[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Election roadmap in June–July, discussions with parties before October: EC

The election commission (EC) is preparing to hold elections next December and will hold dialogue with stakeholders including political parties before October. Election commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker said this while speaking with journalists at his office in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban.

en.prothomalo.com

Election roadmap in June–July, discussions with parties before October: EC
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 16 Apr 2025, 19: 31

Election commissioner Anwarul Islam Collected

The election commission (EC) is preparing to hold elections next December and will hold dialogue with stakeholders including political parties before October.

Election commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker said this while speaking with journalists at his office in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban.

He said the EC will exchange views with political parties in August-September or possibly before.

The time of the thirteenth general elections is yet to be fixed. The interim government maintains the elections will be held between December this year and June next year.

The EC says it is preparing to hold the election in ‘earliest time’, which is December, of this timeframe.

Anwarul Islam said the EC has been working with its own action plan since assuming the office.

He said the EC hopes that the work of delimiting the constituencies can be completed within three months if the government decides to amend The Delimitation of Constituencies Ordinance, 1976.

Anwarul Islam said that the preparatory work will be completed in the next three months. The EC hopes that the action plan, which is published by the EC before the elections, will be printed around June-July.

In response to a question about whether preparations for the elections are being made, eyeing the polls in December, the election commissioner said that they are moving around the deadline announced by the government.

Responding to another question, the election commissioner said that before announcing the election schedule, there will be an exchange of views with the stakeholders. They want to exchange views with all the new parties that will get registration and the old parties. If the registration work is not completed, the new political parties will have a grudge. Considering that, the EC has issued a public notice for the registration of political parties at the right time.

The election commissioner said that the EC will hold consultations with stakeholders including political parties before announcing the election schedule. It will be before October, it could be in August-September or if possible, they will hold consultations with stakeholders before that.

Replying to another question, Anwarul Islam said the deadline for submitting application for registration is 20 April. Three parties have so far applied. No decision has yet been taken on extension of the deadline.

Asked if elections could be held given the current law and order situation, Anwarul Islam said he thinks the situation is improving gradually.

The EC thinks the law and order situation will improve further in the next six to eight months, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Elections won't be delayed beyond next June: Asif Nazrul

Asif Nazrul has said that the national election will not, under any circumstances, be held later than June of next year. "We have categorically told the BNP that the election will not go beyond June. No matter who says what, this is a firm commitment from the chief adviser to the entire...

en.prothomalo.com

Elections won't be delayed beyond next June: Asif Nazrul
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 16 Apr 2025, 18: 07

Following a meeting between BNP leaders and chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus, law adviser professor Asif Nazrul addressed a press conference at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on 16 April. Prothom Alo

Asif Nazrul has said that the national election will not, under any circumstances, be held later than June of next year.

"We have categorically told the BNP that the election will not go beyond June. No matter who says what, this is a firm commitment from the chief adviser to the entire nation," he added.

A meeting lasting nearly two hours took place between the BNP delegation and chief adviser Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon.

Asif Nazrul made these remarks during a subsequent press briefing held by the chief adviser’s press wing.

The law adviser said certain matters were clarified during the meeting with the BNP.

He explained that the timeline of December to June does not imply a deliberate delay to hold the election in May or June. Rather, it means the election will be held as soon as possible—if it can be held in December, then December; if January, then January. This explanation was communicated clearly to the BNP during the discussion.

Addressing BNP’s concern that reforms may face delays, Asif Nazrul said that his government has clarified that even if the July Charter is finalised, there are legal and policy matters that take time to implement.

He also noted that the BNP showed sincere interest in the reform process and responded positively to the proposed Consensus Commission. The party indicated they would meet with the commission within two to three days and agreed with most of the reform proposals.

Asif Nazrul admitted that BNP prefers the election to be held by December.

"But we emphasised that any conflicting or unclear statements from individual advisers should not cause confusion. If any of us speak ambiguously or if any adviser says something contradictory, that should not be taken as the official stance," he added.

Asif Nazrul said the chief adviser has repeatedly made clear in his public addresses that the government’s position is to hold the election between this December and next June.​

 

[Saif]

Unhealthy election controversy must be resolved

Just as the fundamental reforms are necessary for the country, so is an elected government.

www.thedailystar.net

Unhealthy election controversy must be resolved
It is creating uncertainty, suspicion, and discord

The need for reforms, which is a widely accepted notion, should not be used as an excuse to postpone the election. VISUAL: ANWAR SOHEL

The eagerly awaited meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and the BNP ended, as expected, with a major difference of opinion on the election dates. The CA stuck to his well-known stance that the election will be held anytime between December 2025 and June 2026, and the BNP stuck to its position that the polls must be held by the end of this year. In contrast to most of their previous meetings, the BNP, for the first time, expressed serious dissatisfaction afterwards.

However, Dr Asif Nazrul, law adviser to the interim government had his own narrative that the BNP did not "appear dissatisfied" and stressed that "under no circumstances will the election go beyond June next year." Prior to that, he said the election cannot be held until the trial for the crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising is completed. This raises the legitimate question: can a judicial process be set in a time-barred manner, and if so, will it be acceptable internationally? The chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Advocate Tajul Islam, had objected earlier when such a time limit was set for the crucial trials.

The Jamaat-e-Islami ameer, on his part, has said that the election should not go beyond the next Ramadan, which, in calendar terms, means that it should occur before the last quarter of February 2026. It sounds like a well-thought-out middle ground.

The election proponents think setting up a democratically elected government is the most important task at hand. It will restore the people's right to choose their own leaders, to get a parliament where policies will be transparently discussed and adopted, and to get a government that can be held accountable. The interim nature of our present governance process will come to an end, and we will be able to relaunch our democratic journey. Most importantly, the feeling of uncertainty will come to an end and be replaced by a sense of stability that only an elected government with the people's mandate can provide.

At present, the world is dealing with us mostly because of the personal prestige and stature of one person, Prof Yunus, and not due to the legitimacy of the government he heads. Whatever the extent of our pride for having a leader of his stature may be, it cannot substitute for the prestige and acceptance of a government with people's mandate. Genuine democracy has been our source of pride from the time of our Liberation War, and we condemned Sheikh Hasina for having deprived us of that. Thus, restoration of democracy and getting an elected government should not be unnecessarily delayed.

Those who are opposed to having the election by December this year feel that time is inadequate for reforms and holding the election will mean restoring the rotten practices of the past, which included dynastic politics and one-person rule. The argument they use—one which has a strong emotional appeal—is that moving to the old-style politics will make a farce of the sacrifice of 1,400 lives during the uprising. This sentiment is very strong and should by no means be ignored. Whatever we do, we must incorporate the fundamental values—democracy, freedoms, rights of all groups and individuals, equality, anti-discrimination, a nation under law, political accountability, etc— that the uprising tried to evoke in all our future actions.

But the need for reforms, which is a widely accepted notion, should not be used as an excuse to postpone the election. Just as these fundamental reforms are necessary, so is an elected government. This author and this newspaper have repeatedly written about how we need and can have both the reforms and election by December.

We have not been able to decipher why the CA insists on the six-month time variation. One could understand this position during the early days, when it was uncertain how much time would be required by the reform commissions. But now all the reform recommendations are in. The follow-up process—dialogue with the political parties—has also been very efficiently started. We think Prof Yunus's approach has so far been hugely effective. If the same pace is followed, then within the eight months that is left before the December deadline, significant reforms can be agreed upon and instituted. If we accept the two and half months delay as proposed by Jamaat—till before next Ramadan—then the interim government should have no reason not to announce the election roadmap. The Election Commission has announced its preparedness.

From this newspaper's point of view, June does pose a lot of challenges for holding the elections in terms of weather conditions. Except for one election in June 1996—following the resignation of Khaleda Zia's government in February 1996 and the constitutional requirement to hold an election within 90 days—all the elections since the fall of military rule in 1990 have been held in winter months. The arguments for elections in winter are solid: no rain, no floods and pleasant temperature, all of which contributes to giving the national polls a festive colour and mood. So why the CA wants to take the risk of facing natural calamity that may jeopardise his fundamental commitment to the people is not really clear.

The election uncertainty has been further exacerbated by a social media campaign that Prof Yunus should continue in power for several more years. This, of course, is a tribute to his stature, prestige, and the public confidence in his leadership. But there are many other forces, with not the best of intentions for the CA, who may be working behind it. There is a public perception that a section of his interim cabinet, who will have to relinquish their coveted position the moment the CA hands over power to an elected government, is adding fuel to this campaign. This suspicion has unnecessarily been given credence by the home affairs adviser, who said people had gone to him saying, "Prof Yunus should prolong his stay for five years." Social media campaigns are one thing, but comments made by a senior cabinet member—which he tried to explain saying that it was not his opinion and that he was only repeating what ordinary people were telling him—generate doubts.

Whether such a step, however well-intentioned, is politically wise, institutionally possible, legally acceptable, and good for Prof Yunus's national and global reputation, is something that should be seriously thought about. As we all know, the legal thread on which the legitimacy of this government hangs is an opinion (not a judgment) by the Appellate Division, made to address a special circumstance. As his lifelong admirer and sincere well-wisher, I think that an undue extension of his tenure would mire Prof Yunus into unnecessary and, for him, undignified controversies.

We understand the BNP's eagerness for an early election, and that not all of it is based on altruism. We also understand that the reluctance of the National Citizen Party (NCP) regarding the election being held before significant reforms and trials of Sheikh Hasina and others has a lot of partisan considerations behind it. Jamaat's ambivalence is also based on partisan factors. So our national interests are not getting the priority that they deserve.

We have three stakeholders on the issue of election: the interim government; the political parties of all shades; and the voters. The viewpoints that we have so far heard belong to the first and second groups of stakeholders. As to what the general public wants, we do not yet know and have heard very little. That has been a major flaw of us journalists. We cannot claim to know. On the bases of our past reporting and experience, we can make an educated guess that they would want their right to vote—which they have been deprived of since 2014—restored. But they would also want stability, economic growth, price stability, employment, etc, all of which is linked to the economy, which in turn needs stability to bear fruit. So both the right to vote and economic growth can be triggered and sustained mainly through the return of an elected government.

Hence, our argument is in favour of an election by December 2025, with an additional six weeks to accommodate Prof Yunus's wish for more time, till the middle of February 2026.

Mahfuz Anam is the editor and publisher of The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

EC extends deadline for political party registration

The Election Commission on Sunday announced an extended deadline of June 22 for new political parties to get them registered with the independent statutory body as a prerequisite for participation in the upcoming 13th general elections. “Until Thursday, seven parties applied for registration

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC extends deadline for political party registration
FE Online Desk
Published :
Apr 20, 2025 20:49
Updated :
Apr 20, 2025 20:49

The Election Commission on Sunday announced an extended deadline of June 22 for new political parties to get them registered with the independent statutory body as a prerequisite for participation in the upcoming 13th general elections.

“Until Thursday, seven parties applied for registration, and 20 others sought an extended deadline. Under these circumstances, the time for securing registration has been extended until June 22,” EC’s Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said.

He said the parties seeking to get the registration would need to apply within the extended deadline, fulfilling the related legal requirements and exhausting the procedures, reports BSS.

The EC announcement came after the newly floated National Citizen Party (NCP) earlier on Sunday held a two-hour meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.

Officials familiar with the meeting said NCP tabled a series of demands alongside seeking an extended timeframe for their registration with the EC.

According to the previous EC deadline, today was the last day for receiving applications for registration.

EC official said the seven new parties that applied for registration are the Bangladesh Conservative Party (BCP), Janata Congress Party, Bangladesh Probashi Kalyanmoy Party, Bangladesh Justice Party (BJP), Bangladesh Trinamool Janata Party, Bangladesh Mukti Oikya Dal, Bangladesh Janashakti Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Bhumihin Party (BMLP), Bangladesh Republic Party, and Bangladesh Jana Jote Party (BJP).​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka urges all to respect people's sovereign will in matters relating to elections

Reacting to India's remarks on Bangladesh affairs, chief adviser's press secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said eections are entirely Bangladesh's internal matter and urged all to respect the sovereign will of its people in matters relating to elections.

en.prothomalo.com

Dhaka urges all to respect people's sovereign will in matters relating to elections
UNB Dhaka
Updated: 13 May 2025, 22: 31

Press secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government, Shafiqul Alam. File photo

Reacting to India's remarks on Bangladesh affairs, chief adviser's press secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said eections are entirely Bangladesh's internal matter and urged all to respect the sovereign will of its people in matters relating to elections.

"We urge all to respect the sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections," he told UNB while responding to a question.

Asked about his reaction to India's comments on banning Bangladesh Awami League, Alam said they have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed the country’s democratic fabric, severely squeezed the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule.

"The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the press secretary said.

He said, "I have already said that the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal."

As for elections, Alam said they recall how Awami League repeatedly resorted to grossly farcical elections and caused irreparable damages to our electoral processes and institutions.

"We are engaged in a reform process to rebuild our democratic system," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Election likely between December and June: Press Secretary

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday said the next general election is likely to be held between December and June. “All advisers, including the chief adviser, are working towards that goal,” he said. While speaking to journalists during a visit to the Magura

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election likely between December and June: Press Secretary
UNB
Published :
May 16, 2025 20:16
Updated :
May 16, 2025 20:16

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday said the next general election is likely to be held between December and June.

“All advisers, including the chief adviser, are working towards that goal,” he said.

While speaking to journalists during a visit to the Magura Press Club, the press secretary also said the people of the country have expressed satisfaction in the decision related to Awami League, noting that the public’s expectations regarding the party have been met.

“The country is on the right track. Law and order has improved — it’s better than before,” Shafiqul added.

He said reform efforts are underway in sectors where necessary. “Major reforms have already been introduced in the economy, with more to come,” he noted.

Regarding political reforms, Shafiqul Alam said that the Consensus Commission held several meetings, concluding its work on May 15.

“Some are becoming impatient, but we believe our work remains focused and is progressing at the right pace in the right direction,” the press secretary added.

Regarding media freedom, Shafiqul said that the government is not only advocating for freedom of speech but also working to ensure a dignified life for those working to uphold press freedom.

Magura Press Club President Saidur Rahman presided over the views exchange meeting, moderated by General Secretary Shafiqul Islam Shafiq. Around fifty journalists from print and electronic media were present at the event.​

 

[Saif]

Your only mandate is to hold a general election: Salahuddin Ahmed to Yunus

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed warned Dr Yunus, urging him to uphold his promise of holding a free and fair election by December. Addressing the head of the interim government, Salahuddin Ahmed said, "Do you want there to be any conflict or misunderstanding between us regardi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Your only mandate is to hold a general election: Salahuddin Ahmed to Yunus
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 17, 2025 22:39
Updated :
May 17, 2025 22:39

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed warned Dr Yunus, urging him to uphold his promise of holding a free and fair election by December.

Addressing the head of the interim government, Salahuddin Ahmed said, "Do you want there to be any conflict or misunderstanding between us regarding the election? Do you want the people of this country to march toward the Jamuna? I want to issue a warning to Professor Dr Yunus — you are a globally renowned and respected figure. With that respect, you must organise a free and fair election in Bangladesh by December, as you promised us. Reform and justice are ongoing processes — they will continue regardless of who is in power. Do not make democracy in Bangladesh thorny and obstructed indefinitely by using justice and reform as excuses."

He made these remarks on Saturday as the chief guest at a rally titled “Establishing the Rights of Youth” held at the Circuit House grounds in Khulna.

The event was organised by BNP’s student, youth, and volunteer wings — Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal — and was attended by a large number of leaders and activists from the Khulna and Barisal divisions.​

 

[Saif]

EC no longer a constitutional body, it has turned into BNP office: Patwari

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has claimed that the election commission (EC) is no longer a constitutional institution as it has now turned into an office of the BNP. He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon during an NCP’s protest rally in front of the EC...

en.prothomalo.com

EC no longer a constitutional body, it has turned into BNP office: Patwari
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 21 May 2025, 18: 29

NCP's Nasiruddin Patwari speaks at a protest rally in front of Nirbachan Bhaban on 21 May Prothom Alo

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has claimed that the election commission (EC) is no longer a constitutional institution as it has now turned into an office of the BNP.

He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon during an NCP’s protest rally in front of the EC headquarters in the city's Agargaon. The rally was organised to demand restructuring of the EC and the holding of local government elections.

“The EC no longer exists as a constitutional body. It is now functioning as an office of the BNP. It has become a mouthpiece of the BNP,” complained Nasiruddin Patwari.

He also said that the interim government came to power with the mandate of the people’s blood, and therefore cannot act in favour of the BNP.

Addressing the interim government, Narisuddin said, “You cannot sit on a blood mandate and work for the BNP. You cannot hand over Nagar Bhaban to the BNP. You cannot turn the election commission into a party office for the BNP.”

Patwari alleged that BNP has forgotten its own 31-point agenda after placing its people in the EC.

“The 31-point agenda were just some paperwork to befool the public,” he said.

Nasiruddin Patwari also accused the BNP of occupying state institutions across the country, including the EC, which are funded by taxpayers. He urged the interim government to free these institutions.

“If you cannot do this, then immediately remove the BNP-aligned advisers from the advisory council,” he demanded.

Nasiruddin Patwari alleged that BNP-leaning advisors are conspiring against stakeholders of the July uprising, sitting in air-conditioned rooms.

“Some are doing it through the judiciary, others through the finance ministry, and some through the education ministry,” he claimed.

He further alleged that BNP has started politics over dead bodies, and criticised BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed for what he termed as making statements tantamount to betrayal of the uprising.

Patwari claimed that Salahuddin is working to keep a Mujibist constitution in the country under India’s prescription.

He added that following their demands, Awami League's activities have been banned, but the constitution has not. Therefore, they will launch a campaign to burn the constitution, declaring that 'no Mujibist constitution will remain in Bangladesh'.

Finally, the NCP’s chief coordinator urged the interim government to organise local government elections before the national election to prove the capacity of a restructured election commission.

The day’s programme concluded around 2:15pm. NCP leaders said that their movement would continue until their demands are met.​

 

[Saif]

‘EC fully neutral, no comment on political statements’

The election commission does not want to make any comment on political activities or give any reaction to any political remarks. Election commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah made the comment while asked about the ongoing protest of National Citizen Party (NCP) on restructuring the EC and...

en.prothomalo.com

‘EC fully neutral, no comment on political statements’
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 21 May 2025, 16: 45

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah briefs journalists on 21 May Prothom Alo

The election commission does not want to make any comment on political activities or give any reaction to any political remarks.

Election commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah made the comment while asked about the ongoing protest of National Citizen Party (NCP) on restructuring the EC and holding local government elections.

The commissioner claimed the EC has been doing its duties with complete neutrality.

The commissioner made the comment after a meeting of the EC at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon today, Wednesday. The NCP leaders and activists were holding protests outside at that time.

The NCP has raised questions about the neutrality of the EC. In response to that, Abul Fazal said the EC does not want to comment on any political remarks and the EC will continue to work impartially.

About the demand of holding the local government elections first, Abul Fazal said it is not the jurisdiction of the EC to decide which elections will be held first.

“It’s for the government to decide which elections to be held first in light of the changed circumstances. EC is only entrusted to hold the elections,” said the election commissioner.

On 27 March, the First Joint District Judge and Electoral Tribunal of Dhaka declared BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

Following this verdict, the EC officially published a gazette notification on 27 April declaring Ishraque as the mayor.

The EC's decision not to appeal the tribunal's verdict has sparked criticism.

Regarding the issue, commissioner Abul Fazal stated that the EC has reviewed all relevant electoral laws and regulations, and found that there is no provision for the EC to become a party in such cases.

He also noted that there is no precedent of the EC proactively getting involved with such matters in the past.​

 

[Saif]

Next election between December and June, no scope to deviate from it even for a day: Rizwana

The interim government is performing three hard responsibilities - reforms, justice and elections, environment, forest and climate change affairs adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said Friday. “Our responsibilities are broadly three, and all three are very difficult. One responsibility is reform, one...

en.prothomalo.com

Next election between December and June, no scope to deviate from it even for a day: Rizwana
BSS Dhaka
Updated: 23 May 2025, 18: 28

Environment advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan talks to the media after attending the 24th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Bangladesh Zoological Society at the Senate Building of Dhaka University on 23 May 2025 PID

The interim government is performing three hard responsibilities - reforms, justice and elections, environment, forest and climate change affairs adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said Friday.

“Our responsibilities are broadly three, and all three are very difficult. One responsibility is reform, one is dispensing justice, and the other is election,” she told newspersons after attending the 24th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Bangladesh Zoological Society at the Senate Building of Dhaka University today.

“Our responsibility is a national one. We said we have taken responsibility, not power. It will be possible for us to perform it only when we all get cooperation from all,” she said.

She said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has given a timeframe for the next election between December 2025 and June 2026.

“There is no scope to deviate from it even for a day,” the adviser said, adding that she believes that there should be no scope to talk about it in any other way.

Rizwana said after yesterday’s advisory council meeting at Jamuna they discussed for a long time on their own performance.

“We discussed whether we are actually delivering our responsibilities for which we were deputed,” she said.

Since assuming office by the interim government, she said many people with their manifold demands are coming to the streets out of their expectation from the government.

But, street demonstrations are leading Dhaka city to become paralysed, she said adding, “expectation is one thing but responsibility is another.”

“We all are thinking about how to deal with the obstacles to perform the three major responsibilities,” the environment adviser said.

Rizwana said, they are not under any pressure except their stress for discharging their responsibilities.

“If we are unable to perform our responsibilities, we will go back to our own business,” she said.

The adviser stated that they have come across a long way amid many adverse situations.

“We have formed reform commissions, which have already submitted their reports. The process is underway to reach a consensus among the political parties on the reform agenda,” the adviser said.

Rizwana said the government has announced a timeframe for the elections, which will definitely be held between December next and June 2026.

Regarding the quick trial of the persons for their offenses during the July uprising, Rizwana said earlier there was one tribunal and now another one has been constituted, which will start functioning soon.​