[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[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.

en.prothomalo.com

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.​

 

[Saif]

EC gets approval to begin voter registration in five countries

The Election Commission (EC) has received approval to initiate the voter registration process and issue national identity cards (NIDs) in five countries, including the United States. The other four countries are Maldives, Jordan, South Africa and Oman, BSS reports The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC gets approval to begin voter registration in five countries

Published :
Jul 09, 2025 20:14
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 20:14

The Election Commission (EC) has received approval to initiate the voter registration process and issue national identity cards (NIDs) in five countries, including the United States.

The other four countries are Maldives, Jordan, South Africa and Oman, BSS reports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted the approval through an official consent letter sent to the EC on Wednesday.

The letter, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shakera Ahmed, confirmed that the EC is authorised to begin voter registration and NID issuance in these countries, specifying Los Angeles as the designated location in the United States.

The EC has been requested to take necessary steps to move forward with the implementation of the registration process in the approved countries.

Earlier, on July 2, Md. Abdul Momin Sarkar, Director (Registration and Expatriates) of the Election Commission’s National Identity Registration Division, signed a letter addressed to the Foreign Secretary concerning the “Consent to start the process of registering voters abroad and issuing national identity cards to Bangladeshi citizens living abroad.”

The letter stated that the Election Commission Secretariat has adopted a plan to issue national identity cards to Bangladeshi citizens residing in 40 countries around the world.

With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' consent, voter registration and NID issuance have already begun in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada.

Among the remaining 31 countries, the United States, Oman, Jordan, South Africa, and the Maldives received consent on Wednesday to begin registering expatriate voters.

The countries still awaiting for consent are Bahrain, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Egypt, Romania, Mauritius, Iraq, Greece, Spain, Germany, Japan, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, and Cyprus.

The letter noted that the Election Commission Secretariat is fully prepared to begin the voter registration process in these countries and has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide consent on a priority basis, as it has for the other countries.

It also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted approval for Japan on May 25, and preparations are in place to begin the process there by July 15.

In this context, the letter requested priority consent for the United States, Maldives, Turkey, Jordan, South Africa, Oman, Egypt, and France to start voter registration and NID issuance. The EC Secretariat is prepared to initiate the process in these countries as well.

When contacted, EC National Identity Registration Division Director General ASM Humayun Kabir said, “We (EC) have written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as we are ready to start voter registration and issuance of national identity cards in eight countries. Work has already been started in this regard.”

According to EC officials, voter registration and NID issuance for expatriates are currently ongoing in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada.

So far, approximately 47,032 expatriates from these countries have applied for registration. Of them, biometrics for 29,563 individuals have been collected by the mission offices, while 20,451 have been approved for inclusion as voters.

Meanwhile, 3,677 applications have been rejected.​

 

[Saif]

Law enforcement agencies instructed to complete election preparations by December: Shafiqul

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed law enforcement agencies to complete all the necessary preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December. The information was shared by the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, at a press conference held on

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Law enforcement agencies instructed to complete election preparations by December: Shafiqul

FE Online Desk
Published :
Jul 09, 2025 20:38
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 21:06

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed law enforcement agencies to complete all the necessary preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December.

The information was shared by the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

The CA’s Press Wing said the briefing was organised to inform the public about the developments regarding the national election.

At the briefing, Shafiqul stated that the Chief Adviser has instructed that all preparations related to the upcoming election be completed by December. He emphasised that the deadline for finishing all preparations is within this timeframe.

He added that the preparations involve several important aspects, including the recruitment and training of 17,000 new members across law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Coast Guard.

The Chief Adviser has directed that their recruitment and training should be completed within the specified period.

The Press Secretary also warned that as the election approaches, there may be attempts to create unrest to destabilise the law and order situation.

In response, the Chief Adviser has ordered the law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the law in the coming months to ensure a peaceful and secure election environment, he stated.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Ahmad Foyez were also present at the press briefing.​

 

[Saif]

EC forms five committees to coordinate general election

To prepare for the 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission has formed five special coordination and oversight committees, covering law and order, field administration, and other areas. The committees will be led by four election commissioners, with seven members

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC forms five committees to coordinate general election

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 10, 2025 22:54
Updated :
Jul 10, 2025 22:54

To prepare for the 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission has formed five special coordination and oversight committees, covering law and order, field administration, and other areas.

The committees will be led by four election commissioners, with seven members working under each.

Separate office orders on this topic were issued on Thursday, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Shah Alam.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah will lead the law and order coordination committee. He will also be responsible for coordinating expatriate voting and the local and international election observers.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud will head the committee on electoral laws, rules, and regulations.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker will serve as the head of the field administration coordination committee, while Commissioner Tahmida Ahmad will lead the committee for forming the panel of polling officials and overseeing training activities.

These special committees have been formed following instructions from the chief advisor to complete all election-related preparations by December.

SANAULLAH TO OVERSEE LAW AND ORDER

The law and order coordination committee, led by Sanaullah, includes the following members: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, project director (IDA Project Phase 2), joint secretary (Administration and Finance), joint secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Management-2), who will act as the secretary. The committee may co-opt any officer as needed.

Scope of work:
​

• Devising security plans for conducting the election.​
• ​
• Monitoring and coordinating the activities of law-enforcing agencies deployed for the election.​
• ​
• Ensuring coordination between the police, RAB, BGB, Coast Guard, Armed Forces, Ansar, and other relevant bodies.​
• ​
• Coordinating between different law-enforcing agencies for maintaining peace and order in polling centres and electoral areas.​
• ​
• Coordinating the deployment of law-enforcing agencies as mobile and striking forces for securely transporting and distributing ballot papers and other electoral materials, and supporting returning officers and presiding officers in the election process.​
• ​
• Assessing potential threats of violence, terrorism, or unrest and taking preventative measures in consultation with relevant forces.​
• Other relevant matters.​

COMMITTEE FOR EXPAT VOTES AND OVERSERVERS

Sanaullah will also lead the committee on expatriate voting and domestic and foreign election observers.

Other members of the committee include: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, joint secretary (Election Management-2), deputy secretary (Election Assistance and Supplies), director (Public Relations), system manager (ICT), with the option to co-opt any additional officer as needed.

Scope of work:
​

• Developing procedures for allowing Bangladeshi expatriates to exercise their voting rights.​
• ​
• Coordinating all matters related to expatriate voting.​
• ​
• Coordinating with embassies and relevant ministries and agencies on expatriate voter rights.​
• ​
• Overseeing and coordinating the activities of domestic and foreign election observers according to the observer policy.​
• ​
• Handling other related matters.​

ELECTORAL LAW

During elections, the EC forms electoral inquiry committees composed of joint district judges who investigate irregularities and recommend action. This time, the EC will directly monitor their activities.

Masud will oversee the drafting, amending, and reviewing of electoral laws, rules, regulations, and policies, and monitor the electoral inquiry committees.

Other committee members are: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, joint secretary (Law), joint secretary (Election Management-1), deputy secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Assistance and Supply), who will serve as the secretary. The committee may co-opt any officer as needed.

Scope of work:
​

• Carrying out tasks related to the drafting, revision, and amendment of electoral laws, rules, regulations, and policies.​
• ​
• Overseeing and coordinating the compilation of manuals for the interpretation and implementation of laws by field administration, law-enforcing agencies, returning officers, and polling officers.​
• ​
• Monitoring and coordinating the activities of electoral inquiry committees.​
• ​
• Managing other relevant issues.​

FIELD ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Anwarul will chair the field administration coordination committee.

Members include: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, director general of the NID Wing, joint secretary (Administration and Finance), joint secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Management-2). The committee may co-opt other officers as needed.

Scope of work:
​

• Maintaining regular communication, coordination, and consultation with civil officers engaged in election duties.​
• ​
• Providing instructions for implementing electoral activities at the field level.​
• ​
• Developing and monitoring a reliable and timely reporting system for information flowing in from the field to the EC.​
• ​
• Offering immediate guidance and support for resolving any crises that may arise during the election period.​
• ​
• Coordinating and consulting executive magistrates on enforcing the code of conduct.​
• Handling other related matters.​

APPOINTING POLLING OFFICERS

An office order has also been issued for preparing the panel of polling officials, led by Tahmida.

Members include: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, director general of the National Identity Registration Wing, joint secretary (Administration and Finance), joint secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Management-2), who will act as the secretary. The committee may co-opt other officers as needed.

Scope of work:
​

• Preparing and supervising the panel of polling officers for national and local government elections.​
• ​
• Overseeing the appointment of presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers based on qualifications, experience, and skills.​
• ​
• Monitoring and coordinating the training of polling officers.​
• ​
• Handling other related matters.​

At the capital’s Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, the Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam provided updates on the 13th General Election. He reaffirmed the government's intention to complete preparations before Ramadan, suggesting the election could be held in February.

He also mentioned that around 800,000 law enforcement personnel would be deployed for the election, and the chief advisor has instructed that their training be completed by December to ensure a peaceful election.​

 

[Saif]

Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC

Thanking Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for his fresh instruction on the national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will complete its election preparations promptly. “I would like to thank Professor Dr Yun

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC

Published :
Jul 10, 2025 15:52
Updated :
Jul 10, 2025 18:09

Thanking Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for his fresh instruction on the national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will complete its election preparations promptly.

“I would like to thank Professor Dr Yunus from this programme as he has instructed the Election Commission to complete all the work by December. This is a very positive matter,” he said while speaking at a discussion, UNB reports.

“We hope that the Election Commission will complete this work very quickly and create an environment for the election,” the BNP leader added.

He said their party wants the Election Commission to work in such a way that it can present the nation with a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election. “We hope they will work in that way.”

The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the programme titled ‘Journalists’ Role in the July Uprising by Students and Masses’ at the Jatiya Press Club."

Expressing strong optimism, Fakhrul dismissed concerns raised by some quarters about whether the election will be held on time.

“Why wouldn’t the election be held? The people of this country want the election. They have sacrificed their lives for the election. They want a parliament with elected representatives,” he said.

Fakhrul said that attempts have been made by a certain quarter to label BNP as a party that opposes reforms, but in reality, it is the BNP that has introduced all major reforms in Bangladesh.

“Reform is in our blood and DNA. We were born through reforms. So, it is unfair to say that BNP is against reforms….Nothing could be a greater distortion of the truth than claiming BNP is obstructing reforms,” he said.

The BNP leader, however, said that is the people who will ultimately decide on reforms. “Why should we expect everything from this interim government?”

Speaking about the July Charter, Fakhrul said BNP had earlier shared their opinions on it and finalised their formal response on Wednesday night after receiving a draft on it from the government. “So, where is the problem?”

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said political parties may have different opinions, but they should stay united in the interest of the nation and democracy.

He also urged political parties to use careful and respectful language while speaking or criticising their opponents, so that people do not get the wrong message about the unity among anti-fascist forces.

The Jamaat leader called upon all pro-democratic parties to stay alert, warning that any disunity among them could help fascist forces to rise.

Describing journalists as the barometer of civilisation, he requested the media to play a more responsible role by practising fair and objective journalism.

Parwar alleged that some media outlets are spreading false and misleading information about Jamaat, BNP and other parties to create division among the democratic forces.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid said he is concerned about the future of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as there has been no change in the mindset and attitude of the young leaders who played a role in ousting the autocratic and fascist regime of Awami League.

He urged young leaders to show more restraint and patience, and to avoid arrogance in their actions and words. "You should remain alert so that your words and actions do not reflect the mindset of fascists and autocrats."

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said there has been no major progress in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission regarding reform proposals.

However, he praised the Chief Adviser for instructing law enforcers to complete all preparations by December for the election.

Manna said the election should be held as soon as possible, warning that any delay may push the country into a dark future. “The mass uprising will succeed when democracy is restored in the country through a fair and credible national election,” he said.​

 

[Saif]

BNP demands specific February election date, says outcome is obvious to all

The BNP has pressed the interim government to fix a specific date for the general election, accusing certain quarters of trying to derail the process through “diversionary tactics” in the name of reform and justice. At a protest event in Dhaka on Friday, the party’s Vice-Chairman

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP demands specific February election date, says outcome is obvious to all

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 11, 2025 19:31
Updated :
Jul 11, 2025 19:31

The BNP has pressed the interim government to fix a specific date for the general election, accusing certain quarters of trying to derail the process through “diversionary tactics” in the name of reform and justice.

At a protest event in Dhaka on Friday, the party’s Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu warned that the longer the government delays naming a date, the deeper the “crisis” will grow.

He said the path to stability lies in “a clear and timely declaration”.

According to Dudu, there is now “real hope” for a national election following a meeting in London between BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

He urged the caretaker administration to capitalise on this momentum by naming a date—early, mid, or late February—that could calm political uncertainty.

Dudu accused certain groups of using legal and institutional pretexts to obstruct the election, saying their aim is to “sabotage” the democratic process.

While avoiding direct references, he took aim at a “so-called” alliance of intellectuals, politicians, and special interests “clinging to the illusion of power”.

“Even a madman knows who’s going to form the next government,” he said.

He added that the BNP has governed before and is poised to return to power again through popular support.

Calling for national unity, Dudu warned of cross-border interference, suggesting hostile forces were “dreaming of disruption” and “waiting to intervene.”

He urged the BNP supporters to remain alert and united.

The BNP leader went further, predicting that the Awami League would be out of power for the next century.

He held ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina directly responsible for “destroying her own party”.

The protest was organised by Jatiyatabadi Nobin Dal at the National Press Club, demanding justice for the 2011 police assault on the BNP lawmakers, including then opposition chief whip Zainul Abedin Farroque.

He called for the trial of police officers Harunor Rashid and Biplob Kumar Sarker, who were allegedly involved.

Dudu also challenged those dismissing the BNP’s strength. “Many now pretend the BNP is irrelevant. But when the election comes, it’ll be clear who’s strong and who’s not.

“We believe polls are essential.”

“When the votes are counted, it’ll be clear who’s winning seats, who’s losing deposits, and who’s being forced out of the game,” he added.​

 

[Saif]

Election Commission says polls logo remains under its ownership even if party dissolves

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that the “boat” symbol will remain in its list of reserved electoral symbols, despite the suspension of the Awami League’s registration. On Sunday, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said election symbols are never banned and rem

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election Commission says polls logo remains under its ownership even if party dissolves

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 13, 2025 21:58
Updated :
Jul 13, 2025 21:58

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that the “boat” symbol will remain in its list of reserved electoral symbols, despite the suspension of the Awami League’s registration.

On Sunday, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said election symbols are never banned and remain the property of the commission, even if a political party ceases to exist.

The clarification came after the National Citizen Party (NCP), which has applied for registration, demanded that the boat be removed from the list and their preferred ‘Shapla’, or water lily, symbol be included.

In preparation for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, the EC has revised the electoral code and proposed a new list of 115 reserved symbols, now under vetting by the law ministry.

The list includes the “weighing scales” symbol following Jamaat-e-Islami's re-registration, and retains the boat, despite the Awami League’s suspension. However, the water lily, sought by both NCP and Nagorik Oikya, was not included.

The EC suspended the Awami League’s registration following demands from different factions within the current post-Uprising government. NCP argues that as long as the Awami League’s status remains unresolved, its symbol should also be excluded.

Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, NCP Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa said: “The Awami League’s registration is suspended, but its boat symbol remains. That’s legally untenable.”

Commissioner Masud, however, rejected this argument.

“The boat was allocated to a party by the EC, and it is still officially on record. Even if the party is inactive or dissolved, the symbol doesn’t vanish. It remains in the EC’s custody and can be reallocated in future.”

Citing precedents, he added that the EC retains symbols of defunct parties, such as tiger, axe, key, and hookah, in the official registry.

“The Freedom Party may no longer exist, but its symbol is still with us. We are guided by law, not expediency.”

The EC introduced party registration with symbol protection in 2008. Currently, 69 symbols are reserved for registered parties and independent candidates.

On the separate issue of NCP’s renewed appeal for the water lily symbol, which had earlier been rejected on grounds of its status as a national emblem, Masud said no decision had been made yet.

The NCP had initially applied for water lily, pen, and mobile phone symbols. The party argues it was the first to apply for water lily after the code revision, and thus should be prioritised if the symbol is later included.

“We expect the EC to honour our position,” Musa said. “If the party is granted registration, we should receive Shapla.”

Commissioner Masud acknowledged the appeal but said the EC would decide on the symbol after the party’s registration is finalised. “There’s no scope to act on this yet,” he said.​