[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Govt on right track over elections, says Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the interim government is on the right track over the national election. “We had detailed talks on accelerating the election process. The Chief Adviser reiterated his commitment to holding the national election between...

en.prothomalo.com

Govt on right track over elections, says Fakhrul

UNBDhaka
Published: 23 Jul 2025, 21: 33

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the interim government is on the right track over the national election.

“We had detailed talks on accelerating the election process. The Chief Adviser reiterated his commitment to holding the national election between mid-February and March. We believe necessary steps should be taken accordingly and he assured us they would be,” he said.

Fakhrul was talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office following a meeting with ‘Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party’.

Responding to a question from reporters over Tuesday night's meeting with the Chief Adviser, he said, “The Chief Adviser suddenly called us. He does it from time to time, especially when a crisis arises in government. We responded because we are committed to supporting this government and will do whatever is necessary to restore democracy.”

He said they believed such interactions should be held more frequently.

Referring to the recent jet crash in Uttara, the BNP leader said, “Many young lives were lost in the accident. I personally visited the site. We expressed our condolences. In the aftermath, two advisers were confined at Milestone School.”

“Again, due to complications surrounding the exams, students entered the Secretariat, and everyone saw that it created an administrative crisis. A few days earlier, fascist elements created chaos in Gopalganj. It felt like a sign of their resurgence,” he added.

He said the Chief Adviser told them that political parties had resisted the fascist forces and invited them for discussions.

“It's natural that this government will have flaws. But rather than focusing on the weaknesses, we should appreciate their intent. I don't see any lack of sincerity in their approach to the election,” Fakhrul said responding to another question.

When asked about the National Consensus Commission’s proposal that the head of government and the party chief should not be the same person, Fakhrul said, “That is their proposal. Political parties are expressing their opinions both in favor and against. All voices must be heard—that’s the essence of democracy. Let all flowers bloom.”

Asked whether the government showed any negligence in handling the situation over Uttara aircraft crash, he said, “There was no negligence, but there was a lack of experience. They have never run a state before. Unlike us, they lack the experience of governance.”

“One more issue is ego. They don’t consult us on anything. They don't take advice from us—perhaps out of ego,” he added.

In response to whether recent unrest is aimed at disrupting the election, Fakhrul said, “Some chaos is indeed happening. It’s clear that fascist forces are trying to stir up trouble.”​

 

[Saif]

Chief Adviser to announce election date in four to five days: Mustafa Jamal

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will announce the date of the upcoming national parliamentary election within the next four to five days, said Mustafa Jamal Haider, Chairman of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction), after a meeting with the Chief Adviser along with leaders of 14 political pa

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chief Adviser to announce election date in four to five days: Mustafa Jamal

FE Online Report
Published :
Jul 26, 2025 19:05
Updated :
Jul 26, 2025 19:05

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will announce the date of the upcoming national parliamentary election within the next four to five days, said Mustafa Jamal Haider, Chairman of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction), after a meeting with the Chief Adviser along with leaders of 14 political parties at the state guest house, Jamuna, on Saturday.

Speaking to the media, Mustafa Jamal Haider said, “The Chief Adviser told us he will announce the election date within the next four to five days. There can be no better news than this.”

The Jatiya Party leader also commented that the ongoing unrest will be resolved through elections. “Many problems will be solved through the electoral process,” he said.

The political leaders who participated in the meeting on Saturday were Aminul Haque Tipu Biswas of the Jatiya Gano Front, Mostafa Jamal Haider of the 12-Party Alliance, Maulana Abdul Majed Athari of the Nezame Islam Party, Maulana Yusuf Ashraf of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Fariduzzaman Farhad, Chairman of the NPP (National People’s Party), Syed Ehsanul Huda, Chairman of the Jatiya Party, Dr Mushtaq Hossain of Bangladesh JASAD, Bobby Hajjaj of the Nationalist Democratic Movement, Shamim Haider, Secretary General of the Zaker Party, Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji, Secretary General of the Islami Oikya Jote, Rafiqul Islam Babul, Chairman of the Bhasani Janashakti Party, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman of the Bangladesh Labour Party, Masud Rana, Coordinator of the Marxist–BASAD, and Manjurul Islam Afendi of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.

Earlier, the Chief Adviser had held two rounds of meetings with leaders from various political parties and alliances, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. This day’s meeting involved representatives from 14 more parties and alliances.​

 

[Saif]

Fascism to return if polls held without reforms: discussion

Politicians and civil society members on Saturday said that fascism could return if the next elections were held under the existing political framework without comprehensive state reforms.

www.newagebd.net

Fascism to return if polls held without reforms: discussion
Staff Correspondent 26 July, 2025, 23:54

Politicians and civil society members on Saturday said that fascism could return if the next elections were held under the existing political framework without comprehensive state reforms.

They expressed their concern over the slow progress of the state reform initiatives being undertaken by the interim government.

They made the remarks during a citizens’ dialogue on the country’s democratic transition, organised by the Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik at the Krishibid Institute of Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Shujan, a citizens’ platform for good governance, presented a draft charter containing 21 proposals aimed at ensuring state reforms and free, fair elections.

The Key recommendations include the introduction of a bicameral parliament, balancing power between the president and the prime minister, forming a National Constitutional Council, reinstating the caretaker government system, decentralising the judiciary, and introducing a provision to recall lawmakers.

The Shujan acting president, Retired justice MA Matin, stressed that the charter should be formulated based on political consensus and people’s desire.

‘A provision must be made so that any law that contradicts the charter cannot be passed,’ he said.

Monir Haider, a special assistant to the chief adviser, admitted the slow progress over the state reform but said, ‘Even if revolutionary changes do not occur, implementing the agreed points will bring meaningful reforms to the state system.’

Shujan secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said, ‘Sheikh Hasina may have left, but she has left behind an authoritarian system. If we do not reform this system, authoritarian rule will persist and fascism will return.’

He said that Shujan’s proposed National Charter would be presented to the National Consensus Commission to help in the state reform.

‘The National Consensus Commission divided the reforms into two parts. Some reforms will be done by issuing ordinances, and some will need constitutional amendments,’ Badiul, also a member of the NCC, said.

NCC is trying to build consensus with political parties on basic reform issues to draft the July Charter,’ he said, and added that political parties had already agreed on 10 basic reform issues.

Local Government Reform Commission chief Professor Tofail Ahmed expressed his frustration over the lack of discussions on their unified draft law for local government.

‘If the government wants, it can issue ordinances within six months and form a local government commission,’ he said, urging immediate elections for local bodies.

Jasmin Tuli, who was a member of the Election Reform Commission, said, ‘In the past 53 years, no effort was made to build national consensus. Now we are seeing an attempt. I hope that necessary reforms will open the path for fair elections.’

She said, ‘Voters are often misled in different ways. In the coming elections, AI-based campaigns may confuse voters with false information. To hold fair elections, the right people must be appointed to the Election Commission.’

Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Shama Obaid dismissed the narratives that suggest BNP’s disinterest in reforms and said that many of BNP’s 31 points align with Shujan’s proposals.

‘We must first reform democratic institutions, the judiciary, and the Anti-Corruption Commission,’ she said, stressing the need for political will to implement the reform proposals.

Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary Saiful Haque termed the electoral system a ‘business entity’ and said that the alliance of mafia and evil forces would resurface if there was no systemic change.

National Citizen Party leader Tajnuba Jabin expressed her disappointment over the failure to ensure direct elections for women representatives, and said, ‘The NCP does not fear elections. It fears elections under the old system without any reforms. We want a democratic transformation of the state.’

Gono Odhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur expressed his dissatisfaction with the interim government’s performance and called it ‘the weakest government in the past 53 years.’​

 

[Saif]

Election Commission must confront AI threats head-on

Effective safeguards are needed to prevent AI disruption in the election

www.thedailystar.net

Election Commission must confront AI threats head-on
Effective safeguards are needed to prevent AI disruption in the election

VISUAL: STAR

It is reassuring to see the chief election commissioner (CEC) address the challenge posed by artificial intelligence (AI) ahead of the upcoming election, which he described as "more dangerous than [conventional] weapons" due to its capacity to spread misinformation and disinformation. "It is now possible to circulate content using my exact image and voice," said AMM Nasir Uddin, calling the misuse of AI a "modern threat" capable of disrupting election campaigns and influencing the polls. He also mentioned other election-related challenges—such as the threat of illegal arms, restoring trust in the voting process, and ensuring voter turnout—but these are discussions for another day.

Knowing the problem doesn't guarantee that meaningful steps will follow, however. It is vital that the Election Commission implements effective safeguards including establishing robust monitoring mechanisms to detect AI-generated content, collaborating with experts and media houses to minimise its impact, updating legal frameworks, and raising public awareness. Currently, the electoral code of conduct lacks clear directives on this issue, which must be addressed. While conventional measures meant to ensure a level playing field are important, it is far more urgent now to curb the misuse of AI. This necessity is underscored by both global and local experiences, with a report by The New York Times revealing in June that AI was used in more than 80 percent of elections in 2024. AI has already played a role in at least nine major elections this year, it added.

With AI now making such fabrications easier and more convincing, the threat has multiplied. For example, a recent investigation by Dismislab catalogued 70 AI-generated political campaign videos, including reels, between June 18 and 28. These videos, created using Google's Veo text-to-video AI model, portrayed entirely fictional individuals (e.g. rickshaw drivers, garment workers, teachers, Hindu and Muslim women, young people, etc) offering endorsements for different political parties.

Locally, one may recall the circulation of fake content, including cloned voices of candidates, during recent elections. However, with AI now making such fabrications easier and more convincing, the threat has multiplied. For example, a recent investigation by Dismislab catalogued 70 AI-generated political campaign videos, including reels, between June 18 and 28. These videos, created using Google's Veo text-to-video AI model, portrayed entirely fictional individuals (e.g. rickshaw drivers, garment workers, teachers, Hindu and Muslim women, young people, etc) offering endorsements for different political parties. The initial waves of AI-generated messaging seemed to benefit Jamaat-e-Islami, but campaigners for rival parties like BNP and NCP are not far behind. The widespread circulation of such emotionally charged, synthetic content raises serious concerns about its disruptive effect as we near the election.

Clearly, we need better safeguards against this trend. While it is impossible to completely eliminate the threat of AI-generated content—nor is all such content produced with malicious intent—the EC must do all it can to limit its misuse with the help of relevant state agencies, political parties, and social media platforms. It is crucial to learn from the experiences of other countries where AI has already disrupted elections. Without swift, informed interventions, Bangladesh too risks seeing its much-awaited election marred by such technologies.​

 

[Saif]

Election preparations underway: 150,000 police to be trained

The government has taken initiative to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies as part of its extensive security preparations ahead of the upcoming general elections. A total of 150,000 police personnel will be given special election-related training in phases from September to...

en.prothomalo.com

Election preparations underway: 150,000 police to be trained
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 28 Jul 2025, 18: 46

Chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam and deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder briefed the newspersons after the meeting on Monday. Prothom Alo

The government has taken initiative to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies as part of its extensive security preparations ahead of the upcoming general elections.

A total of 150,000 police personnel will be given special election-related training in phases from September to November.

The decision was taken in a top level meeting on law and order, preventing disinformation and administrative preparations for the upcoming polls at the state guest house Jamuna today, Monday.

Several other major decisions also came up from the meeting presided over by chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam and deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder briefed the newspersons after the meeting.

Press secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted the inspector general of police (IGP) as saying, “They (police) will be working as the striking force and play the major role to maintain law and order.”

“The army is already active at the field level with magistracy power since 5 August last year,” he said adding that 60,000 army personnel will be deployed during the polls.

Shafiqul Alam said the government is considering forming a ‘National Information Centre’ as the spread of rumours and misinformation tends to rise during elections.

“The centre will quickly identify and counter rumours and deliver accurate information to the public,” he said, adding, “It will also help promote the positive and immediate actions taken by law enforcement agencies, which often go unnoticed due to a lack of publicity.”

Speaking regarding the recent criticism centering the intelligence failure to provide any information before the unrest that unfolded in several parts of the country in recent times including Gopalganj, Shafiqul Alam said, “The government has already formed a probe commission headed by a former Supreme Court justice over the matter.

He said intelligence agencies have been instructed to work in a more coordinated manner and gather information in advance to avoid such failures in the future.

Election-related administrative reshuffles also came up at the meeting. On this, deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad said, “There will be changes not across the board, but only where necessary.”

He added that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to swiftly identify potential election ‘hotspots’—areas where violence or unrest could occur. They have also been directed to send reports on the situation in those areas to the centre so that additional security measures can be taken if needed.

At the start of the day, US Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson held meetings with top government officials. The discussions focused on counterterrorism efforts, political dialogue through the consensus commission, and tariffs, press secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

“The government is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy on counterterrorism and giving top priority to election security,” he added.

The press secretary expressed hope that with strong coordination among the army, police, and civil administration, the country is moving towards a safe and fair election.​

 

[Saif]

EC holds meeting on delimitation of constituencies, code of conducts of candidates

The Election Commission (EC) today held a meeting on delimitations of parliamentary constituencies, specification of polling centres and code of conducts of political parties and candidates ahead of the 13th parliamentary polls. The meeting was held at the Nirbachon Bhaban in the capital thi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC holds meeting on delimitation of constituencies, code of conducts of candidates

Published :
Jul 29, 2025 23:53
Updated :
Jul 29, 2025 23:53

The Election Commission (EC) today held a meeting on delimitations of parliamentary constituencies, specification of polling centres and code of conducts of political parties and candidates ahead of the 13th parliamentary polls.

The meeting was held at the Nirbachon Bhaban in the capital this afternoon with Election Commissioner M Anwarul Islam Sarker in the chair, BSS reports.

The meeting held a threadbare discussion on delimitations of 79 parliamentary constituencies and other relevant agendas. A draft on the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies was prepared based on received application, population, administrative area and election commission policy, sources said.

However, the decision of the today’s meeting will be put forward to the commission’s meeting for taking final decision in this regard, an EC source familiar with the development told BSS today.

Meanwhile, the committee led by Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar was formed on delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, registration of the political parties, and preparation of national and local government election. Today was 12th meeting of the committee.​

 

[Saif]

Govt working to deliver ‘inclusive, credible’ election: Prof Yunus

The United Nations Human Rights Mission in Dhaka organised the event that brought together senior political leaders, civil society members, youth representatives and international partners.

en.prothomalo.com

Govt working to deliver ‘inclusive, credible’ election: Prof Yunus
UNB Dhaka
Published: 29 Jul 2025, 22: 47
BSS

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said they are working to build a broad national consensus around a renewed political system—one that delivers ‘inclusive, participatory and credible’ elections.

"The goal is clear: to establish a society where all Bangladeshis can live in peace, with pride, with freedom, and with dignity," he said while speaking at the 'commemoration and dialogue event’, marking the anniversary of the July 2024 events.

Prof Yunus said their work is far from finished. "Alongside our reform agenda, we are pursuing legal accountability for those responsible for gross violations."

But, Prof Yunus said, justice is not only about punishment. "Justice is also about ensuring that state power can never again be used to suppress, silence, or destroy its own people," he said.

Political representatives, representatives of victims’ families, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman also spoke at the event.

Prof Yunus said as they reflect on this past year, they remember those who gave their lives in pursuit of that vision. "Their sacrifices paved the way for a new chapter in our history. They have created a new Bangladesh, one that is rooted in hope, human rights and democratic renewal," he said.

The United Nations Human Rights Mission in Dhaka organised the event that brought together senior political leaders, civil society members, youth representatives and international partners.

At the request of the Chief Adviser, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) undertook an independent fact-finding mission into the events of July-August 2024.

The report of the mission, released on 12 February 2025, presented comprehensive findings and outlined key recommendations aimed at ensuring non-repetition of similar incidents.

"On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, I thank the United Nations for standing with us in our darkest hour, and I look forward to the continued partnership as we move forward," Prof Yunus said.

All gathered at the event to mark the first anniversary of the July Uprising—a moment of profound significance in Bangladesh history.

"It was a moment when thousands of Bangladeshi men and women—most of them young—stood up against tyranny and reclaimed the dignity and future of our country. Their courage spoke not only for our people, but for humanity," Prof Yunus said.

He recognised the steadfast support of the international community, particularly the United Nations, which has always stood beside Bangladesh—from the War of Independence in 1971, to the Rohingya crisis and again during the dark days of July and August last year.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the United Nations set out to define and defend the inalienable rights of all human beings—irrespective of race, religion, sex, or status.

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged as a moral compass for our world, and its principles have long been embedded in our own constitution, Bangladesh’s Constitution," said Prof Yunus.

Over the past 16 years, Prof Yunus said, these rights were repeatedly denied to the citizens.

"Our institutions were captured. Freedoms were curtailed. Violence became the prime tool of governance. Last July, our society stood united in rejecting this reality," said the Chief Adviser, adding that the people of Bangladesh reclaimed their rights with clarity, resolve and immense bravery.

Immediately after the establishment of the Interim Government in August last year, Prof Yunus formally requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct an independent fact-finding mission to investigate allegations of human rights abuses between 1 July and 15 August.

"We believed that an impartial and credible accounting of the truth was essential—not for justice alone, but also for healing," Prof Yunus said.

The UN High Commissioner’s report, released in February 2025, revealed the staggering scale of the atrocities: an estimated 1,400 lives lost in just a few weeks.

The report described the violence as systematic, directed and coordinated from the highest levels of the previous regime. "It raised urgent concerns about potential crimes against humanity," said Prof Yunus.

These findings have been further corroborated by international investigative journalism, including reports by the BBC and Al Jazeera.

"We are grateful to the office of the High Commissioner for not only documenting these abuses, but for offering a comprehensive set of recommendations to help ensure that such violations never, never happen again," said the Chief Adviser.

He said they have taken these recommendations to heart—not out of obligation to others, but out of responsibility to ourselves.

Since assuming office, our government has begun implementing wide-ranging reforms.

"We have amended the Code of Criminal Procedure and acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Earlier this month, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the OHCHR to establish a facilitating mission in Dhaka," he said.

This Mission will provide technical support for reform initiatives, as well as capacity-building for government institutions, local authorities and civil society actors working to safeguard most precious thing, human rights.

From the earliest days of the interim government, the United Nations has been a vital partner in our transition.

"I thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his unwavering support and for his solidarity and his visit to Bangladesh in March of this year," Prof Yunus said.

He also extended his deep appreciation to High Commissioner Volker Türk, the members of the OHCHR Fact-Finding Team, Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator, and of course his friend Huma Khan, Senior Human Rights Adviser, for their extraordinary and historical contributions.​

 

[Saif]

Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul

Amid widespread discussions over the election roadmap, Law Affairs Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul on Thursday said the ‘date’ for the polls will be announced within a few days. He made the remarks while talking to reporters on reforms and contemporary affairs at a press conference at the Sec

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul

Published :
Jul 31, 2025 18:56
Updated :
Jul 31, 2025 18:58

Amid widespread discussions over the election roadmap, Law Affairs Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul on Thursday said the ‘date’ for the polls will be announced within a few days.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters on reforms and contemporary affairs at a press conference at the Secretariat, reports UNB.

Replying to a question that people could not cast vote in three to four national elections, the adviser said, “Of course, you will be; all will be able to vote this time.”

Replying to another question, he said even the 2008 election was questionable as you (reporter) will find terrific information if you work on it.

“The election commission will oversee the electoral process. I can only talk about the intentions of our government. Our intention is to provide the best election in the history of Bangladesh; this is what Sir (Chief Adviser) always tells us,” the adviser added.​

 

[Saif]

Election will certainly be held in February: CA's press secretary

The next five or six days are very important for the interim government, press secretary to the chief adviser Shafiqul Alam said on Thursday.

en.prothomalo.com

Election will certainly be held in February: CA's press secretary

UNB Dhaka
Updated: 31 Jul 2025, 16: 52

Chief adviser's press secretary Shafiqul AlamFile photo

The next five or six days are very important for the interim government, press secretary to the chief adviser Shafiqul Alam said on Thursday.

He made the remarks while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the Secretariat Reporters Forum (SRF) at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the afternoon.

The press secretary said the election will certainly be held in February and there is no possibility of deferring it.

“We are still on track. There won’t be even a day’s delay. We hope this election will be held in a very festive and smooth environment,” he said.

“Professor Yunus initially mentioned early April. Later, during discussions in London, we said that if several reforms are implemented and progress is made, then the election could be held in February. We are still aligned with that position. There will not be a single day's delay,” he added.

“We hope this election will be held in a highly festive atmosphere. While some level of violence occurs in every election, we will make our utmost effort to bring it down to zero,” said Shafiqul.

Chief Information Officer Mohammad Nizamul Kabir also addressed the event, presided over by BSRF President Masudul Hoque. BSRF General Secretary Ubaydullah Badol moderated the session.​

 

[Saif]

We want elections by February: Mirza Fakhrul

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the people of Bangladesh want the country to be run under an elected government. “Our chief adviser has already announced that elections will be held in February… and that is the election we want. The...

en.prothomalo.com

We want elections by February: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 01 Aug 2025, 23: 02

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses a rally at Rabindra Sarani in the capital’s Uttara, organised by BNP’s Dhaka North City unit in memory of those killed during the 2024 mass uprising on 1 August 2025 Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the people of Bangladesh want the country to be run under an elected government.

“Our chief adviser has already announced that elections will be held in February… and that is the election we want. The people want it too,” he stated.

He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while addressing a rally at Rabindra Sarani in the capital’s Uttara, organised by BNP’s Dhaka North City unit in memory of those killed during the 2024 mass uprising.

Pointing out why elections are needed, Fakhrul said, “If I face any problem now, I have nowhere to go. Who do I turn to? There are no MPs. Is there anyone? Who will raise my voice in parliament? There’s no one. That’s why we urgently need elections, we need a parliament where we can voice our concerns.”

Referring to the end of what he called a “brutal autocracy”, the BNP leader added, “The liberation will be complete only when those who looted the banks and extorted people are eradicated politically. We cannot compromise with them. They must not be allowed to return to power under any circumstances.”

“Once again the Awami League will come to power, along with other parties, and plunder the nation - we won’t allow this any longer. We want democracy. And what is democracy? It’s where ordinary people can express their opinions and vote to elect their representatives. Those representatives will run the country. No more elections where votes are cast at night, no more dummy votes, no more MPs being selected by Hasina’s whims, no more billions siphoned abroad or banks being looted. We want to see an end to this.”

Addressing concerns over the interim government, Fakhrul said, “Many people criticise them—they have made mistakes, they lack experience. We had hoped they would, within a year, compile a proper list of the martyrs and ensure their rehabilitation. Sadly, they haven’t done all of it. But they are trying. Only yesterday, the final round of reform talks concluded. We hope to receive the complete report in a few days.”

Referring to reduced US tariffs, he said, “There’s some good news: the US had imposed a 35 per cent tariff on our exports. The interim government and advisers have managed to reduce it to 20 per cent. We thank them for that.”

‘Slogans and applause are outdated, people want action’

Mirza Fakhrul continued, “Mugdha’s father and Jafar’s mother are here today. They lost their children in the anti-autocracy movement a year ago. And it wasn’t just one or two—we’ve lost hundreds a year ago, and even more in the last 15 years. Jafar’s mother told us he was an excellent student, who dreamt of becoming an engineer. Mugdha was serving water to protesters. He kept asking, ‘Do you need water? Does anyone need water?’ Don’t forget these stories so quickly.”

Addressing the party activists, the BNP secretary general said, “Don’t forget their sacrifices just within a year. They sacrificed their lives for us, for the country, for a better future. Remember them sincerely. Unless this realisation comes from within—unless you feel it—nothing will change. No matter how many slogans you chant, how many posters you hang, it won’t make a difference. You must truly want to change the country. You must hate tyranny. Ensure that Hasina can never return, that she can never again have our children killed.”

He also noted that the public is tired of mere slogans and applause: “Slogans and clapping are old habits—people don’t care about those anymore. It’s disheartening to see ongoing unrest in the country, even after so much sacrifice by our young people and working-class citizens. We had hoped—and we still hope—to build a beautiful Bangladesh together. But we have to work together for that. That is why I say: just clapping, carrying posters, or chanting a leader’s name isn’t enough.”

In his speech, Dhaka North City BNP convener Aminul Haque said, “Through the people’s uprising, we’ve rid ourselves of a dictatorship—Sheikh Hasina is gone. But we are not yet fully free of authoritarianism. We are on the threshold of democracy but have yet to fully establish it.”

He also warned, “THe interim government we, the people of this country supported, some new parties and former collaborators have infiltrated that interim government and are trying to revive fascism. But Bangladesh comes first. The country will be governed according to the people’s will.”

Addressing the event, BNP’s Dhaka North City unit member-secretary Mostafa Zaman said, “Our party is being harmed because of some of our activists. In some of our local areas—like Uttara West and Turag—a few individuals have repeatedly been arrested by the army, only to be released and then arrested again. Some of our so-called godfathers are working to get them released again. Stay aware: anyone who tarnishes the image of BNP—whether he’s a party member or a leader—will not be spared.”

Mugdha’s father, Mir Mostafizur Rahman, and Jafar’s mother also spoke at the rally.

Leaders from various BNP-affiliated wings—Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Sramik Dal—were present.

The rally was held on a temporary truck-stage erected on Rabindra Sarani in Uttara.

The southbound lane was fully blocked, and the northbound lane also became inaccessible due to the large crowd.

The gathering caused inconvenience to patients and relatives at Crescent Hospital’s maternity and paediatric unit, located directly behind the rally stage.​