[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

No discussion on election date with Chief Adviser: CEC

CEC AMM Nasir Uddin said there was no discussion on the election date during a recent courtesy meeting with the Chief Adviser

en.prothomalo.com

No discussion on election date with Chief Adviser: CEC

UNB
Published: 01 Jul 2025, 17: 02

CEC AMM Nasir Uddin met with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on 26 June, 2025. BSS

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday said there was no discussion on the election date during a recent courtesy meeting with the Chief Adviser, although they did talk about preparations for the upcoming national election.

"No discussion was held on the election date. You will get to know about the election date and schedule from the Election Commission (in time)," he said while replying to a question from reporters at his office in the capital.

The CEC said the Chief Adviser wanted to know whether the Election Commission was ready to hold a free, fair and credible election.

Mentioning that the Chief Adviser is very sincere about holding a neutral and credible election, Nasir Uddin said, "Our wavelength matched with his. We are on the same wavelength when it comes to ensuring a free, fair and credible election."

On the EC's preparation, the CEC said, "We are preparing in full gear."

On Thursday last, the CEC met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. About the meeting, Nasir Uddin said it was a courtesy call.​

 

[Saif]

Japan to provide $4.8m to strengthen Bangladesh's election systems

Japan has joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), pledging JPY 695 million (about USD 4.8 million) in grant aid to strengthen Bangladesh’s efforts toward a free, transparent, and inclusive national election. A partnership agreement was signed between Japan and UNDP

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Japan to provide $4.8m to strengthen Bangladesh's election systems

UNB
Published :
Jul 02, 2025 14:28
Updated :
Jul 02, 2025 14:28


Japan has joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), pledging JPY 695 million (about USD 4.8 million) in grant aid to strengthen Bangladesh’s efforts toward a free, transparent, and inclusive national election.

A partnership agreement was signed between Japan and UNDP at the Bangladesh Election Commission Secretariat in the capital on Wednesday.

Japanese Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller inked the agreement in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Ministry ISHIIZUKI Hideo.

Under this partnership, Japan will provide grant assistance of JPY 695 million (approximately USD 4.8 million) to enhance the institutional, technical, and operational capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission.

The project aims to strengthen voter and civic education, encourage greater participation of women, youth, and underrepresented groups, and support measures to ensure transparency and integrity throughout the electoral process.

The CEC welcomed Japan’s support, saying this partnership will help further strengthen the systems and deliver elections that uphold public trust and democratic values.

Japanese Ambassador SAIDA said Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. “With respect for Bangladesh’s ownership, Japan fully supports Bangladesh’s effort to carry out a peaceful and democratic political transition through free, fair, and inclusive elections. We hope that Japan’s assistance through UNDP will contribute significantly to these efforts.”

UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, “Japan’s support reinforces our shared goal of helping Bangladesh hold peaceful and credible elections that truly reflect the will of its people.”​

 

[Saif]

No scope for major electoral reforms, PR without Parliament: Khosru

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said there is no scope to make a major decision to introduce the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections without an elected parliament. “There is no mention of the Proportional Representation system in our 31-point pro

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

No scope for major electoral reforms, PR without Parliament: Khosru

UNB
Published :
Jul 02, 2025 21:48
Updated :
Jul 02, 2025 21:48

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said there is no scope to make a major decision to introduce the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections without an elected parliament.

“There is no mention of the Proportional Representation system in our 31-point proposal. Those who are talking about such a major change in the election system cannot do it without the next parliament,” he said.

Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remark while talking to reporters after holding meetings at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan with four political parties and alliances—Bangladesh Jonodhikar Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Am Janatar Dal and Gonotantrik Bam Oikya.

He recalled that when the country shifted from a presidential to a parliamentary system, all major parties in parliament agreed together and passed it there.

“If any party wants elections to be held under a proportional system… With respect to their opinion, I must say that they should take this idea to the people, get a mandate in the next election, and then raise it in the next parliament. Any fundamental change must be placed before the people through elections and passed in parliament,” the BNP leader said.

At this stage, Khosru said the proportional election system is not even a subject for discussion.

In response to a question about reforms, he said BNP has already mentioned where it has reached consensus — such as the proposal for a bicameral parliament, and the idea that no one can be Prime Minister more than twice. “These are basically BNP’s proposals. So, in fact, there is already a lot of consensus.”

“But we must remember that it’s not possible to agree on everything. We are not forming a one-party state (Baksal)… The issues where there is agreement will go forward through consensus. For the rest, each party will go to the people, seek their opinion, and act accordingly,” he observed.

Earlier, Khosru, along with BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, held separate meetings at the Chairperson’s office.​

 

[Saif]

CA assured US Secretary of early elections: Foreign Adviser

During his conversation with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio couple of days ago, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus mentioned that general elections will be held as soon as possible, said foreign adviser Touhid Hossain on Thursday. Asked about the talking points of the conversation, the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA assured US Secretary of early elections: Foreign Adviser

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jul 03, 2025 19:58
Updated :
Jul 03, 2025 19:58

During his conversation with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio couple of days ago, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus mentioned that general elections will be held as soon as possible, said foreign adviser Touhid Hossain on Thursday.

Asked about the talking points of the conversation, the adviser told the reporters that reform and elections were discussed.

“They expressed their support to the government’s reform initiatives. during the course of the discussion he wanted to know about elections, and we told him that elections will be held as soon as possible” the foreign adviser said.

Responding to a question, he said that the foreign ministry had requested India for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in writing and was still ‘following up’ on the issue.

Replying to another question, he said that issues related to the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty of Teesta River water sharing deal need to be resolved through bilateral discussions.

“We have seen in the last 15 or 20 years that such issues were not resolved proactively by them, it requires bilateral engagement”.

In response to a question, he said that the draft of the MoU regarding the establishment of an office of the UN Human Rights body has been sent to them, and until the finalisation of the draft, he did not want to comment.

However, both sides have agreed that the office will be set up here initially for three years, the adviser stated.

Asked about the 36 Bangladeshis, who were arrested by Malaysian Police for their suspected link to the ISI, he said that the ministry sought details of the arrests.

The foreign adviser stated that investigations are still ongoing, and steps will be taken as per the law if they are found guilty.

"If they deport some of them, then we will conduct our probe into the matter and will take due measures as per findings," he added.

Responding to another question, Touhid Hossain said that the Chief Adviser may visit Malaysia in August, but the date has not been finalised yet.

He, in response to a question, said that the foreign ministry is carrying out its own reforms, stressing the well-being of the expatriate Bangladeshis especially those in the Middle East.

"We have directed our missions to make sure that expatriate Bangladeshis can sit inside a building when they are waiting for collecting their passports.

We do not have the right to let them stand under the sun when they visit the Bangladesh Missions for collecting passports," the adviser mentioned.

The foreign adviser also said that a crucial meeting would take place in the USA on Thursday on tariff negotiations .

“Our commerce adviser and the national security adviser are taking part in the meeting and I hope that we may be able to address the tariff related problems with the aid after the meeting,” he added.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat doesn’t object to February election, but no to cursory one: Taher

Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said that they have no objection if the national election is held in February next year.

en.prothomalo.com

Jamaat doesn’t object to February election, but no to cursory one: Taher
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 06 Jul 2025, 22: 08

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb e Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher is speaking at a discussion on 6 July Prothom Alo

Highlighting that an elected government can solve many problems, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, said that they have no objection if the national election is held in February next year. However, they don't want a simply cursory election.

He made these remarks today, Sunday, at a dialogue titled “National unity essential for national security” held at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.

The dialogue was organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS). Leaders from various political parties and professional organisations took part.

Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, “When we say we don’t want a cursory election, it doesn’t mean we don’t want elections at all. This is being misinterpreted to create suspicion. And if anyone wants such a manipulated election, we do not support them either. We have rejected those who conducted such elections in the past.”

He remarked that if a manipulated election is held, justice and reforms in the country would be in vain.

“All political parties should come to a consensus, and we can discuss among ourselves how a fair election can be held. I believe that if we engage in such discussions, the differences that exist can be resolved,” he added.

Noting that differences among political parties are natural, Taher said, “We will have differences—for instance, we want a Proportional Representation (PR) system instead of the traditional election model, and we want local government elections under a neutral government. These are our party’s agenda; others have theirs.”

He further said, “Just because parties have different agendas does not mean there’s a conspiracy to derail elections or that they don’t want elections. I believe saying such things might itself be part of a conspiracy.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN) Badiul Alam Majumdar, poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar, photographer-journalist Shahidul Alam, Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Zonayed Saki, Joint Editor of Prothom Alo Sohrab Hassan; former Army Chief Lt. Gen. (retd) Noor Uddin Khan; former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury; Professor Mahbub Ullah; AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju; Professor Dilara Chowdhury, among others, took part in the dialogue.​

 

[Saif]

Election delay anti-democratic, against July-August spirit: Fakhrul

Those who want to delay the election are surely not pro-democratic forces and not pro-July-August revolution forces, the BNP leader said.

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Election delay anti-democratic, against July-August spirit: Fakhrul
UNB
Published: 06 Jul 2025, 15: 16

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir File photo

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said those who want to delay the election are certainly not pro-democratic or supporters of the July-August revolution.

“People want an immediate election. We have said this many times before, and we are saying it again. Those who want to delay the election are surely not pro-democratic forces and not pro-July-August revolution forces,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul also said his party believes the country will move towards holding the election based on the discussions held between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London.

He alleged that a vested quarter is carrying out a false campaign to malign BNP.

“A few individuals and groups are spreading false propaganda involving BNP to create a negative impression in public mind. But people are not responding to it,” the BNP leader said.

He said the people of the country know BNP very well and know that it has always been there and has played a leading role in achieving all the good things in Bangladesh.

Fakhrul said it is important to understand that BNP is a tested liberal democratic political party, which wants to take charge of running the state through elections and people’s vote.

“We do not want to come to power through a revolution or any other means. No one can have any doubt about our intentions. We have fought for 15 years to restore democracy,” he said.

Unfortunately, Fakhrul alleged, some sections of the media and certain individuals are spreading various claims about BNP's stance on reform, which are not accurate. “There is no room to question BNP’s commitment to reform because BNP is the very party that strongly spoke about reforms as early as 2016.”

He said Begum Khaleda Zia herself first talked about reforms in 2016 through the Vision-2030 initiative. “After that, we announced a 27-point and later a 31-point reform proposal. As we are sincere about reforms, we have organised numerous programmes across the country to present these 31 points to the public and to civil society.”

Despite this, Fakhrul lamented, a certain group is deliberately trying to portray BNP as being against reforms. “This is part of a planned campaign to mislead people.”

He said BNP has not only survived but has grown stronger and more popular through its continuous struggle against authoritarian rule for nearly one and a half decades.

“The blood of hundreds of martyrs, the sacrifices of our fellow activists who faced enforced disappearances and killings, and the indescribable suffering of hundreds of thousands of leaders and workers have further strengthened BNP’s unity,” the BNP leader said.

With this united strength, broad public support, and long experience in governing the country, he said BNP is firmly committed to fulfilling its historic responsibility of restoring democracy in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

BNP to lead next general election with 38.76 per cent of votes, far ahead of Jamaat, NCP and AL, youth survey shows

A significant portion of youth believe that the BNP would secure the highest number of votes in the upcoming national election, according to a recent survey conducted by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM). The survey findings show that youth respondents think the BNP would receiv

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP to lead next general election with 38.76 per cent of votes, far ahead of Jamaat, NCP and AL, youth survey shows

FE Online Report
Published :
Jul 07, 2025 20:55
Updated :
Jul 07, 2025 20:57

A significant portion of youth believe that the BNP would secure the highest number of votes in the upcoming national election, according to a recent survey conducted by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM).

The survey findings show that youth respondents think the BNP would receive 38.76 per cent of the total votes. Jamaat-e-Islami is expected to come in second with 21.45 per cent of the votes, followed by other religious parties with 4.59 per cent.

The survey was presented at a discussion titled “Youth in Transition: Navigating Jobs, Education, and Changing Political Scenario Post July Movement”, held at BRAC Centre Inn on Monday.

The South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), in partnership with ActionAid Bangladesh, conducted the “Youth Survey 2025: Tracking Perceptions on Reforms, Skills, Jobs, and Education.”

The survey, which covered 2,003 households across all eight divisions, targeted youth aged 15 to 35 and maintained a gender-balanced, urban-rural representative sample.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) could secure 15.84 per cent, while the Jatiya Party may get 3.77 per cent, and other smaller parties just 0.57 per cent. Bangladesh Awami League, which lost power on August 5, is expected to receive just over 15 per cent of the votes if it is allowed to participate in the election.

Some 47.3 per cent of youth reported being employed either full- or part-time, 13.7 per cent are actively seeking jobs but remain unemployed, and a notable 39 per cent are neither seeking employment nor entrepreneurship, according to the survey.

Among those employed, the vast majority—75.7 per cent—are engaged in the service sector, followed by smaller proportions in agriculture and industry, the survey revealed.

The next segment of the survey delves into youth perspectives on the job market. When asked how their education has prepared them for employment, only 14.54 per cent felt significantly prepared, while 30.78 per cent believed that their education played no role whatsoever, the survey stated.

​

 

[Saif]

The longer the election is delayed, the further behind Bangladesh will fall: Mirza Fakhrul

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged party leaders and activists to reach out to the people in preparation for the upcoming election. “Get ready for the election. And what does preparation for the election mean? It means creating love and...

en.prothomalo.com

The longer the election is delayed, the further behind Bangladesh will fall: Mirza Fakhrul

Staff Correspondent &
Correspondent Sylhet
Updated: 07 Jul 2025, 20: 46

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses as the chief guest at a doa mahfil and discussion held at the Sunrise Community Centre in Pathantula area of Sylhet on 7 July 2025.Anis Mahmud

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged party leaders and activists to reach out to the people in preparation for the upcoming election.

“Get ready for the election. And what does preparation for the election mean? It means creating love and trust among the people. We must ensure that people love the BNP," he said and quoted the people as saying ‘Yes, we have no alternative but the BNP.’

"This is what we have to build. For that, we must be willing to make sacrifices,” Fakhrul stressed.

He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing a doa mahfil and discussion held at the Sunrise Community Centre in Pathantula area of Sylhet.

The event was organised under the management of the district and city BNP and at the initiative of UK chapter BNP president MA Malik.

The gathering was held to pray for the departed soul of the late President Ziaur Rahman and for the recovery of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

A discussion session was also held alongside the doa mahfil.

BNP chairperson’s adviser and UK chapter BNP president MA Malik presided over the doa mahfil and the discussion, where the party’s standing committee member Mirza Abbas was the key speaker.

Two other standing committee members Iqbal Hasan Mahmud (Tuku) and AZM Zahid Hossain were the special speakers at the discussion.

Thanking the chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus, Mirza Fakhrul said, “He talked to our leader Tarique Rahman in London and set mid-February of 2026 as the time for the election.”

“We want to say it clearly, to the government, other political parties, the longer the election is delayed, the further behind Bangladesh will fall,” the BNP secretary general stated.

Maintaining that different types of crises would appear if the election is not held fast, the senior BNP leader further said, “No (foreign) investment will come, no (local) investment will be made; our women and girls will become more unsafe; mobocracy will rise; judicial system will collapse; the law and order system will also collapse. For everything we need an elected government, a government that has popular support and there are people behind that government.”

“No government could be more powerful than an elected government,” he pointed out.

Addressing the party leaders and activists, Mirza Fakhrul said, “Let’s focus so that none could speak ill about us; none could point finger at us and say we have been doing unpleasant things, occupying someone’s land, and engaging in extortion. We have to unite everyone.”

Mentioning that many people sacrificed their lives and shed blood in 2024 and in the previous 15 years for democracy, Mirza Fakhrul said, “Trumped up cases have been filed against thousands of people. Many of our leaders, who are present here, were imprisoned for months; many were beaten severely by the Hasina government, and kept in chained condition. We are here bearing such torture and sufferings.”

The BNP secretary general said Sheikh Hasina fled not for nothing. “We have been freed from fascism because of a long struggle, sacrifices of many people, blood of many persons and tears of many mothers. Now that we are freed from fascism, alright, what would we do now? We have already said, our struggle is for democracy. That means, we want to establish Bangladesh as a democratic country, where everyone’s rights will be fulfilled. People would be able to cast their votes, would be able to speak, where there will be freedom of speech.”

Mirza Fakhrul asked, will Bangladesh remain a poor country forever? “We want to see a Bangladesh that was dreamt by martyred president Ziaur Rahman… We want to see a Bangladesh for which our leader Khaleda Zia visited villages and motivated people there.”

Among others who spoke at the event were BNP chairperson’s adviser Habibur Rahman (Habib), Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Tahsina Rushdir (Luna), Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, BNP central organising secretary GK Gaus, assistant organising secretary Miftah Siddiqui, Dhaka district BNP general secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Sylhet district BNP president Abdul Qayum Chowdhury, and acting president of Sylhet city BNP Rezaul Hasan Kayes Lodi.​

 

[Saif]

Election without level playing field not acceptable: Jamaat secretary

Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar has expressed doubts about the role of the interim government in the national parliament elections.

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Election without level playing field not acceptable: Jamaat secretary

Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 07 Jul 2025, 23: 10

Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar speaks to newspersons after visiting the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Monday ahead of Jamaat’s national rally to be held on 19 July 2025 Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar has expressed doubts about the role of the interim government in the national parliament elections.

He said, "The people are still in doubt about the role of the government. That is why I am saying, there is no level playing field. We cannot accept the elections in this situation."

Mia Golam Parwar made the remarks while speaking to newspersons after visiting the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital ahead of Jamaat’s national rally, scheduled to be held on 19 July.

In response to a question, he said Jamaat never gave any statement regarding deferring the national polls.

He said, “We never issued any statement regarding delaying the national elections or not taking part in it. Our ameer has already said that we want elections. But that poll should not be just a cursory one. And this just another poll refers to an election under a biased administration or an election mired in irregularities where the administration will coerce, polling centres will be occupied for election engineering. Our ameer said we want polls, but we won’t allow any such polls to be held in the country. We will not accept those who will take part in that unfair poll.”

The Jamaat secretary general also urged people from all walks of life to take part in their upcoming national rally.

He said the rally will be held to press their seven-point demand which includes ensuring level playing field, fair election under PR (proportional representation) system and trial over crimes against humanity during the July uprising.

According to him the party will also raise the demand for the declaration of the July charter and its implementation from the rally. Besides, Jamaat is going to raise several other demands, including local government elections before the national polls.

Mia Golam Parwar was accompanied by Jamaat assistant secretary general Abdul Halim, Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, Moazzem Hossain Helal, publicity secretary Matiur Rahman Akanda, Dhaka south city Jamaat ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, secretary Shafiqul Islam Masud, Dhaka north city Jamaat secretary Rezaul Karim, Islami Chhatra Shibir secretary general Nurul Islam Saddam.​

 

[Saif]

EC makes policy call not to include national emblem ‘water lily’ in poll symbol list

The Election Commission (EC) has taken a policy decision not to list the national emblem, the water lily, as an election symbol amid claims over it by two political parties. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud shared the development on Wednesday, according to a bdnews24.com reports. The Na

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC makes policy call not to include national emblem ‘water lily’ in poll symbol list

Published :
Jul 09, 2025 20:57
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 20:57

The Election Commission (EC) has taken a policy decision not to list the national emblem, the water lily, as an election symbol amid claims over it by two political parties.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud shared the development on Wednesday, according to a bdnews24.com reports.

The Nagorik Oikya had sought the water lily as its symbol instead of the kettle, while the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) also applied to use the symbol in its registration bid.

The commission, led by AMM Nasir Uddin, reached the decision in the face of debate over whether a national emblem should be assigned to a political party.

The EC will exclude the water lily from the official list of election symbols under the conduct rules.

“In the newly proposed list of symbols, the water lily will not be included. It will not be part of our official schedule as an election symbol,” said Masud.​