[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting 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

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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

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'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.

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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.

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"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.​

 

[Saif]

No alternative to early elections to uphold rights of people: Gayeshwar

There is no alternative to holding an early election to ensure the rights of the people of the country, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has said. "The longer the elections are delayed, the more the fascist Hasina will continue with her conspiracies," he said. The BNP leader ma

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

No alternative to early elections to uphold rights of people: Gayeshwar
UNB
Published :
Jan 04, 2025 21:19
Updated :
Jan 04, 2025 21:19

There is no alternative to holding an early election to ensure the rights of the people of the country, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has said.

"The longer the elections are delayed, the more the fascist Hasina will continue with her conspiracies," he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while distributing blankets to the cold-stricken people at Baghair School Ground in Dhaka's Keraniganj.

The struggle for the people's right to vote is far from over, said Gayeshwar, adding that they must unite and continue the fight to come to power.

He further said the people will bring back democracy in the country through the exercise of their right to vote.

Elected representatives are needed to make the reforms undertaken by the interim government sustainable, he added.

"Those representatives will work to fulfill the expectations and all the needs of the people."

Gayeshwar said that apart from the main issue, some intellectuals are working on other issues of the interim government, which will not bring any benefit. "If they try to work on everything, none of them will be successful."

He also commented that there is no need for new reforms.

The meeting was chaired by South Keraniganj Thana BNP member Raihan Mia.

Among others, Tegaria Union BNP president Khorshed Zamindar, former member secretary of Dhaka District Chhatra Dal Pavel Mollah, senior joint convener of South Keraniganj Thana Jubo Dal Advocate Shahin Rahman, joint convener Selim Mollah, Tegaria Union Jubo Dal organizing secretary Mahbub Kajal were also present.​

 

[Saif]

Govt preparing for both nat’l, local elections

The interim government is simultaneously preparing for national and local body elections, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus told European Investment Bank [EIB] Vice-President Nicola Beer yesterday.

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Govt preparing for both nat’l, local elections
Says chief adviser

The interim government is simultaneously preparing for national and local body elections, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus told European Investment Bank [EIB] Vice-President Nicola Beer yesterday.

He said this when Beer called on him at state guesthouse Jamuna, according to the press wing of the Chief Adviser's Office.

Earlier, Prof Yunus said the national elections would be held either at the end of this year or by the first half of next year.

He sought EIB's help in tackling corruption, the green transition in energy, and formulating a broader plan for the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the surrounding region and river system.

The chief adviser also sought EIB support in building facilities at Chittagong Port for the development of the people in eastern Bangladesh and water management in northern Bangladesh.

He said the development of the port will also benefit eastern India and Myanmar.

Beer assured of EIB help in carrying out vital reforms the government has undertaken. "We have come in a very challenging time; we back the interim government and its reform agenda."

Pledging support, she said the EU has the technical expertise.

During the visit, Prof Yunus recalled his meeting with EU President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September last year when they had discussed possible areas of support in the fight against corruption and Bangladesh's increased shift towards renewable energy from fossil fuel.

He also noted his recent meeting with EU envoys in December last year when many areas of cooperation were discussed.

Special Envoy to Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Mahmud Chowdhory, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and EU Ambassador Michael Miller, were among others, present on the occasion.​

 

[Saif]

BNP, LDP concerned over govt focus on local polls over nat'l elections

The liaison committee meeting, chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, was held at the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan, attended by five LDP leaders

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BNP, LDP concerned over govt focus on local polls over nat'l elections

Photo: BNP Media Cell

The BNP and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) yesterday held a meeting to address concerns over the government's focus on local government elections instead of national polls.

The liaison committee meeting, chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, was held at the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan, attended by five LDP leaders.

Discussions focused on countering student-led narratives that reportedly undermine the BNP and its allies.

LDP pledged to politically address these narratives, which have been gaining traction among the public, said sources.

The two parties strongly criticised the government's push to prioritise local elections, calling it "an attempt to mislead the public".

On Wednesday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said the interim government was preparing for both national and local elections.

However, BNP leaders emphasised the need to prioritise national polls and urged the LDP to maintain a strong stance on this issue.

They also raised questions about the funding and use of private vehicles by student leaders at public events.

The BNP is set to meet members of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote today.​