[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Polls to take place by June 30, 2026

The next parliamentary polls are expected to take place by June 30, 2026, said Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the chief adviser.

www.thedailystar.net

Polls to take place by June 30, 2026
Says CA’s press secretary

Photo: BSS/File

The next parliamentary polls are expected to take place by June 30, 2026, said Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the chief adviser.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has given a clear-cut roadmap about the election, he said at a press conference yesterday when asked about the BNP's demand for a definite roadmap for the next general elections.

It is the Election Commission's job to announce the election schedule and the government's role is to facilitate the EC, said Azad Majumdar, deputy press secretary to the chief adviser.

About enforced disappearances, Alam said all involved, including political parties and members of law enforcement agencies, will be brought to justice.

When asked how the Awami League leaders and members of law enforcement agencies left the country after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, Alam said that the government is reviewing the matter.

The government has no concrete information on the whereabouts of the AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, he said.

The University Grants Commission will be renamed as the University Commission with the view to modernising it and maintaining quality in tertiary education, Alam said.

The government has plans for a significant upgrade to technical and vocational education, he said, while acknowledging that the areas are currently lagging behind.

There would be training initiatives for teachers in private schools and colleges, he said, while noting that private educators often lack access to training opportunities compared with their counterparts in public institutions.

"Efforts will be made to make these textbooks more contemporary," he said.

About forming a reform commission for education, he said that instead of forming a reform commission for education immediately, the government is focusing on identifying areas for rapid intervention to bring qualitative changes to the education sector.

There are plans to increase the budget for the education sector. "Our investment in education is very low -- we need to increase it."​

 

[Saif]

US welcomes Bangladesh election plan

Patel said the United States would encourage the respect of the rule of law over the course of this whole process, as well as the respect for democratic principles should a transition come to fruition...

www.newagebd.net

US welcomes Bangladesh election plan
Agence France-Presse . Washington, United States 19 December, 2024, 04:00

The United States on Wednesday welcomed plans by Bangladesh’s interim government to hold elections after a student-led uprising toppled long-ruling Sheikh Hasina.

‘We welcome steps that have been taken by this interim government of Bangladesh to prepare for elections that ultimately will allow the Bangladeshi people to choose their own government representatives,’ State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

Patel said the United States would ‘encourage the respect of the rule of law over the course of this whole process, as well as the respect for democratic principles should a transition come to fruition.’

Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning microfinance pioneer who heads the interim government, said Monday that general elections would take place late next year or in early 2026.

Former prime minister Hasina, who fled to neighbouring India in August, was accused of rising authoritarianism during her time in power including staging lopsided elections and carrying out extrajudicial killings and detentions.

Patel said that the United States was ‘deeply troubled’ by recent findings of a preliminary inquiry that found Hasina and other ex-officials were involved in mass enforced disappearances.

‘We welcome efforts by the interim government to investigate these crimes and encourage fair and transparent processes to provide justice for the victims and their family members,’ Patel said.

The United States has also voiced alarm over reported attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindu minority since the fall of Hasina, an opponent of Islamists who was backed by regional power India.​

 

[Saif]

Electoral Process: From manipulation to transparency

NATIONAL elections play a pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and social direction of a country, serving as the cornerstone of democracy and the foundation for governance, stability and public accountability. They empower citizens to exercise their right to vote, enabling the...

www.newagebd.net

Electoral Process: From manipulation to transparency
Md Motiar Rahman 19 December, 2024, 00:00

New Age/Mehedi Haque

NATIONAL elections play a pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and social direction of a country, serving as the cornerstone of democracy and the foundation for governance, stability and public accountability. They empower citizens to exercise their right to vote, enabling the collective voice of the populace to determine leadership and policies while ensuring accountability and legitimacy in the government. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, elections encourage active civic engagement, making governments responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people. They also provide a peaceful mechanism for transferring power, promoting stability, trust in political institutions and a commitment to democratic values and inclusive governance.

Furthermore, elections serve as a platform for addressing pressing national issues, debating future policies and shaping the nation’s priorities and future. Ultimately, they reflect the sovereignty of the people, the health of democratic tradition and a country’s dedication to a vibrant, inclusive society. However, election through the manipulation, engineering or strategic design of electoral processes, systems or outcomes to favour a particular candidate, party or group destroys the people’s aspirations in the electoral process.

The Election Commission is responsible for organising and conducting free, fair and transparent elections. It operates as an independent constitutional body, ensuring impartiality in managing electoral processes. The commission oversees the preparation and revision of the electoral roll, the delimitation of constituencies and the enforcement of the electoral code of conduct. It coordinates with various government agencies, including the police and civil administration, to ensure security and logistical support during elections. Voting is conducted through secret ballots, with polling stations set up nationwide, monitored by election officials and observers to prevent irregularities. The Election Commission also addresses complaints and disputes related to the election process, reinforcing its commitment to upholding democratic principles.

Public trust in the Election Commission has eroded significantly, driven by a widespread perception of its alignment with ruling party interests in previous elections. It has been widely viewed as a subordinate entity to the ruling party, functioning as its tool rather than an impartial and independent body. The national elections during the previous regime were plagued by controversies, ranging from unopposed parliamentary appointment to the widespread accusation of ballot box tampering. The 2014 ‘uncontested elections’ were marred by opposition boycotts, the 2018 ‘midnight elections’ drew allegations of pre-poll vote rigging and the 2024 ‘dummy elections’ saw near-total dominance by ruling party candidates. These practices, coupled with the systematic suppression of opposition parties, created an enduring legacy of mistrust. In this context, the interim government committed to facilitating transparent and inclusive elections, emphasising the importance of these reforms to safeguard democratic principles. A commission was formed to reform the election commission.

By this time, a new election commission was formed by the interim government amid rising public demand for voting rights, marking a critical moment in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. The forthcoming national elections, the first under a non-partisan interim government since 2008, offer a unique opportunity to restore public trust and reset the democratic process. By removing the government’s influence over administration, law enforcement and election officials, the interim government has created a level playing field. Through transparency, impartiality and accountability, the commission can rebuild confidence and ensure credible elections, laying a stronger foundation for democracy.

On the other hand, the election reforms commission has been working to overhaul the entire electoral system. As part of this effort, the reform committee convened a meeting with administrative officials to gather insights from stakeholders and organisers involved in managing national and local government elections. During the discussions, officials attributed the irregularities observed in the contentious 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections to law enforcement, particularly the police, citing their tendency to disregard field-level administrative directives in favour of instructions from the headquarters.

This is an alarming revelation by the civil service officers who play a pivotal role in the free and fair national elections under the supervision of the Election Commission. Elections are conducted by a range of officials trained and empowered to uphold electoral laws and ensure fairness and transparency. Key officers include returning officers, typically senior civil servants such as deputy commissioners, who oversee election activities in their constituencies, supported by assistant returning officers in managing polling activities and logistics. Presiding officers, appointed under the authority of returning officers and assistant returning officers, are assigned to individual polling stations to ensure smooth voting processes, with assistance from assistant presiding officers and polling officers, who handle tasks such as verifying voter identities, issuing ballot papers and guiding voters. These officials collectively manage, supervise and oversee all pre-election, mid-election, and post-election activities, ensuring a proper control and monitoring within polling centres.

The police play a crucial role in ensuring election security by maintaining law and order, safeguarding polling stations, preventing violence and fraud and upholding electoral laws. On the election day, their presence is essential for maintaining peace, protecting individuals and property and ensuring a smooth transition of power to newly elected representatives. The effectiveness of the police is critical in fostering voter confidence and supporting a fair democratic process, particularly in a politically charged environment. During elections, the police are deployed alongside members of the Ansar and Village Defence Party and, when necessary, personnel from the armed forces, all working collectively to enforce the law. Their responsibilities strictly exclude facilitating, obstructing or engaging in electoral fraud or manipulation. Any deviation from these duties makes them liable to punishment under the electoral act.

Law enforcement experts contend that attributing sole blame to the police for election irregularities oversimplifies the issue, emphasising that the responsibility is shared with returning and presiding officers. While the police play a significant role in maintaining election security, holding them solely accountable is both unfair and misleading. Accusations of partisanship and defiance within the police force have raised questions about the effectiveness and responsibilities of election officials in managing and conducting the national elections. Claims that the police are entirely responsible for failing to meet public expectations in the past three national elections distort the truth and unfairly shift blame. While the police, along with other government employees, may have supported election manipulation, their role is strictly supplementary, not central. They lack direct knowledge of activities inside polling stations unless significant disorder occurs or election officials request their assistance as their presence is limited to maintaining order outside the polling stations, with no involvement in internal proceedings.

When the ruling party employs strategies to manipulate elections, their focus is primarily on the returning officers, not the police. This is because only returning officers and their close associates have the authority to alter election outcomes. For instance, in 2014, despite leaders of Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s Jatiya Party publicly declaring their intention to withdraw their candidacies, the returning officers refused to accept their withdrawal. In some cases, candidates were even declared elected without submitting nomination papers.

In the 2018 election, returning officers systematically disqualified the nomination papers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and other opposition candidates on absurd grounds. This left BNP voters uncertain about their candidates even a week before the elections. Furthermore, the early disappearance of ballots under the returning officer’s custody remains a mystery. The situation was even more egregious in local government elections. In the Barishal City Corporation elections, some ruling party candidates were unable to cast their vote because of the shortage of ballot papers — an outcome of pre-stuffed ballot boxes orchestrated with the cooperation of the returning officers before the voting even started.

If the alarming claim that the police were solely responsible for election engineering in the past three elections is accepted, it raises the question: why was no appropriate legal action taken? Other security forces, operating under the supervision of the executive magistrate, could have intervened and taken immediate legal or punitive measures against those responsible, including the police. Additionally, the police at the subordinate level, along with a limited number of Ansars and VDP personnel, both armed and unarmed, are typically deployed to maintain law and order at election centres. They lack the authority to overpower presiding officers or defy their orders. It is widely acknowledged that elections, national or local, require a coordinated effort and shared responsibility, as they are inherently a team endeavour.

Putting the blame solely on the police while others attempt to portray themselves as uninvolved in election manipulation is neither fair nor credible. Instead, it must be acknowledged that the entire state apparatus has been complicit in this flawed process of election engineering and manipulation over the past 16 years. An inquiry commission should be established to thoroughly investigate the irregularities in national elections. The commission will examine allegations of police complicity and the incompetence or inertia of other organisations, assign accountability where necessary and ensure that election manipulation of this nature never recurs. This will strengthen the electoral process, restore public confidence and end election tampering. Officers from both law enforcement agencies and the civil administration are believed to have advanced their careers and achieved significant success under the previous regime. While some have since retired, others may still be in service. Based on the findings of a fair and transparent inquiry, appropriate legal actions — preferably formal complaints filed under relevant legal provisions — should be pursued.

It is strongly recommended that law enforcement and administrative officers should be placed under the supervision of the district judge, acting as the chief returning officer, during national elections. This approach draws inspiration and precedence from the 1970 elections under Pakistan’s military regime when the chief election commissioner Justice Abdus Sattar replaced deputy commissioners with district judges as returning officers to ensure impartiality — a decision that remains a historical benchmark for electoral integrity in the region. Building on this precedent, the interim government may consider placing officers of administration, law enforcement agencies and other paraphernalia under judicial supervision during elections, aiming to enhance accountability and minimize partisan interference.

It is to be noted that the Election Commission lacks members with direct law enforcement experience which may limit its ability to address complex security issues during, before and after the elections. While commissioners bring expertise from administration, judiciary and military backgrounds, none have first-hand knowledge of the police’s specific challenges, leaving the commission reliant on external advice. The inclusion of a retired police official could enhance the commission’s capacity to strategise election security, provided appointments are made impartially to avoid bias. By not including a retired police official, the commission may miss out on valuable insights into crowd management, intelligence gathering and strategies for countering electoral malpractices like voter intimidation or booth capturing. Moreover, effective coordination between the commission and the law enforcement agencies is crucial, along with transparent policies and accountability frameworks to ensure that law enforcement remains non-partisan and efficient.

The manipulation of electoral processes over the past decade highlights systemic flaws that undermine democracy. Restoring trust in elections requires a multi-pronged approach, including transparent inquiries, accountability for past irregularities and structural reforms in electoral oversight. By emphasising impartiality, ensuring accountability and placing critical administrative and law enforcement functions under judicial supervision, the nation can work towards safeguarding its democratic values and preventing future election engineering. The proposed reforms mark a pivotal moment to rebuild credibility in governance and reinforce public confidence in the electoral process.

Dr Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.​

 

[Saif]

Election in first half of ’26 is not unreasonable, but Dec ’25 is doable

Whatever the differing stances of various political parties may be, people in general would prefer to exercise their franchise.

www.thedailystar.net

Election in first half of ’26 is not unreasonable, but Dec ’25 is doable
The chief adviser should consider the first option

FILE VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR

Prof Muhammad Yunus has put the election train on track with the option of reaching its destination either in December 2025 or in the first half of 2026. For a country that did not have a proper election for 15 years—three rigged elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024—a six-month time gap should not worry us much. But considering the overall situation, including the economy, lack of investment, law and order, and people's eagerness to see an elected government and parliament installed as early as possible, we think Prof Yunus and his interim government should opt for the first of the two options he has suggested.

And this is why.

The main aim is to have both reforms and an election. Reforms, because we just cannot go back to the past practice of holding an election then allowing the winning party to do whatever it wishes, especially if it has a two-thirds majority. We must amend the constitution to restore checks and balances among the executive, legislative and judiciary, curtail the unilateral power of the prime minister, make the judiciary functionally independent, make the various statutory bodies like the National Human Rights Commission, Information Commission and Election Commission independent, make the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, etc autonomous, and ensure freedom of speech and of the media, among other things. A fundamental reform would be to make the parliament functional and enable it to hold the executive genuinely accountable.

However, as important and crucial as the reforms are, one cannot postpone the elections much further. We need to move away from a makeshift arrangement of an interim government to a more stable one of an elected government, fully backed by the constitution that will give the new government all the legality, legitimacy and prestige of any democratic government in the world. An election is necessary to restore the world's faith in Bangladesh that we can wade through whatever challenges a situation may provide and still continue in the path of democracy. This is the most important thing to prove to the world.

Both can be achieved within the next 12 months.

All the main six reform committees, the most important ones as stated by the chief adviser himself, are scheduled to submit their reports by the end of 2024 or maximum by January next year. The chief adviser's suggestion about the formation of a consensus commission is, in our view, a brilliant innovation that will help us move towards a stable future. The consensus commission will engage with all the political parties to reach consensus on which recommendations are to be implemented by the interim government—through ordinance—and which are to be left for the elected government. Achieving a consensus among all parties will be a major political goal, which has not been achieved since the all-party charter during the fall of the Ershad government in 1990. Since the chief adviser himself will chair the consensus commission, we feel confident that a positive outcome will certainly emerge.

Coming back to the timeline, if the commission starts its work following the submission of reports by December-January, the interim government will have nearly 10 months to move towards the election.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said on Tuesday that the Election Commission has been preparing for the election from the day of their taking office, and it is ready to comply with the dates suggested by the chief adviser. He also said he would be able to complete updating of the voter list within the next two months. If the Election Commission goes for the more elaborate process of updating the voter list by doing a door-to-door verification process, it still should not take more than six or seven months, which will take us at best to July or August next year.

So, both in terms of the completion of the reform processes and in terms of preparation for the election, the coming 12 months appear sufficient from all counts to go for the polls. Also, the fact that the winter season has traditionally been preferred for holding the general elections because of the reduced prospect of natural disruptions like rain, floods, cyclones, etc must not be overlooked.

The actors in the political field today are Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and numerous smaller political parties. The new entry, which is likely to be a significant player, is the political party of the student groups that played a decisive role in toppling the old regime. They have declared their intention of forming a political party within a very short time, with its own student wing.

BNP is the party waiting at the doorstep of assuming power. Therefore, its eagerness to push for the earliest timetable for the election is predictable. The speech by Tarique Rahman, the party's acting chairman, on December 18, urging his party members to focus on "reforms and not revenge" deserves commendation. He further said, "If you want to respond to the injustice, oppression and suppression done to you, you should not imitate what they [Awami League] have done. If we do so, there will be no difference between them and us." This is a highly refreshing and welcome position, and a very powerful and farsighted one.

Even before the submission of the constitutional commission's recommendations, Tarique has said he and his party will recommend two terms for the prime minister, to be fixed by the constitution. As the person who may hold that position, if voted so, he was in fact putting restrictions on his own possible future tenure—a most appreciable and hitherto unprecedented gesture. He also expressed his support for a bicameral legislature for the future. Both these suggestions have far-reaching political consequences for us, and clearly shows that the acting chief of today's BNP is thinking ahead.

The party's 31-point programme, which was prepared some time ago, lays out clearly what the BNP proposes to do once in power. However, we are used to our political parties promising the moon before the election and then forgetting everything once in power. But given the July-August uprising, we hope things will be different this time.

Jamaat has extended a conditional support to the chief adviser's polls plan, with the secretary general saying, "Despite our initial reluctance regarding the delay, we will remain patient as long as the chief adviser honours his commitment to hold elections… we are ready to cooperate with him." This clearly shows that Jamaat is not in any hurry. The reason is obvious: the more time it gets, the more will Jamaat, as the second biggest party right now, be organised when the election comes.

It is our view that smaller parties will acquiesce to the chief adviser's mid-2026 timeline as they may not expect too much from the election and are better off now in terms of being treated on an equal footing with all others.

role of civil society in Bangladesh's democracy

Among the most interesting political developments that are likely is the new party planned by the students. It will be interesting to see them emerge as a political force, get voters' support by joining the election, and participate in the governance process, being elected MPs. The new party may bring about a refreshing change in our political scene with new and bold ideas aimed at removing discriminations from our society. However, they would prefer more time to be able to organise themselves better, and hence are opposed to an early election.

Whatever the differing stances of various political parties may be, people in general would, we think, prefer to exercise their franchise to elect their government, something they have been deprived from for the last 15 years.

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

 

[Saif]

Student Movement rejects statement by Badiul on AL

The Anti-discrimination Student Movement has rejected the statement by Election Reform Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumdar that “there is no obstacle for the Awami League to participate in the general election”. It said allowing the deposed Awami League to contest in elections or tak

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Student Movement rejects statement by Badiul on AL
FE Online Desk
Published :
Dec 19, 2024 20:30
Updated :
Dec 19, 2024 20:30

The Anti-discrimination Student Movement has rejected the statement by Election Reform Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumdar that “there is no obstacle for the Awami League to participate in the general election”.

It said allowing the deposed Awami League to contest in elections or take part in any political activities would dishonour the sacrifices of those who died during the July uprising, bdnews24.com reports.

This statement was made public in a press release issued on Thursday evening by Umama Fatema, the movement's spokesperson.

The statement read, "The Awami League is a group responsible for numerous massacres in Bangladesh. Over the past 16 years, they have been involved in enforced disappearances, murders, extrajudicial killings, and various human rights violations."

"In the most recent July massacre, the notorious Awami League claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 martyrs and caused the dismemberment of over 30,000 people. The Awami League has unlawfully manipulated the last three elections for its own interests. Allowing this party, which has tarnished the electoral system of Bangladesh, to participate in elections would go against the will of the people."

The statement asserted that the Anti-discrimination Student Movement opposes the participation of the Awami League in any political activities, including elections. It believes that such participation would devalue the bloodshed of the martyrs of the July uprising.

It called on Badiul Alam to retract his statement and take appropriate measures to prevent the Awami League from participating in the elections.​

 

[Saif]

EC ramps up preparations for national election

The Election Commission, under the stewardship of Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, has embarked on preparations for the nation's 13th parliamentary election, setting the wheels in motion for what it promises to be a festival time in the country's democratic journey

www.thedailystar.net

EC ramps up preparations for national election

The Election Commission, under the stewardship of Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, has embarked on preparations for the nation's 13th parliamentary election, setting the wheels in motion for what it promises to be a festival time in the country's democratic journey.

In a decisive move, the EC has instructed its officials to initiate the procurement process for critical election materials.

Plans are also underway to fast-track the door-to-door data collection drive, starting in January instead of March, to ensure an updated and robust electoral roll.

These resolutions emerged from an impromptu meeting of the commission, presided over by the CEC on Thursday.

The session delved into key issues, including voter list updates, constituency delimitation and the procurement of election essentials.

Streamlined Procurement Timeline

With swift execution, the EC feels that its secretariat could secure all necessary materials within six to seven months.

Officials emphasised the need for meticulous planning to adhere to the timeline.

The meeting detailed the inventory required for the election, which includes transparent ballot boxes, indelible ink pens, official and marking seals, stamp pads, chargers, and other essentials.

A review of the existing stocks against projected requirements underscored the urgency of the procurement process.

Indelible ink, a crucial component, must be imported and typically requires up to 70 days for delivery. But the EC noted that some contractors have expedited the process in the past, raising hopes for an efficient turnaround.

Aligning with Election Timeline

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently suggested that the 13th general election could be held in late 2025 or early 2026.

Responding to this, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin instructed EC officials to align preparations with this projected timeline.

"We will be fully prepared to hold the election as per the timeframe suggested by the Honourable Chief Adviser," the CEC affirmed, exuding confidence in the EC's ability to meet the challenge.

Accelerating Voter List Updates

The EC is also poised to expedite the annual update of the voter list.

Traditionally, a draft list is published on January 2, inviting public feedback. Any complaints are resolved before the final list is released on March 2.

The proposed early start to the data collection campaign reflects the EC's commitment to ensuring an accurate and inclusive voter list.

Thursday's meeting was attended by four election commissioners and senior EC officials, who pledged their collective efforts to ensure smooth preparations for the upcoming national elections.​

 

[Saif]

BNP allies want election by 2025

The political allies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party want national elections by 2025. They have also asked the BNP to immediately plan a programme to press home their demands that...

www.newagebd.net

BNP allies want election by 2025
Staff Correspondent 21 December, 2024, 17:17

The political allies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party want national elections by 2025. They have also asked the BNP to immediately plan a programme to press home their demands that include holding the next national elections by 2025.

The suggestions came on Saturday from dialogues between the BNP and its allies in which the leaders of the 12-Party Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, and Labour Party met with the BNP liaison committee.

The dialogues were held as part of the series started from the day between the BNP and its allies at the party chairperson’s office in the capital’s Gulshan.

On the day, a delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party was also scheduled to meet with the BNP leaders, but the meeting was rescheduled.

The BNP allies said that a programme was imperative to exert political pressure on the interim government for holding the elections by 2025.

When asked, LDP chairman and also spokesperson for the 12-Party Alliance Shahadat Hossain Selim told New Age, ‘Most of the leaders of our alliance gave opinions at the meeting in favour of holding the next election by next year.’

‘We are in favour of a quick election to thwart conspiracies centring the election which may delay the polls,’ Selim said.

The election is possible by June 2025 if the interim government had the good will, he added.

Another leader, preferring anonymity, of the alliance said, ‘Everyone during the dialogue said that the next election should be held by 2025. We simply do not want it to be delayed to 2026.’

‘The BNP believes that conspiracies are in the making to create instability in the country as they are monitoring the situation. At this meeting we had initial discussions to give a programme on various issues, including elections and rising commodity prices,’ the leader said.

The final decision would come after discussions at the BNP standing committee meeting, the leader noted.

A member of the 12-party alliance, Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar) chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider said that had a long meeting with the BNP leaders.

‘Discussions were held on what the political programme would be in the coming days. The programme will be finalised after discussions in the BNP standing committee meeting.’

Noting that the need for unity had not yet ended, he said ‘We have been carrying out an anti-fascist movement for long and we are still united.’

After the meeting with 12-party alliance, BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told journalists that BNP would continue to work with other political parties in the future on the emerging political situation and contemporary issues of the country, as it had done in the past.

Noting that views were exchanged on the existing political situation at the meeting, he said that decisions would be taken at the BNP standing committee meeting and would be announced later.

BNP’s other partner in simultaneous movement, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, at a programme in Cumilla on the day also iterated its demand for next national elections by 2025.

BNP began a series of dialogue with like-minded political parties on the day by holding its first meeting with the 12-Party Alliance leaders in a bid to consolidate unity and seek their opinions on the next general election.

BNP liaison committee members, headed by party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, participated in the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

EC will decide who will join elections: Badiul Alam Majumder

People from different strata expressed their opinions at the event where two other members of the commission – Tofail Ahmed and Jesmin Tuli – were also present.

en.prothomalo.com

EC will decide who will join elections: Badiul Alam Majumder
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 22 Dec 2024, 19: 08

Badiul Alam Majumder, head of the electoral system reform commission, speaks at a an event to exchange views on reform to the electoral system in Chattogram on 22 December 2024.Prothom Alo

Head of the electoral system reform commission, Badiul Alam Majumdar, has said, “The election commission will decide who will join the election and who are eligible or ineligible for polls, whereas our tasks are to place proposals on reform to the electoral system.”

Badiul Alam Majumdar said this replying to journalists’ queries on the participation of all political parties in elections after an event to exchange views on reform to the electoral system in Chattogram on Sunday.

People from different strata expressed their opinions at the event where two other members of the commission – Tofail Ahmed and Jesmin Tuli – were also present.

Saying that everyone wants a fair election, Badiul Alam Majumdar added, “We will places some proposals but it is the responsibility of the government to implement those.”

Regarding the election deadline, he said, “We expect to make recommendations by 31 December. The chief adviser said that let the election train roll on the track and the formation of the election commission was their first task. Our tasks do not contradict with theirs but they still have lots to do that include updating voter lists, and it is necessary to start those tasks.”

He said, “We will recommend on reform to electoral system. We also are considering everything including proportional representation. But these are not our decisions. These issues require change to constitution and the commission to change constitution should make these recommendations.”​

 

[Saif]

Amir Khosru criticises CA’s lengthy election timeline

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said the timeframe for the upcoming national election, as hinted by the Chief Adviser, is unnecessarily lengthy and not within their desired logical time. “The election period hinted at by the government has not been discussed with us.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Amir Khosru criticises CA’s lengthy election timeline
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 23, 2024 22:13
Updated :
Dec 23, 2024 22:13

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said the timeframe for the upcoming national election, as hinted by the Chief Adviser, is unnecessarily lengthy and not within their desired logical time.

“The election period hinted at by the government has not been discussed with us. We cannot understand why such a lengthy timeframe has been given,” he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting with the leaders of the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), reports UNB.

As part of BNP’s efforts to consolidate unity and seek the opinions of its alliance partners, Khosru held a meeting with the NDM leaders at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan in the evening.

The BNP leader said people are expressing various concerns over the government’s intention to hold the election after taking so much time in the name of reforms. “So, people are getting confused and finding various reasons… We told the government to arrange the election within a logical timeframe, but we’re not seeing it.”

The BNP leader said he discussed the country’s overall political situation, the election timeframe, reforms, and other related issues with the NDM leaders.

He said the Chief Adviser suddenly spoke about the election timeframe without consulting the political parties, despite having held meetings with them on various important issues. “We believe the most important issue now is the election, which the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for. But we’re not aware of the election timeframe,” Khosru said.

Regarding reforms, he said the government should have first completed the reforms in the country’s electoral system by the time. “We’re now supposed to head towards the election after completing the electoral reforms.”

The BNP leader said other reforms must be carried out in parliament by elected public representatives with the people’s mandate.

He said the government can only implement reforms on which political parties reach a consensus. “But where political consensus can’t be reached, those reforms will be implemented in parliament with the mandate of the people.”

The BNP leader also said it is unnecessary to buy time under the guise of reforms and reform commissions’ reports. “We are committed to the nation to implement our 31-point reform proposal through a national government. There is no room for confusion on this matter.”

When asked whether the party has any plans to launch a movement to pressure the government to hold the elections promptly, Khosru said they want to follow the peaceful path of liberal democracy.

“There have been many clashes and conflicts in the past, which have badly affected the people of the country. So, we are trying to ensure that such conflicting politics never returns to Bangladesh. Our efforts will succeed only if the election is held as soon as possible,” he observed.

NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj said they, along with the BNP, want the government to present a clear roadmap for the election to promptly restore the people’s right to vote.

“There’s no reason to delay the election. No government can make any major decision without the mandate of the people. Therefore, we want the government to come up with a detailed and clear election roadmap,” he said.

Later, Khosru also held another meeting with a delegation from a faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by Mia Moshiuzzaman.

Earlier on Saturday, the party began talks with political groups that had launched a simultaneous movement with it against the Awami League regime. These discussions included three separate meetings with the 12-Party Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, and the Labour Party.

On December 16, Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus indicated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election might be scheduled for the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026.

A day later, his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, clarified that the next general election could be expected to take place by June 30, 2026.

"He (CA) has provided a timeline. What could be a clearer roadmap than this? You can expect the election to be held by June 30, 2026. This is a clear roadmap," he said while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.​

 

[Saif]

Polls should be govt’s priority, not lowering of voting age

Emphasising the urgency of general elections, political party leaders cautioned against lowering the voting age. They argued that such a move could spark controversy and push back the polls date in the process.

www.thedailystar.net

Polls should be govt’s priority, not lowering of voting age
Say leaders of several political parties

Photo: BSS

Emphasising the urgency of general elections, political party leaders cautioned against lowering the voting age. They argued that such a move could spark controversy and push back the polls date in the process.

On Friday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus suggested a minimum voting age of 17 and expressed his willingness to accept such a proposal if it reflects popular consensus.

The next day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir disapproved of this suggestion, saying that it had sparked controversy and raised concerns about delays in the polls.

People will now be worried about a potential delay in elections as preparation of the voter list will require more time if the voting age is lowered, he said while speaking at an event in the capital.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Spokesperson Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda told this newspaper yesterday that the party believes that the minimum voting age should align with international standards while also taking into account the maturity of young citizens.

Also while speaking to this newspaper, Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, said the chief adviser's suggestion of 17 as the suitable voting age becomes effectively binding, influencing the Election Commission's decision-making process.

Expressing the same sentiment, Razekuzzaman Ratan, assistant general secretary of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, said lowering the voting age to 17 is "unnecessary".

This has broader implications related to citizens' rights, which could invite further complications in the process, he added.

As of yet, no official proposals have been submitted to the Election Reform Commission regarding lowering the voting age, said sources.

According to Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Election Reform Commission, the matter of determining the minimum voting age falls within the jurisdiction of the Constitution Reform Commission.

When contacted, Prof Ali Riaz, head of the Constitution Reform Commission, said the commission has received multiple proposals for both lowering the voting age to 17 and keeping the existing minimum age of 18.

"We are considering all the proposals that we have received. Our decision regarding this particular matter will be reflected in our draft proposals scheduled to be submitted on January 7."

According to EC officials, around 25 lakh voters will be added if the voting age is lowered to 17.

They said there are both upsides and downsides to lowering the voting age to 17.

On the one hand, the decision would increase democratic participation by allowing more young people to engage in the political process. While, on the other hand, a 17-year-old might not possess the necessary experience to make informed political decisions, they added.

Furthermore, several EC officials also pointed out that if the voting age is lowered, then changes will need to be made to the constitution, the Electoral Rolls Act, 2009, and the Children Act, 2013.

According to the constitution, the elections to Parliament shall be on the basis of adult franchise, and a person shall be entitled to be enrolled on the electoral roll if that person is not less than 18 years of age.

The Electoral Rolls Act, 2009 also says that a person shall be entitled to be enrolled on the electoral roll if they are not less than 18 years of age.

The Children Act of 2013 in Bangladesh defines a child as anyone under the age of 18.

According to the Unicef website, in around 90 percent of countries and territories, the voting age is 18 or above.

Today, countries and territories where children aged 16 and or 17 are allowed to vote in all elections include Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Guernsey, Greece, Indonesia, Isle of Man, Jersey, Nicaragua, North Korea, and Timor-Leste.

Some countries and territories allow 16- or 17-year-olds to vote in at least some elections, such as local or state elections, as in Estonia, Germany, Israel, Puerto Rico, Scotland, and Wales. Children aged 16 in Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Malta, and those aged 17 in Greece, are allowed to vote in European elections.​

 

[Saif]

Changes needed to include more youths in voter list: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin today underscored the need for some changes in the existing process to include more youths in the voter list ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections

www.thedailystar.net

Changes needed to include more youths in voter list: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin today underscored the need for some changes in the existing process to include more youths in the voter list ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He told reporters after a meeting with Election Reform Commission Chief Badiul Alam Mazumder at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka's Agargaon.

Nasir Uddin said discussion was held with the Election Reform Commission as they would submit their report to the government soon.

"They wanted to know if we have any recommendations or statements. We expressed our opinions on various issues," he added.

Replying to a query, the CEC said there is something related to delimitation and something that is connected to the voter list.

"Apart from that, we will have some recommendations that are significant for the election. Whether they make recommendations or not, we have to address them. Otherwise, we cannot address delimitation. Since we want to include more youths in the voter list, some changes have to be made. We told them what is needed," Nasir Uddin said.

Badiul Alam Majumder, head of the Election Reform Commission, said, "The commission aims to submit its reform report by December 31. If delayed, the report will be submitted within January 3."

He also put emphasis on collaborative efforts between the EC and the Reform Commission for shaping the electoral landscape and addressing pressing concerns for the upcoming elections.​

 

[Saif]

Electoral Reform Commission will file report by Jan 3, says Badiul

The Electoral Reform Commission aims to submit its report to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus by Friday. Before finalising the report, the commission consulted with the newly appointed Election Commission, reports bdnews24.com. The commission’s chief Badiul Alam Majumdar met Chief Election Comm

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Electoral Reform Commission will file report by Jan 3, says Badiul
Published :
Dec 29, 2024 23:40
Updated :
Dec 29, 2024 23:40

The Electoral Reform Commission aims to submit its report to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus by Friday.

Before finalising the report, the commission consulted with the newly appointed Election Commission, reports bdnews24.com.

The commission’s chief Badiul Alam Majumdar met Chief Election Commissioner, or CEC, AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Building in Dhaka’s Agragaon on Sunday.

The Election Commission highlighted the reforms regarding boundary redrawing and the inclusion of young voters in the electoral roll.

Badiul said, "We will try to submit the report to the government by the 31st of December, but if that is not possible, we will submit it by the 3rd of January."

“They [Electoral Reform Commission] came to discuss their work; they will submit the report soon,” CEC Nasir told the journalists after the meeting.

He added, “They asked if we have any recommendations or statements, and we shared our views on several matters."

When asked about the topics discussed, the CEC said: “There are issues related to the redefinition of parliamentary constituency boundaries and some matters regarding the voter list. We will have some recommendations on these important election-related issues.

“Whether they make recommendations or not, we must address these issues. Otherwise, we won't be able to proceed with boundary redefinition."

He continued, “We may need to make changes if we want to include the younger generation in the voter list.

“The Electoral Reform Commission is considering reforms in this regard."

The CEC said the Election Reform Commission was not asked about their recommendations. Instead, the Election Commission’s needs were communicated at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

If not banned, AL can contest elections: CEC

The decision to ban Awami League rests solely with the court and the government, said chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday.

www.newagebd.net

If not banned, AL can contest elections: CEC
Staff Correspondent . Chattogram 30 December, 2024, 13:45

AMM Nasir Uddin | UNB file photo

The decision to ban Awami League rests solely with the court and the government, said chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday.

‘We have no role in this matter. Awami League has been a registered party since 1972. Unless the court or the government imposes a ban, there is no obstacle to the party’s participation in the elections.’

The chief election commissioner made these remarks during a press briefing held at the Chattogram Circuit House conference room on Monday morning, ahead of a meeting with election officials to discuss voter list updates and preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Reiterating the institution’s independence, CEC Nasir said, ‘The Election Commission operates independently and is under no external pressure. Unlike previous elections, no external forces will be able to influence the commission this time.’

Nasir also pledged to ensure a fair and transparent election, saying, ‘The voter list will be updated within the next six months. This time, the voting process will not repeat past mistakes. Since August 5, a sense of national unity regarding the election has emerged. The forthcoming polls will resemble the fair elections of 1991 and 1996.’

Highlighting irregularities in voter lists, the election commission chief said, ‘We have identified fake voters. Additionally, many deceased individuals remain on the voter list because their relatives did not report their deaths. This issue was exploited in past elections.’

The CEC called for increased efforts to register female voters, acknowledging their lower numbers compared with male voters. “Media support is crucial to address this disparity. We need campaigns to encourage women to register as voters and actively participate in the electoral process.”

Chattogram regional election officer Yunus Ali and district election officer Bashir Ahmed, among other officials, were present at the event.

The student-led mass uprising overthrew the Sheikh Hasina regime with her fleeing to India on August 5, leading to the formation of the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.​

 

[Saif]

'We aim to deliver a truly credible election': CEC

He made the remarks during a views-exchange meeting with election officials at the Cumilla Regional Election Office, discussing voter list updates and preparation for the next national election

www.thedailystar.net

'We aim to deliver a truly credible election': CEC

Photo: UNB

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today affirmed the Election Commission's commitment to ensuring a truly credible 13th parliamentary election, marking a departure from the practices of previous commissions.

"We are determined to prove through our actions that we are not like the previous two or three election commissions. Our goal is to present the nation with a truly credible election," the CEC said.

He made the remarks during a views-exchange meeting with election officials at the Cumilla Regional Election Office, discussing voter list updates and preparation for the next national election.

While the exact date and time for the national election have not yet been decided, the CEC said the commission has already begun preparations based on hints from the chief adviser's speech on December 16.

"Our current focus is on the national election, not local government polls. Preparations for local government elections have not yet begun," Nasir Uddin said.

As part of its preparation, the commission is actively working to update the electoral roll, removing deceased individuals and Rohingya nationals from the list.

The CEC also emphasised encouraging youth participation by ensuring their enrolment in the voter list. Further preparations for the national elections would depend on the findings and recommendations of the Reform Commission.

Presided over by Cumilla Regional Election Officer Dulal Talukdar, the meeting was attended, among others, by officials from district and upazila-level election offices within the region, including Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Lakshmipur Noakhali, and Feni.​

 

[Saif]

CA reiterates 2 possible polls timelines

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has once again said the next general election will likely be held in December 2025 or by mid-2026.

www.thedailystar.net

CA reiterates 2 possible polls timelines
Assures visting UK MP of free, fair polls

Photo: PID

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has once again said the next general election will likely be held in December 2025 or by mid-2026.

He shared the two possible timelines for the election when British parliamentarian Rupa Huq, who is on a three-day visit as part of a business delegation from the UK, met Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna yesterday.

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
"The election date depends on how much reform people want," Yunus told Rupa, while assuring her that the next general election would be free and fair.

In response, Rupa expressed willingness to return to Bangladesh to observe the election.

"People could not vote in the last three elections. There was a fake parliament; fake MPs and a fake Speaker. The whole country got their voice back, which was taken away forcibly," said Yunus.

Photo: PID

During the meeting, Rupa also enquired about the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government and the political parties' participation in those initiatives.

Yunus told Rupa about the repression of the people during the regime of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and explained how it led to the July uprising.


James Goldman, deputy high commissioner and development director of the British High Commission in Dhaka, was also present at the meeting.

Earlier, Rupa met Special Envoy to Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Chowdhury, and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed over trade and investment in Bangladesh.

A delegation from UKBCCI is currently on a three-day visit to Bangladesh.

UKBCCI Chairman Iqbal Ahmed OBE and UKBCCI President MG Moula Mia are leading the delegation.

Siddiqi invited British businesspeople, including those of Bangladesh origin, to invest in the country, saying the interim government has undertaken sweeping reforms to attract foreign direct investment.​