United News of Bangladesh

The Election Commission has invited applications from the International Election Observers or Observer Organisations and the Foreign Media intending to monitor the upcoming referendum and national election scheduled for February 12. International observers or observer organisations and the foreign media were asked to apply by January 17, 2026 in line with the ‘Guidelines for International Election Observers and Foreign Media 2025, said a notice issued by the Election Commission on Thursday. The notice signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said Bangladesh Election Commission is committed to hold free, fair, credible and participatory elections and for ensuring that the commission keeps all activities of the election process open to observations. “In this context, we expect Election Observers and Media across the world to observe the upcoming Referendum and 13th Parliamentary elections along with our local observers at their convenience,” it read. The ‘Guidelines for International Election Observers and Foreign Media 2025 and related forms are available in www.ecs.gov.bd. In the case of having any queries, the international observers and foreign media were asked to contact Ruhul Amin Mollik, Director, Public Relations, EC Secretariat as he could be accessed through email: [email protected] and cell phone: +8801715295046 (WhatsApp). Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). So far, two-three international organisations and countries, including the European Union (EU) confirmed that they would send their observer missions to Bangladesh. EU to deploy up to 200 observers for Bangladesh’s polls: EC Secretary The EC Secretary on Wednesday said the EU would send 175-200 observers to monitor the upcoming parliamentary election and the referendum and EU Parliament member Ivars Ijabs would lead its observer mission in Bangladesh.  “Some 175-200 EU observers will arrive here at different times to observe the polls,” he said. He said the EU observers would come here to watch the election following a tripartite agreement signed among the Election Commission, the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh and the EU on Monday last. The High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the Bangladesh election and appointed Ivars Ijabs as its chief observer.      

The Council of Advisers at a meeting on Thursday approved the drafts of three ordinances on enforced disappearance prevention, haor and wetland conservation and establishment of a new Bangladesh embassy in Bern, Switzerland. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting held at his office. Under Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, a person missing for at least five years without returning alive can be officially declared ‘disappeared’ by a tribunal. The government may appoint the required number of public prosecutors for the ‘Disappearance Prevention and Redress Tribunal’ based on recommendations from the Human Rights Commission. Besides, victims or complainants may hire lawyers independently and a missing person’s spouse or dependent family member may use the missing person’s property with prior approval from the commission. The council also approved the draft of Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance 2025 both in principle and final form. The ordinance clearly defines the responsibilities, authority and jurisdiction of the Department of Haor and Wetland Development. It keeps provision for the issuance of protective ordinances to preserve biodiversity, environment, and ecosystems in haor and wetland areas and declaration of protected haor and wetland zones. The ordinance also lists prohibited activities in these areas, defines violations as offenses and sets penalties. It requires consultation with the department for development projects, subject to specific exceptions and empowers the formulation of rules and guidelines for coordination with other authorities, engagement of local stakeholders, and inclusion in conservation efforts. Besides, the council of adviser approved the proposal to establish a new Bangladesh embassy in Bern, Switzerland, aiming to strengthen relations with Switzerland, a key development partner and strategic ally. Initially, the embassy will operate with an ambassador, a first secretary, and a few officers and staff. Outgoing South Korean envoy calls on CA Yunus Bangladesh currently has 82 missions worldwide. The council of advisers also discussed the critical health condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline activist of the July Uprising and spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. The council gave special thanks to the Ministry of Liberation Affairs for organising this year’s Victory Day celebrations smoothly and successfully.    

The government of Bangladesh has received commendation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its wide-ranging labour reforms. In a letter dated December 17, 2025, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo expressed his appreciation for the “clear outline of these developments” as communicated earlier by Chief Advisor’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi. In his letter, Director-General Houngbo wrote: "I would like to commend the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh in undertaking a wide range of labour reforms... In particular, I recognize the significant measures introduced in the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025”. The commendation follows a November 21, 2025, update from Special Envoy Siddiqi detailing actions towards workers' rights, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue, and working conditions. He wrote that, following clear instructions from Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, “the pace, process and progress of these reforms had to make a clear break from the foot-dragging of the past”. Bangladesh becomes first Asian country to ratify all 10 ILO fundamental instruments Director-General Houngbo also referred to Bangladesh’s recent ratification of additional conventions on occupational safety and health and violence and harassment as “another historical milestone”. The instruments of ratification were deposited by Labour Advisor   Brigadier General (R) M Sakhawat Hussain in Geneva on November 20, 2025, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday. “Taken together, these measures should irreversibly take the country’s labour standards to a much higher plane”, said Siddiqi at the conclusion of his letter underscoring “not just the outcomes but also the processes established along the journey’. Director-General Houngbo concluded by expressing gratitude for the trust placed in the ILO to support the government, workers’ and employers’ organisations through the provision of technical assistance throughout this process”.    

The government of Bangladesh on Thursday assured diplomats stationed in Dhaka that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions in the country as per the international norms. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam briefed the diplomats at State Guest House Padma this afternoon over the election preparedness and security measures. It was a short briefing, a diplomatic source told UNB. The first half of the briefing focused on preparations for the upcoming 13th national election and the second providing reassurance regarding the security of diplomatic missions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the briefing was organised to inform Diplomatic Missions in Dhaka about the updated preparations and security measures taken for the upcoming 13th national elections and referendum. In the briefing, they were also informed that the Election Commission would welcome foreign election observers and invited them to send election observers. They were also informed that the law enforcement forces of the country including the armed forces are on high alert and are working hard to maintain law and order. July Oikya blocks Rampura-Badda road over Hadi attack attempt In this context, the Missions were also assured of their security. About 40 diplomats stationed in Dhaka were present at the briefing. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited all heads of diplomatic missions and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to attend the briefing session.  

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam will brief the diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon. The briefing is scheduled to begin at State Guesthouse Padma at 3pm, a senior official told UNB. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited all heads of diplomatic missions and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to attend the briefing session. India summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its note verbale did not mention any specific agenda. It seems that the Foreign Secretary will brief the diplomats on the current situation in Bangladesh, a diplomatic source told UNB.

The British High Commission in Dhaka has warmly welcomed the arrival of the King’s Baton in Bangladesh as part of the build-up to the Commonwealth Games 2026 – set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said, “Welcoming the King’s Baton to Bangladesh is a proud moment that reflects our shared commitment to friendship, unity, and the values of the Commonwealth." She said it highlights the strong bonds between Bangladesh and the wider Commonwealth family as they look forward to Glasgow 2026. The King’s Baton Relay is a longstanding tradition that symbolises unity and shared values across the Commonwealth. It connects communities and inspires excitement ahead of the Games. The journey to Glasgow 2026 will span over 500 days, covering every corner of the Commonwealth. In a historic first, 74 individual Batons have been created—one for each nation and territory of the Commonwealth. Each Baton carries a unique word from His Majesty The King’s Message, engraved to reflect the spirit of inclusivity and togetherness. Guests from various sectors, including the Government of Bangladesh, sports, media, and the diplomatic corps, attended a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner to celebrate the Baton’s arrival on Wednesday. This reception followed the King’s Baton Relay at the Army Stadium, organised earlier on 17 December by the Bangladesh Olympic Association, which is also the official authority for the Commonwealth Games in Bangladesh.

Another Bangladeshi peacekeeper has been injured in a drone attack by separatist forces in Sudan, raising the total number of wounded Bangladesh Army personnel serving in the UN mission to nine. According to a media release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), eight Bangladeshi peacekeepers were initially injured when a United Nations mission camp in the Abeï area of Sudan came under a drone strike. Later, reports confirmed that another soldier was wounded in the attack, bringing the total number of injured to nine. The injured personnel are receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. One of them has already been discharged, while the remaining peacekeepers are reported to be out of danger, the ISPR said. Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan: Condolences keep pouring in from international community Meanwhile, the bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in the 13 December drone attack on the Kadugli logistics base under the UN mission will be sent to Dhaka on 20 December. State honours will be accorded during their funeral rites, added the release issued on Wednesday. The Bangladesh Army continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and welfare of its peacekeepers deployed in Sudan.

After assessing the security situation on Thursday morning, Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka is now operational and functioning as normal. "We do understand the difficulties faced by applicants," said an official.  Based on evolving security situation, there will be a reassessment on IVAC operations, the official said. Visa services at other IVACs in Bangladesh are also being reviewed in light of the prevailing security situations. Due to security situation, IVAC JFP Dhaka was closed at 2 PM on Wednesday, said a notification issued by the IVAC in Dhaka. Bangladesh rejects India’s advice; vows free, fair polls All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission on Wednesday will be given a slot accordingly. The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park (JFP) in Dhaka is the main, integrated centre for all Indian visa services in the capital.

Amnesty International has demanded immediate release of journalist Anis Alamgir, who was arrested on December 15 under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), describing the move as a misuse of counterterror laws to suppress freedom of expression. "The interim government must respect its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and immediately release Anis Alamgir," said Amnesty International’s South Asia Researcher Rehab Mahamoor on Wednesday. Responding to the arrest, she said it reflects an “alarming trend” of individuals being targeted for being perceived to support activities of the now-banned Awami League. “Rather than misusing anti-terror legislation to silence people expressing their views and opinions, the interim government and authorities should instead be facilitating freedom of expression and association, including in the lead up to elections,” Rehab Mahamoor said. She urged the interim government to uphold its international obligations. According to media reports, Alamgir was arrested following a complaint alleging that he and four others used social media and other media platforms to spread propaganda in favour of the Awami League. A Dhaka metropolitan magistrate court later placed him on a five-day remand. During the court hearing, Alamgir reportedly defended his professional role, saying: “I am a journalist. I question those in power. I have been doing this for two decades. My job is not to bow to anyone.” The Anti-Terrorism Act was amended in May this year by the interim government to ban the activities of the Awami League. Since then, the law has reportedly been used against several individuals perceived to support AL including other journalists. Amnesty International warned that using terror legislation to curb freedom of expression and association violates international law, especially ahead of Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for February 2026. The rights group urged authorities to ensure a human rights–respecting environment regardless of political affiliation. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Bangladeshi authorities to immediately drop terrorism charges against the veteran journalist, to release him unconditionally, and to stop targeting the media under national security laws. In a statement issued from New Delhi, CPJ said Alamgir was arrested and charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for allegedly spreading propaganda through television talk shows and social media posts and conspiring to rehabilitate the semi-banned Awami League. “Using a counterterrorism law to detain a journalist months before a landmark election raises serious concerns about the interim government’s commitment to press freedom, a pillar of democracy,” said CPJ Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator Kunāl Majumder. He urged authorities to immediately release Alamgir and end the practice of prosecuting journalists for expressing views critical of the government. According to CPJ, police opened an investigation against Alamgir and three others on December 15. He was arrested a day earlier by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police from a gym in the capital. A Dhaka magistrate later granted police a five-day remand to question him. CPJ noted that Alamgir, a former war correspondent who covered conflicts in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, has decades of experience in print and broadcast journalism. In recent years, he has been a regular commentator on national politics, security issues and media freedom. Bangladesh’s next general election is scheduled for February 12. CPJ warned that, if convicted under the ATA, Alamgir could face life imprisonment and a heavy fine. The watchdog also reported a sharp rise in attacks on journalists in Bangladesh, including at least 17 assaults in February 2025 alone, alongside multiple arrests under security-related laws. Dhaka Metropolitan Police did not immediately respond to CPJ’s request for comment.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Park Young-sik on Wednesday paid a farewell call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and said Korean electronics giant Samsung, is now keen to expand its operations in Bangladesh, including scaling up mobile phone production in the country. He said the two countries expect to hold a new round of negotiations on a planned Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in February, which would pave the way for duty-free access for Bangladeshi goods—particularly ready-made garments—to the South Korean market, one of the world’s largest economies. The meeting was held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday, marking the completion of his diplomatic tenure in Bangladesh. During the meeting, Ambassador Park expressed his condolences and “deep sorrow” over the deaths of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were killed in a recent drone attack on a United Nations peacekeeping base in the Abyei area of Sudan, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The ambassador also conveyed his best wishes for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, expressing hope that the country would hold a free, fair, and peaceful election on February 12. Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen Bangladesh–South Korea relations, including attracting greater Korean investment in Bangladesh, the status of a planned comprehensive economic agreement, investment in human capital, and the expansion of cultural exchanges between the two friendly nations. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus congratulated Ambassador Park on the successful completion of his tenure and thanked him for his contributions to deepening bilateral relations. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh has undertaken a series of reforms to attract foreign direct investment in the country. He noted that the interim government has resolved a long-standing issue related to the Korean Export Processing Zone in Chattogram, expressing hope that this would attract leading South Korean companies to Bangladesh. The ambassador noted that Bangladeshi garments currently account for less than five percent of clothing imports into South Korea, a market dominated by exports from Vietnam and Indonesia. He said goods from the two South East nations enjoy duty free market access to Korea through bilateral and multilateral free trade arrangements. Recalling the deep cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations, the Chief Adviser suggested that South Korea consider establishing more training centres, particularly language institutes, to enhance the skills and employability of Bangladeshi youth. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present during the meeting.