitan areas.
The law enforcement agency members will remain deployed for five days (including travelling time) from two days before the balloting and they will stay there till a day after the voting.
Besides, the members of armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, Rab, Police, Armed Police and Ansar Battalion will be deployed in the election areas as mobile teams and striking forces. They will be engaged in election duty for 13 days (including their traveling time) from December 29, 2023 to January 10, 2024.
Moreover, a good number of judicial magistrates and executive magistrates are there deployed in the election areas to check violation of election code of conduct.
Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are contesting in the election, while BNP and some others are boycotting the polls demanding the election under a neutral government.
A total of 1895 contenders are running in the parliamentary election. The candidates are now carrying out electioneering and they can continue the electoral campaign till January 5 (8am), 48 hours before the balloting, which will continue from 8 am to 4pm without any recess on January 7.
Faridpur 3 constituency: Candidates of Boat and Eagle symbols promise development
The electoral fervor has gripped Faridpur-3 (Sadar) constituency as candidates and their supporters tirelessly engage with voters to secure their ballots from dawn till dusk.
The primary contenders for this seat include Awami League candidate and District Awami League President Shamim Hossain (Boat) and the district Awami League advisor and former president of FBCCI, AK Azad (Eagle).
Independent candidate Azad has actively reached out to the commercial hub of Sadar Upazila known as Kanaipur, initiating his election campaign in various areas, including Kanaipur Bazar, on Friday.
During his interactions with the public, Azad expressed his joy at the warm reception and declared promises for development. He pledged to establish a training center in each union if victorious, aiming to provide employment opportunities after completion of training.
Azad assured the electorate, saying, "If elected, I will eradicate terrorism from Faridpur. There will be no extortion, and no businessmen will have to pay any illegal fees. I am a businessman, and representing you is my moral duty. Protecting you is my responsibility. I will address and solve every problem you have."
On the other hand, Awami League candidate Shamim Hossain has been actively campaigning since morning, connecting with party workers and voters by boat in the Dholadi Rajapur, Omediya, and Ambikapur areas of Sadar Upazila.
Shamim emphasized the continuous development of the area if voters choose the boat symbol. He envisioned the expansion of youth employment opportunities through the growth of business and commerce in the region.
He stated, "The government, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, has undertaken various initiatives for the betterment of the lives of the people. If she comes to power again, this country will reach new heights of development. Therefore, for a bright future for your children, cast your vote for the boat symbol."
As the election battle intensifies, both candidates are vying for the trust and support of the people of Faridpur Sadar constituency.
Chattogram-15: Clashes escalate among supporters of independent and AL candidates in Satkania
Clashes have escalated among rival candidates in Chattogram-15 constituency, Satkania centering the 12th parliamentary election, scheduled for January 7.
Since the beginning of the campaign, clashes between supporters of Awami League candidate Abu Reza Mohammad Nezamuddin Nadvi and independent candidate MA Motaleb, a leader within the Awami League, have involved shootings and chases, escalating tensions.
On Thursday evening, an election campaign rally led by Rizia Reza Chowdhury, the wife of AL-nominated candidate Nezamuddin Nadvi and a female Awami League leader, was attacked allegedly by the supporters of independent candidate MA Motaleb in Charati Union of the upazila.
Also read: Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
At least 15 leaders and activists, including Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadwi's brother-in-law Charati UP Chairman Ruhullah Chowdhury, were injured.
The injured were admitted to different hospitals, including Satkania Upazila Health Complex.
Awami League candidate Abu Reza Nadvi alleged that Awami League leader Saiful Islam led the attack on his leaders and activists at the behest of independent candidate MA Motaleb.
Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milton Biswas, Additional Superintendent of Police (Satkania Circle) Md Shibli Noman and Officer-in-Charge of the police station Priton Sarker visited the spot.
Earlier on Wednesday night, supporters of MP Nadvi allegedly vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb, his car, and opened fire at his supporters' house in the West Dhemsha Ichamati Alinagar area.
Meanwhile, Dr AMM Minhazur Rahman, chief coordinator of the election management committee of independent candidate MA Motaleb, said a group of 20-30 outsiders, including Nadvi's follower Riazuddin Riyadh, came with arms and vandalised the election office of independent candidate Abdul Motaleb and flung posters and chairs.
“At that time, the supporters of Nadvi fired more than 100 rounds of bullets to create an environment of fear,” said Rahman. “A microbus, a small truck, and two CNG auto rickshaws were vandalised.”
Later, the supporters of the incumbent attacked the house of Md. Riduanul Haque Sumon, chairman of Motaleb’s election management committee, and fired bullets, alleged chief coordinator Mizanur Rahman.
Regarding the escalating violence, Satkania Police Station Officer-in-Charge Priton Sarkar said legal action will be taken if official complaints are received.
Jan 7 election: Jatiya Party candidates at loggerheads over withdrawal from the race in Khulna
Six candidates of Jatiya Party (JaPa) have not yet entered the election campaign in six constituencies of Khulna, since the official campaign for the 12th parliamentary election started three days ago.
Three of them have taken a stand in favour of withdrawing from the election contest now. The remaining three agreed to monitor the situation for two or three more days.
Also read: Awami League shares 32 seats with Jatiya Party, allies
However, most of the leaders of the party's district, metropolitan, thana, upazila and ward committees expressed their opinion in favour of withdrawing from the election.
A meeting was held at the Jatiya Party office at Dakbungalow intersection in the city from 11am to 2pm on Thursday.
Six candidates of the party, presidents and general secretaries of the metropolitan, district, thana, upazila and ward committees and associate organizations were present in the meeting.
At the meeting, most of the leaders expressed anger and said that they are not satisfied with the overall situation of the election.
Also read: Jatiya Party to field 283 candidates in upcoming polls on its own: Chunnu
According to party sources, leaders and activists of Jatiya Party expressed anger and frustration as the Awami League did not give concession to the Jatiya Party in any of the six seats in Khulna.
They thought that the Awami League would leave the Khulna-6 seat to the Jatiya Party, but it did not happen.
Jatiya Party’s Khulna-4 constituency candidate Md Farhad Ahmed said most of the leaders in their speeches favoured withdrawing from contesting the election.
“The issues will be informed to the central leaders of the party in Dhaka within a day or two. If they do not get a satisfactory solution from there, the six candidates can return to Khulna and boycott the election through a press conference,” said the Jatiya Party candidate.
Several leaders present at the meeting said that Al Mamun of Khulna-3, Shahid Alam of Khulna-5 and Shafiqul Islam Madhu of Khulna-6 constituency have expressed their desire to withdraw from the election immediately.
Also read: Ganatantra Mancha urges voters to boycott lopsided polls
Khulna-3 constituency candidate and metropolitan Jatiya Party general secretary Abdullah Al Mamun said, "The anger among the leaders and activists is mainly over the sharing of seats. Complications have arisen as the Awami League has revealed that the Jatiya Party will be given 26 seats.”
“Arrangement has been made so that we do not get votes outside those seats, said Al Mamun. “Now people are calling us brokers. What will we say to the voters?”
Asked why the election campaign has not yet started even after three days, Jatiya Party’s Khulna-2 constituency candidate Gausul Azam said, "We have not started the campaign yet as there is anger and dissatisfaction among the party leaders and activists."
Echoing Gausul Azam, Kazi Hasanur Rashid, the Jatiya Party candidate for Khulna-1 constituency, mentioned that they haven't started the campaign due to unresolved issues.
“We’ll go to Dhaka and decide out next steps after discussing with central leaders,” said Hasanur Rashid.
Shahid Alam, the party candidate for Khulna-5 constituency, mentioned that Jatiya Party didn't receive any seat from Awami League in Khulna, leading to frustration among party leaders.
“During the meeting, party leaders advised us against contesting the elections,” he told UNB.
Hero Alom seeks security during electioneering
Bangladesh Congress candidate for Bogura-4 constituency Ashraful Alam, better known as “Hero Alam”, on Thursday sought security from police during the campaign for 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7.
He made the request to the district's Superintendent of Police Sudip Kumar Chakraborty after visiting his office around 2:30pm.
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“I will start the election campaign from Friday. So, I have come to meet SP sir before the campaign. I have informed sir because if any untoward incident occurs during the campaign in Kahalu-Nandigram, I can get police support immediately," he added.
Regarding Hero Alam’s meeting, SP Sudip Kumar Chakraborty said, "Police will provide equal support to 55 candidates in seven constituencies of Bogura. There is no opportunity to see anyone separately."
Hero Alom will withdraw candidature from national poll
Hero Alam sought security and we assured him that Kahalu and Nandigram police will cooperate in accordance with the election rules, added the SP.
Hero Alam had participated in elections three times from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-4 constituencies as an independent and had been subjected to attacks by his opponents.
Hero Alom’s nomination cancelled over multiple errors
Earlier, he received “coconut” as his electoral symbol from Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Saiful Islam.
Narayanganj-4: This may be my last election, says Shamim Osman
Shamim Osman, Awami League’s candidate for Narayanganj-4, on Thursday expressed concerns about an attempt on his life, asking for prayers from supporters.
"I know that an attempt is being made to kill me. Please pray for me so that I can repay your love.”
He acknowledged the support received from the community, saying, "I'm touched by the affection shown by my mothers and sisters today. I see politics as a form of worship and not a mere vote-seeking act."
Read: Equal opportunities will be ensured for all candidates: EC Ahsan Habib
Osman, speaking after a campaign in Kashipur union on Thursday afternoon, highlighted the developmental work undertaken in the area.
He hinted that this might be his last election, suggesting the need for fresh leadership.
"By the grace of almighty, I have been able to do a lot of (developmental project) work in this area. We want a better future for our children. This may be my last election. I don't want to participate in elections anymore, let someone else come.”
Osman boasted about infrastructural developments, citing road constructions worth billions while emphasising that his aim isn't merely to secure votes but to ensure a prosperous future for the area’s children.
Read: Any party can peacefully ask voters not to go to polling stations: EC Alamgir
He urged voters to exercise their rights responsibly, emphasising the importance of participation in the upcoming election.
He urged citizens to vote for any candidate of their choice, stressing the significance of their participation to prevent destabilisation similar to other conflict-ridden countries.
"No matter how big a power comes from abroad, nothing can stop the election from taking place on January 7. 2024. They have targeted our map (nation). If you don't want [to see Bangladesh turning] into countries like Syria and Libya, come to vote. Don't vote for me, vote for whomever you want. But come to the polling centres,” said the AL leader.
He accused BNP leaders and activists of committing arson based on orders from London.
Read: 12th parliamentary election will be competitive and fair, says CEC
Narayanganj City Awami League Joint General Secretary Nizam, Fatullah Thana Awami League President and Kashipur Union Parishad Chairman Saifullah Badal, Enayetnagar Union Parishad Chairman Asaduzzaman, various Union Parishad chairmen, members and local Awami League leaders were present on the occasion.
Equal opportunities will be ensured for all candidates: EC Ahsan Habib
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan has said that equal opportunities will be ensured for all candidates in the upcoming 12th parliamentary election.
He was talking to journalists after attending a view-exchange meeting at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on the election code of conduct and other issues ahead of the national polls on Thursday.
Read: EC is doing everything needed to hold fair election: Commissioner Rashida
Briefing reporters after the meeting, the election commissioner said, “The purpose of today's view-exchange meeting was to assure the candidates participating in the election with security and equal opportunities during the election.”
Election Commission authorities and law enforcers have assured the candidates in front of everyone that all candidates will be treated equally and that there will be no partiality, he said.
“It is my hope that the 12th national election will be held in a fair, free, neutral, and festive atmosphere. We'll create a conducive environment and provide security so that all voters can come to the polling centres and cast their votes to whomever they want," he added.
Additional Divisional Commissioner (general) of Khulna Saroj Kumar Nath presided over the meeting.
Read: EC appoints 23 judicial magistrates to check poll-related irregularities
Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mozammel Haque, Range DIG Md Moinul Haque, senior officials of BGB and Coast Guard, returning officers of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat districts, assistant returning officers, law enforcement agencies, election-related officials, and candidates were present at the meeting.
Independent candidate’s supporter ‘hacked’ while pasting posters in Faridpur
A supporter of AK Azad, independent candidate for Faridpur-3 constituency was allegedly hacked by miscreants on Thursday while he was pasting posters at Umedia Bazar in Faridpur Sadar upazila as part of the electoral campaign ahead of the 12th parliamentary election.
The injured man was identified as Aziz Sheikh, 30, a resident of the area.
According to witnesses, four to five miscreants attacked Aziz Sheikh while he was pasting posters of AK Azad's “Eagle” symbol at Umedia Bazar.
They allegedly threatened Aziz, saying they wouldn't allow any posters for the “Eagle” symbol there, and physically assaulted him.
Int’l organizations, foreign govts shouldn’t rely solely on BNP’s accounts to reach a conclusion, political observers say
Aziz was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital in Faridpur.
Relatives of Aziz sought justice for the attackers.
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said, "I haven't received any information about this yet. Once I do, I'll provide you with the details."
Police have been sent to the area, he said.
EC is doing everything needed to hold fair election: Commissioner Rashida
Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana said on Thursday that the Election Commission (EC) has been doing everything needed to hold a free, fair and neutral election.
Any party can peacefully ask voters not to go to polling stations: EC Alamgir
“Directives were given to the election officials concerned so that expectation of people get fulfilled and they can cast their votes without any hindrance,” she said.
Commissioner Rashida made the remarks while talking to journalists during a meeting with candidates, election officers and law enforcers at the conference room of Natore deputy commissioner.
EC appoints 23 judicial magistrates to check poll-related irregularities
Seeking cooperation from all to hold a fair election, she said provision of punishment was kept if voters are threatened.
Chaired by Natore Deputy Commissioner and also returning officer Abu Naser Bhuiyan, candidates of Natore’s four constituencies, Deputy Inspector General of Rajshahi Range Anisur Rahman, Additional Divisional Commissioner Jasim Uddin and regional election officer Delowar Hossain, among others, were present at the meeting.
‘Competitive politics will vanish through next JS election’
Former Election Commissioner M Sakhawat Hossain said on Wednesday that competitive politics in the country will vanish after the 12th parliamentary election.
'Competitive politics will no longer exist in the country. Liberal democracy should be forgotten,” he told a discussion meeting in the city on Wednesday.
Also read: CGS hosts dialogue on confronting misinformation in Bangladesh
The discussion titled ‘Bangladesh at the Crossroads--Election, Economy and External Relations’ was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
"Some people want to say, it is participatory only if the people participate. So why do we question dictators? Participatory means the participation of the parties that can challenge and make the election competitive,” he said.
"Whichever party has assumed power, they have corrupted the system, While 5 percent of votes are being cast, it is being shown as 15 percent. No matter whether the rate of voting is credible or not,” he added.
He also expressed doubts about whether 20 to 25 percent voter turnout will happen in the upcoming election.
Also read: CGS webinar on Budget 2021-2022: Business friendly or lacks transparency ?
Sakhawat termed the 12th parliamentary election as a process of “finding out an opposition party” adding that 26 parties are participating in the elections, no one can name 13 of them.
After sharing seats with the allies, 240 seats are guaranteed for the ruling party, he said.
Sakhawat feels that “a new definition” of participatory elections is being created through the next election.
Former Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder said that the election result has lost its appeal.
“The question has been raised if the opposition party which participates in the election will be elected without the help of the ruling party,” he said.
He feared that radical forces could rise in absence of a strong political opposition.
Former Governor of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said that all the regulatory bodies have lost their authority, resulting in corruption.
He said the economy will be on the right track while politics runs in the right direction.
Economist Ahsan H Mansur said that the government is giving some indexes of the economy, which do not match with real pictures.
Referring to the GDP percentage, he said that the GDP figures do not match with the employment, tax-GDP, and revenue collection statistics, he said
Banks are losing the ability to help the government and the private sector as huge looting occurred in the banking sector in the last few years, said Mansur.
NewAge editor Nurul Kabir said there is no chance for the government party to lose in the next election.
He said, “The first step to establish democracy is a fair election. This step could not be taken over the last 52 years. Unscrupulous businessmen, unscrupulous politicians, and bureaucrats have formed a cycle. There is no way out without breaking this cycle.”
Kabir thinks that the government is going to hold a one-party election against the wishes of the people.
Prof Rashed Al-Mahmud Titumir, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Dr Abdul Mazid, former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain, Advocate ZI Khan Panna, Faruk Faisal of Ain-O-Salish Kendra, among others, spoke at the function.
CGS Chairman Manzoor Ahmed Chowdhury presided over the event. CGS executive director Zillur Rahman moderated the event.