[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Elections must be held this year after reforms: BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said that his party believed it was extremely urgent to complete the national elections within this year after carrying out the necessary reforms.

www.newagebd.net

Elections must be held this year after reforms: BNP
Staff Correspondent 13 January, 2025, 00:33

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said that his party believed it was extremely urgent to complete the national elections within this year after carrying out the necessary reforms.

He announced the position of BNP at a briefing after a meeting between the party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and the European Union ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

Khasru said that the important issues in the current context of Bangladesh, including elections and reforms, were discussed with the EU ambassador.

‘From our side, we have emphasised the critical importance of completing the election within this year. Rather than diverting attention elsewhere, the focus must remain on moving directly towards the national election and ensuring a smooth transfer of power to an elected government to uphold Bangladesh’s democratic process in the days ahead,’ Khasru said.

He said that discussions were held on economy, particularly considering the strong economic ties between Bangladesh and the EU.

‘We have clearly outlined the BNP’s track record of economic success. To lift the country’s economy out of its current downturn, our party has already devised specific programmes,’ Khasru said.

The BNP leader also said that EU investors had expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh and that the party had warmly welcomed such interest during the meeting.

Khasru said that at the meeting they emphasised returning to a democratic process as quickly as possible as a country could not function for long under an undemocratic system.​

 

[Saif]

Govt planning to make next general election ‘the best ever and historic’: Dr Yunus

Yunus has also asked Norway to make Bangladesh a regional distribution hub of their products and invest more in the country to take the benefits of youth force

en.prothomalo.com

Govt planning to make next general election ‘the best ever and historic’: Dr Yunus
BSS
Updated: 12 Jan 2025, 20: 59

Norwegian Ambassador in Dhaka Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen calls on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at his office in Tejgaon on 12 January 2025BSS

Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus said the government was planning to make the next general election in Bangladesh "the best ever and historic."

"We want to make it an example, a historical example," the CA told Norwegian ambassador in Dhaka Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen when the envoy called on him at his office in Tejgaon.

Prof Yunus asked Norway to make Bangladesh a regional distribution hub of their products and invest more in the country to take the benefits of Bangladesh's youth force.

"Use Bangladesh as a base for distributing Norwegian products in Asia so that you don't need to bring your people from Norway and can use our young people," Prof Yunus told Norwegian ambassador.

Prof Yunus cited the example of Grameenphone, the first overseas entity of Norwegian telecom giant Telenor, which has over the years turned into the most profitable venture in the Telenor family.

Ambassador Gulbrandsen handed over a letter from Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store, expressing strong support of the country for Bangladesh's Interim Government.

"The prime minister has strong support for your efforts to initiate much-needed reforms and conduct free and fair democratic elections," said the ambassador.

The ambassador conveyed the Norwegian prime minister's appreciation of Bangladesh's Interim Government's commitment to protecting human rights and promoting environmental sustainability.

Gulbrandsen said Norway was keen to work closely with Bangladesh in the ship recycling industry and in the green energy transition.

The chief adviser also sought Norway's support in resolving the Rohingya crisis amid the changed political situation in Myanmar.

"Norway played a big role in peacekeeping. So, we need your help in resolving the Rohingya crisis," he said.

Ambassador Gulbrandsen said Norway was keen to work closely with Bangladesh in international forums on the Palestinian issue, international tax, and plastic pollution.

Marrianne Rabe Knaevelsrud, Norway's deputy head of mission in Dhaka, expressed her country's gratitude to Bangladesh for sponsoring the Norwegian-led UN resolution on humanitarian access in Palestine.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms, mandate and the election: Two-in-one formula

We will come back to that later. Let's first clear up the difference between constitutional amendment or reforms and rewriting the constitution

en.prothomalo.com

Reforms, mandate and the election: Two-in-one formula
Sarwar Tusher
Updated: 07 Jan 2025, 21: 51

It has been a hundred and fifty days since the July uprising of the students and the general people. Bangladesh is traversing through all sorts of post-uprising ups and downs. The interim government formed quite a few reform commissions. The commissions will shortly submit their recommendations to the government. In the meantime, in interviews with the media, the heads of several commissions have spoken about their proposed reforms.

In this context, there are two factors that certainly demand attention. Firstly, will these recommendations be able to play a role in the democratisation of the state? In other words, have any recommendations been made that will be effective in pulling the reins on the prevailing unicentric and autocratic power structure of the constitution and the state? We will have to wait for the full-fledged reform proposals before we can comment conclusively in this regard.

The second factor is even more important. Who will implement these recommendations and how? In particular, how will the constitution reforms be carried out? Other than national consensus, there is also an undeniable need for the correct method to be followed.

National consensus is essential for the implementation of reforms. To this end, the government has taken initiative to form a national consensus council with the heads of the reforms commission. Chief advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus will be the chairman of the council with head of the constitution reform commission professor Ali Riaz as the vice chairman. But if an effective consensus is to be achieved, then it will be necessary to include representation from the Students Against Discrimination Movement, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, BNP and other political parties in the council.

The biggest debate regarding process of reforms is, what process will be followed for reform of the constitution, and who will carry this out? BNP has already raised the question several times as to whether the present interim government has the mandate to reform the constitution. They maintain that it is the elected government that will carry out reforms of the constitution. We will come back to that later. Let's first clear up the difference between the constitutional amendment or reforms and rewriting the constitution.

There is often a propensity to mix up the concept of amendment and reforms. Technically speaking, there is no difference between amendment and reform. An amendment is not a major fundamental change in the constitution. An amendment aims at making certain additions or omissions under the constitution, to the existing constitution. Basically an amendment is undertaken to make an article or section of the constitution clearer, not to make any extensive or fundamental changes to the constitution's power structure. This task can be carried out with a two-thirds majority in parliament. And if the next parliament or the judiciary so desires, they can revoke the amendment. There is such precedence in Bangladesh, such as the enactment of the caretaker government system (1996), the abolition of the system (2011) and the reenactment (2024). That means amendments are not necessarily long-term and, if flawed, can be challenged at a later date.

In the meantime, in Bangladesh's political reality, reform has come to mean fundamental change to a unicentric and autocratic power structure, that is, a democratic constitutional framework. This requires huge participation of the people. There is no scope to carry out this task by taking oath to protect the constitution under the present constitution and forming a parliament. In other words, the jurisdiction for constitutional reforms or change is not with the parliament because fundamental changes of the constitution are more or less permanent and difficult to change. The judiciary or the next parliament will not be able to revoke the reforms simply if they want. Quite to the contrary, they enacted or reformed constitution on the basis of the court's judicial procedure.

Incidentally, it has been over a decade that demands have been made for a change in the constitution's autocratic power structure.

It is not as if this demand suddenly cropped up after the uprising. Gonotantrik Shongbidhan Andolan, Rashtrachinta and several other intellectual initiatives have been speaking out about this. Basically the analytical study of the constitution by such organisations has led to the emergence of the Rashtra Shongskar Andolan, Ganatantra Mancha and similar political organisations and alliances which translated reforms into political agenda. Influenced by these allies, BNP also agreed to certain reforms. BNP's 31 points must be viewed as a continuity of these initiatives.

The constitution is a written document of the people's collective aspirations and desires. The parliament is a law making body of people's representatives. The task of the people's representatives is to enact laws in accordance to the people's aspirations and wishes. If people's wishes and aspirations change, or if the existing constitution goes against the wishes and aspirations of the people, then the people will take initiative to give written form anew to their wishes and aspirations. That is why the preamble of the constitution says that the people of Bangladesh have taken up this constitution for themselves. It is not as simple as certain experts getting together, writing a constitution and imposing it on the people. Such circumstances generally arise after a big incident like a mass uprising. That is why the law and philosophy term a mass uprising as a 'structural moment'.

A mass uprising is the highest embodiment of democracy. The government formed by means of a mass uprising has a much higher mandate than an elected government with 35 per cent to 40 per cent votes.

The question now is, under what process do the people reform the constitution or compose a new one, that is, where is the mandate to take up a constitution? The parliament formed under the prevailing constitution does not have that mandate. If fundamental changes are to be brought about to the constitution's power structure, an election of a constituent assembly or constitutional assembly must be summoned. The winners will discuss and debate in the assembly and draw up the constitution. If necessary, a referendum is held.

In other words, an election is required even for the enactment of a constitution. This is the constituent assembly election. Surprisingly, the political parties are unwilling to admit that there is precedence of such elections in the past and that this is inevitable in the present circumstances.

Given the prevailing reality in Bangladesh, the next election should be an election to the constituent assembly. To hold a Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) election under the present constitution would be an absolute betrayal of the thousands of martyrs and injured. The elected constituent assembly will present the people with a constitution congruent with the aspirations of the people. But what guarantee is there that the constitution composed by the elected members of the constituent assembly will reflect the aspirations of the people?

This is a justified and logical question. That is why a Legal Frame Order (LFO) must be determined for the constituent assembly. Some are terming this a 'reform framework'.

The LFO formed on the basis of national consensus will basically determine and character and direction of the constituent assembly. The aim of the LFO will be to determine multiparty democracy, liberal economy opposed to money laundering, cultural pluralism, religious harmony, non-communalism and judiciousness. Violating the LFO enacted by the elected constituent assembly will be considered as a counter revolution. Under such circumstances, it would be completely justified to take to the streets in a mass uprising and non-cooperation.

It is an established norm to hold parliamentary polls under the new constitution formed by the constituent assembly. But this will require two election phases (the first being for the constituent assembly). This process may be seen long-winded to the parties eager to come to power. In that case, the next election may be the constituent assembly election and the legislative election together. The elected representatives will first present the nation with a constitution within a fixed time (maybe 120 days). Then that constituent assembly will take the shape of the parliament. The recommendations of the constitutional reform commission will be the basis for debate in the constituent assembly. The recent constitution reform proposal of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee is a formula of the two in one.

Reforms are inevitable. The question of mandate is often being asked in the wrong place. A mass uprising is the highest embodiment of democracy. The government formed by means of a mass uprising has a much higher mandate than an elected government with 35 per cent to 40 per cent votes. The interim government has the mandate to carry out reforms of the public administration, the police, education, elections, the Anti-Corruption Commission and other state institutions. But it would be appropriate to draw up a constitution or reform the constitution by forming a constituent assembly. It is misleading to imagine that the parliament formed under the existing constitution will reform or write the constitution.

* Sarwar Tusher is a writer, thinker and joint convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee

* This column appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir​

 

[Saif]

Election timelines a decision for govt, parties

A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) team from New York began assessing the Election Commission’s (EC) requirements yesterday as part of preparations for the next parliamentary elections.

www.thedailystar.net

Election timelines a decision for govt, parties
Says UNRC Gwyn Lewis; UNDP delegation arrives in Dhaka

A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) team from New York began assessing the Election Commission's (EC) requirements yesterday as part of preparations for the next parliamentary elections.

The UNDP delegation is visiting Bangladesh at the request of the EC.

The delegation, accompanied by a needs assessment team, first met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, four election commissioners, and EC officials at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital.

Later, the team held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry.

Talking to journalists after the meetings, UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis said the EC requested technical support for different aspects of the works, reports UNB.

The works encompass IT capacity development, combating misinformation and disinformation, and addressing various issues related to transport, software, and hardware, she said.

"The team will finish the assessment within 10 days and will come back here to present it before the EC," she added.

We're in the initial days and trying to understand what the needs of the Election Commission are and how the commission would like to run the elections. There are already works ongoing in terms of updating the electoral rolls. — Gwyn Lewis UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh.

"We're in the initial days and trying to understand what the needs of the Election Commission are and how the commission would like to run the elections. There are already works ongoing in terms of updating the electoral rolls," said Lewis.

The UNDP will hold talks with the commission and other stakeholders, including civil society, academicians, and political parties. Then, the delegation will put forward the recommendations and inform what support it can offer, she also said.

In response to a query, she said they are talking about parliamentary elections, not local government elections, as the EC made the request in that regard.

Asked about BNP's desire to have elections by mid-2025, the UNRC said, "We are not touching on timelines... That's a decision for the government of Prof Yunus and political parties to make."

The needs assessment mission is looking into areas where the UN can support, she said.

"The team will visit Chattogram tomorrow (today) and will hold meetings with the stakeholders in the coming days," said Lewis.

Then, the delegation will meet civil society, academia, political parties, and every stakeholder involved in the election. Then, it will hold a feedback session with the Election Commission, the UNRC said.

Replying to a question about the timeframe of the next general election, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the CEC, and other election commissioners said they are working in line with the window given by the chief adviser.

Akhtar Ahmed said the UNDP will not assist in collecting data during the door-to-door campaign; rather, it will help the EC to process data to update the electoral rolls.​

 

[Saif]

Local elections to drop use of party symbols: Reform Commission head

Professor Dr Tofail Ahmed, head of the Local Government Reform Commission, has said that local elections will no longer be conducted using party symbols. He made the remark today during a local government reform discussion meeting at the Singair Upazila Parishad conference hall in Manikganj.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Local elections to drop use of party symbols: Reform Commission head
UNB
Published :
Jan 14, 2025 21:09
Updated :
Jan 14, 2025 21:09

Professor Dr Tofail Ahmed, head of the Local Government Reform Commission, has said that local elections will no longer be conducted using party symbols.

He made the remark today during a local government reform discussion meeting at the Singair Upazila Parishad conference hall in Manikganj.

He said, "We have held discussions with our stakeholders and taken their advice. Based on their suggestions, positive changes will be made in all areas. Local elections will no longer be held with party symbols, as done in the past."

He also mentioned that proposals regarding laws, structures, and service activities related to local government reforms will be presented.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Monowar Hossain Mollah. During the event, speeches were delivered by Additional Police Superintendent Mohammad Wares, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Sohag, and members of the Election Commission.

Speakers said that the previous government had politicized local elections, allocated party symbols, and manipulated votes to ensure victory for party candidates, thereby ruining the electoral system. They emphasized the need to move away from this situation and organize fair elections.

The meeting, organized by the Local Government Reform Commission, was attended by 103 representatives from various professions, including former local representatives and political party members.​

 

[Saif]

Preparations for polls aligned with CA’s 2025-26 timeline, says EC secretary

While the BNP has called for polls in the middle of this year, the Election Commission Secretariat says it is making preparations for elections no earlier than later this year. Election Commission, or EC, Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said preparations are underway for elections to be held between the en

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Preparations for polls aligned with CA’s 2025-26 timeline, says EC secretary
FE Online Desk
Published :
Jan 14, 2025 19:47
Updated :
Jan 14, 2025 19:47

While the BNP has called for polls in the middle of this year, the Election Commission Secretariat says it is making preparations for elections no earlier than later this year.

Election Commission, or EC, Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said preparations are underway for elections to be held between the end of 2025 and middle of 2026, aligning with a timeline proposed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

A delegation led by United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis met the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners on Tuesday, reports bdnews24.com.

They also held a meeting with the EC secretary to discuss technical assistance for the electoral process.

“The UNDP’s cooperation is technical,” Akhtar said, speaking to journalists following the meeting.

Akhtar elaborated that it would encompass not only hardware and software assistance but also training, capacity building, mutual experience exchange, and communication development.

When asked about recent comments from the BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir concerning the election timeline, Akhtar said: “The EC is not officially aware of the matter.”

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Fakhrul said: “We have repeatedly said that the government has no alternative but to go for an election. It is the most important thing for a democracy. I believe that it is possible to hold elections midway through this year, meaning in July or August.”

When asked about this, the EC Secretary said, "I am not in a position to give my opinion on this. Because I do not know the issues. Our preparations are based on the window given by the chief advisor, and we are working on it.”

In a national address on Dec 16, 2024, Yunus outlined the government’s perspective on the election timeline, tying it to the scope of necessary reforms and logistical preparations. He stated that if the election is to proceed with a few reforms and a properly updated voter list, it might be feasible to hold the polls by the end of 2025.

However, Yunus added a caveat, noting that broader reforms to the electoral process would require additional time. “It may take at least another six months of additional time.”

“Roughly speaking, the election date can be set between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026.”

On Sunday, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said: “Our overall focus is to hold the general elections, and the commission is working towards it. When we're prepared for the national election, it will cover all the other preparations. There should not be any such event that hampers the general election.”

On Tuesday, Fakhrul said: “The EC has said that we are ready to hold the elections, and that they are ready to hold the national elections. They have made it clear that two elections are not possible at the same time. Therefore, this election (parliamentary election) is necessary for the nation.”

He continued, “It should not take long to update the voter list; if anyone wants to update it within a month, they can do it.”

He suggested that subsequent tasks, including appointing presiding officers, could be completed within another one to two months.

ASSISTANCE FROM UNDP

After meeting the UNDP delegation on Tuesday, Akhtar said, "We have sought cooperation from the UNDP regarding the election process. That cooperation is institutional, communication-related, hardware, software, etc. The representatives have come to review this matter."

He noted that while Tuesday’s meeting served primarily as a courtesy call, it laid the groundwork for further discussions.

“In addition to talking to EC officials, another meeting will be held within 10 days after engaging with more stakeholders to discuss the proposal,” he explained.

The scope of work, he added, had been outlined in this initial meeting, with subsequent communication planned to refine the collaboration.

Among the pressing issues is the shortage of computer hardware, scanners, and printers required to process voter data following house-to-house updates.

“Assistance has been requested,” he confirmed.​

 

[Saif]

90% want local govt polls before national elections: study

The study surveyed 46,000 people nationwide

www.thedailystar.net

90% want local govt polls before national elections: study

A study by the Election Reform Commission found that nearly 90 percent of respondents prefer local government elections before national parliamentary polls.

The findings were revealed today at a press briefing held at the commission's office within the national parliament premises. The study, carried out by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on behalf of the commission, surveyed 46,000 people nationwide.

"We currently do not have any union parishads or active local government bodies, and as a result, people are being deprived of essential civic services," said Badiul Alam Majumdar, chief of the Election Reform Commission, during the briefing.

In addition to the survey results, the commission recommended the formation of a permanent "Local Government Commission" to oversee and strengthen local governance in the country.​

 

[Saif]

Women should represent at least one-fourth of seats in House

Commission proposes reserving one-fourth of parliamentary seats for women who will be elected by popular vote

www.thedailystar.net

Women should represent at least one-fourth of seats in House

Commission proposes reserving one-fourth of parliamentary seats for women who will be elected by popular vote

The Election Reform Commission proposed reserving one-fourth of parliamentary seats for women to be elected by popular vote.

They also recommended increasing the number of seats in the parliament by a hundred to 400.

The commission's chief Badiul Alam Majumdar presented these recommendations at a press briefing at their office in the National Parliament complex today.

Currently, 50 seats in parliament are reserved for women, who are selected by political parties. The distribution of reserved seats is proportional to the number of seats a party gets in parliamentary polls.

Critics have often pointed out that the parliamentarians of these seats lack empowerment as they fill the posts on political parties' patronage rather than the public's mandate.​

 

[Saif]

ELECTORAL REFORM: Re-election if 40pc votes not cast in constituency proposed

The electoral reform commission has proposed that the Election Commission hold a re-election if 40 per cent of the votes in a constituency is not cast...

www.newagebd.net

ELECTORAL REFORM: Re-election if 40pc votes not cast in constituency proposed
Staff Correspondent 16 January, 2025, 00:34

The electoral reform commission has proposed that the Election Commission hold a re-election if 40 per cent of the votes in a constituency is not cast.

It also proposed setting 16 years as the minimum age for NID eligibility, stricter eligibility criteria for party membership and leadership, disqualifying individuals convicted under the International Crimes Tribunal Act or accused of severe human rights violations.

It also proposed full authority for the EC to recruit its officials, and postpone and cancel any elections or decide on any re-elections.

Making the executive branch of the government accountable to the EC during elections has also been proposed in a report which was handed over to interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus at its office in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The electoral reform commission chief, Badiul Alam Majumder, along with other members, submitted the report with recommendations.

‘Our proposals are mostly related to ensuring citizen’s voting rights, transparency in the electoral system and making all stakeholders accountable for holding inclusive elections,’ Badiul said at the report handover ceremony.

The commission recommended forming a special investigation commission to identify those who were responsible for the rigged national elections held in 2018.

The other recommendations included a proposal to ease requirements for new party registration by mandating offices in 10 per cent of districts and five per cent of upazilas, along with a minimum of 5,000 members.

The reform commission suggested publishing and annually updating party member lists online to ensure transparency.

The reform commission also proposed cancelling provisions for electronic voting machines, secret ballots in electing party committees at all levels and nominating parliamentary candidates through a panel system voted on by general members.

To increase financial accountability, the report recommended capping individual donations at Tk 50 lakh and requiring all donations be made via banks and declared in tax returns. Party funds would be subject to regular audits to promote transparency.

The other key recommendations included prohibiting political parties from having student, labour and other professional fronts, international branches and requiring members to serve for at least three years before being eligible for parliamentary nomination.

Additionally, party registrations must be renewed every five years, and the rule for cancelling registration for not participating in two consecutive elections should be repealed.

At a press conference on the report handover ceremony on Wednesday, law ministry adviser Asif Nazrul said that national elections could be held at the end of this year if political parties agreed to a minimal state reform, while a full-scale reform would allow the elections by mid-2026.​

 

[Saif]

Main goal is to ensure free, fair election: EC Sanaullah

Election Commissioner Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah (retd) said that the primary objective of the current commission is to ensure a free, fair, and impartial national election. The commissioner said this while addressing the inauguration of a day-long workshop titled 'Challenges in the voter re

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Main goal is to ensure free, fair election: EC Sanaullah
Published :
Jan 16, 2025 21:04
Updated :
Jan 16, 2025 21:04

Election Commissioner Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah (retd) said that the primary objective of the current commission is to ensure a free, fair, and impartial national election.

The commissioner said this while addressing the inauguration of a day-long workshop titled 'Challenges in the voter registration process and ways to overcome challenges' at the Khulna CSS Ava Center on Thursday.

He said the commission aims to create a comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date voter list, according to a UNB report.

The Election Commissioner said that the voter list should be updated not only from designated locations but also through door-to-door efforts to collect voter information.

“It is important to ensure that no one eligible to be a voter, especially women and the young generation, is left out of the list,” he added.

He said attempting to register as a voter in multiple locations by concealing information is a crime and in the age of information technology, such acts cannot go unnoticed.

EC Sanaullah said that the long struggle for democracy, the sacrifices made by people, and the new hope for change are all tied to regaining the right to vote.

“Voting is a fundamental right, and it is closely linked to social stability, harmony, development, and the survival of the nation with honour,” he said.

The commissioner further said organising elections is a huge task that requires the involvement of all, especially in these changing times, and must be carried out with accuracy and impartiality.

The workshop was chaired by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Firoz Sarkar, with special guests including Additional Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat KM Ali Newaz, Khulna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam, Regional Election Officer Md Humayun Kabir, and CBTEP Project Director Muhammad Mustafa Hasan.​

 

[Saif]

Polls in 6 months unrealistic: Sarjis

Holding elections within the next six months is unrealistic, said Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, yesterday at an event in Panchagarh.

www.thedailystar.net

Polls in 6 months unrealistic: Sarjis

Holding elections within the next six months is unrealistic, said Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, yesterday at an event in Panchagarh.

"Our demand should not be limited to holding an election after such a big uprising at the cost of so much blood, lives and everything," he said.

"It is simply impossible to update the voter list and reform the judicial system within the six months," he added. However, he said they will not disagree if the next general election is held within a logical time, reports BSS.

Sarjis said the interim government announced that the election would be held by mid-2026, "If they consider holding the election two to four months earlier [early 2026], it would be logical," he said.

Sarjis said the Election Commission, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies need to be reformed to ensure a transparent election.

"We believe that the elections we are hoping for will align with the people's expectations and aspirations, but only after the necessary reforms are implemented," he added.

Sarjis also said groups comprising citizens from every district and upazila will be formed across the country to prevent corruption and irregularities.

He said Rangpur division, including Panchagarh, has faced significant neglect in development over the past 16 years.

"The people of Panchagarh deserve what is rightfully theirs, and we will work to secure that," he said.​

 

[Saif]

UNDP interested in training election agents: EC secretary

The EC secretary met with a UNDP delegation led by UNDP resident representative Stefan Liller at the EC Secretariat

www.thedailystar.net

UNDP interested in training election agents: EC secretary

FILE VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR

The United Nations Development Programme wants to extend support in training the polling agents of all candidates, not political parties, ahead of the next general election, said Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed today.

"No training for parties. If we can work together [train] with the agents of the parties who will be at the polling stations, we will get better results. They [UN electoral need assessment team] have received such demand from the field," he said.

The EC secretary said this replying to a question from reporters after his meeting with a UNDP delegation led by UNDP resident representative Stefan Liller at the EC Secretariat in the capital's Agargaon area.

Akhtar said the UNDP team sat with the EC after 10 days to inform the electoral need assessment report.

"They came back today after 10 days and gave us feedback. They talked to various political parties and civil society. They saw the situation firsthand. Based on this, they decided to provide us with some assistance," he said.

The EC senior secretary said the UNDP will support the commission over some logistics such as cameras, computers, hardware; and training to develop skills of the officials and also stakeholders.

The UNDP wants to provide assistance over training of agents of all candidates, he added.

Following meetings with the election commissioners and EC officials on January 14, the UNDP started assessing the needs to provide assistance to the EC to hold the next parliamentary elections.

The need assessment was completed within 10 days following talks with the commission and other stakeholders, including civil society, academicians and political parties.

Earlier, the Election Commission sent the United Nations a letter requesting assistance before the UN could provide technical assistances to the commission.​

 

[Saif]

Prof Yunus stresses mechanism for free polls in Bangladesh

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has stressed the need for establishing a mechanism so that everyone in Bangladesh can vote freely and fairly, without any interruptions or threats.

www.newagebd.net

Prof Yunus stresses mechanism for free polls in Bangladesh
New Age Desk 24 January, 2025, 15:32

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus joined conversation with the founder of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab in Switzerland on Thursday. | BSS photo

CA returns home today

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has stressed the need for establishing a mechanism so that everyone in Bangladesh can vote freely and fairly, without any interruptions or threats.

He put the emphasis during a one-on-one conversation with the founder of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos of Switzerland on Thursday, said a Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha report.

Yunus is set to depart Davos for Dhaka Friday night (Switzerland time) via Zurich International Airport, concluding his busy four-day schedule at the WEF annual meeting, which included nearly 50 engagements, reported United News of Bangladesh.

Permanent representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam would see him off at the Zurich International Airport. Yunus would reach Dhaka Saturday evening, the UNB report said.

According to the BSS report, while sharing the background stories of the July mass uprising with the global audience, the chief adviser said that the students took to the streets in Bangladesh in the July last year with a simple demand-equal opportunity for jobs.

He narrated how the students during their protest painted graffiti on the walls of Dhaka, expressing their desires and dreams.

Yunus said that all the young people who became voters over the last 16 years did not get a chance to vote, which was very unfortunate.

Presenting the reform agendas of the incumbent interim government, the 84-year-old economist and the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner said that unless they knew what kind of election the country’s people wanted, they could not go into polls.

Mentioning that the government was waiting to hold an election, he said that the country’s people had to decide the process then – whether they would go for the short agenda or the long agenda.

The chief adviser said that they had targeted the end of 2025 for the election to take place if people went for a quick reform agenda.

‘If people say, no - we need a longer list of reforms; we need another six months,’ he said.

Terming the present generation as the most powerful generation in human history, the chief adviser said that it was the generation of world having a huge potential.

About the role of students, he stated that technology had transformed them; they were no longer just Bangladeshi youths but they had become part of a global generation.

‘We define that new Bangladesh and we are committed to creating that new Bangladesh,’ professor Yunus said.

The chief adviser said that demands from the movement reflected a desire to move beyond the old Bangladesh and work towards creating a new one.

He talked about a consensus commission to build national unity, and based on the consensus of all parties and civil society organisations, they would prepare the ‘July Charter’, a document named after the month of July when a mass uprising took place in Bangladesh.

Former US vice-president Al Gore, who has emerged as one of the world’s top climate change activists, praised the global ‘Three Zero’ movement launched by professor Yunus to combat carbon emissions, wealth concentration, poverty and unemployment while he met Yunus on the same day, said another BSS report.

During the meeting, he vowed to support Bangladesh’s reform programmes taken by the Yunus’s interim government, chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told media.

They discussed the July uprising, climate change, mitigation of the adverse impacts of global warming, the reform initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh interim government, and election and geopolitical issues.

The former US vice-president expressed his support for the Bangladesh’s reform programmes and fixing Bangladesh’s institutions and its democratic transition through a free and fair election.

Professor Yunus handed him a copy of ‘The Art of Triumph’, the celebrated art book on graffiti and wall paintings drawn during the July uprising.

Al Gore lauded the ‘amazing’ book and the revolutionary spirit of the Bangladeshi young people. ‘I looked at every page of the book,’ he said.

On Friday, American investor Ray Dalio, founder of Marino Management and Dalio Family Office, Amer Alireza, chairman of the executive committee, Xenel Group (Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company), met Yunus during the summit. They discussed areas of cooperation, according to BSS.

The chief adviser is scheduled to attend seven events on his final day of his visit to Switzerland on the day.​

 

[Saif]

National elections or local elections - which first?

Certain parties aspiring for power feel that the interim government wants to hold the local elections first so that they can stay in power for an extended period

en.prothomalo.com

National elections or local elections - which first?

The mayors and chairmen have been removed. The people cannot avail basic services. If the national election takes place after a year or a year and a half, why should the people be deprived of these services for so long?
Mohiuddin Ahmad
Published: 24 Jan 2025, 15: 24

We are familiar with two types of government. One is the local government and the other is the national or central government. But in general we mean the latter when we refer to the government. Government implies people in Dhaka calling the shots. They are in charge of the secretariat, the parliament and the judiciary. And there is also the jail, the intelligence, the police and the military.

There are three tiers to the local government -- zila parishad at the district level, upazila parishad at the upazila level and union parishad at the union level. In the small towns there is the poursashava (municipality). In the larger cities there are the city corporations. These are ostensibly called government. In our country the local government runs at the behest of the central government. It is a sort of extension of the government, the central government's flunky at a local level. The government officials can dismiss the local government elected representative if they so desire.

All said and done, the local government does have importance. After all, it is at the doorstep of the citizens. Take the union parishad, for instance. If all goes well, the election to the union parishad is held after every five years. This has been in place since the days of the British rule. It was called union board at the time. During the Pakistan rule it was called union council. Its scope of work has increased, in the meantime and so has its expenditure and allocations. The head of the union board had been the president. During the British rule, president meant the president of the union or district board. Now the president means the head of state, sitting in Bangabhaban. At the local level the presidents are now chairmen.

There has been a lot of discussion and debate over which is to come first, reforms or elections. Added to this is the debate over whether national elections are to be held first, or local elections.

The civil society and politicians in this country have long been taking about empowerment of the local government. Self-rule is the basis of empowerment. For example, the union parishad is to be independent. It will earn revenue, draw up a budget, spend accordingly and provide services. That has not happened. Those who sit in the capital and rule, that an insatiable hunger. They want to keep the entire country within their grasp. They do not have the mentality to share power for delegate responsibility. The central government is sovereign. The local government is its subservient agent.

When there is a government in Dhaka, it does all its service-related work through the union parishad or the upazila parishad. If all this is in their control, they feel safe and sound in Dhaka. That is why whoever becomes a member of parliament, wants to see loyal persons of his liking in the local government. In that way he can establishment his ownership over services and resources at a local level.

The union parishad is the basis of a parliament member's power. The local leaders are the sources of the parliament member's muscle and money. During the parliamentary election, they ensure the votes. And by keeping up close ties with the national leaders, the local leaders keep themselves safe and also use this 'political patronage' in their own interests. This has been going on down the decades.

There was a time when the most educated, decent and well-bred person would be the local government leader. In many cases he would spend from his own picket for the people's welfare. Those sound like fairytales now. In most cases it is seen that the worse persons of the village is "elected". He manages this through muscle power and the patronage of the concerned leader.

The local government is considered to be the golden goose for the members of parliament. There are many politicians who cannot sleep at night, concerned about the welfare of the people. They keep this business running in their worldly interests.

Things turned topsy-turvy in the country in August last year. We think we have become independent anew and so things cannot carry on like before. But not everyone is thinking in this manner. Many are changing, while many remain just the same as before. There has been such an upheaval, so many people have died, but that makes no difference to them. One cannot vehemently say that there will be a qualitative change to the politics of power.

There has been a lot of discussion and debate over which is to come first, reforms or elections. Added to this is the debate over whether national elections are to be held first, or local elections. Those who hope to form the government through the national elections, want to see the national elections first. They want the local government elections under the elected government.

For example, the military backed 1/11 caretaker government wanted to hold the upazila election before the national election. The larger parties, BNP and Awami League in particular, were unwilling. And so whatever was to happen, happened.

The Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) election was held in December 2008. Awami League formed the government in 2009 and called for the upazila election. The Awami League-backed candidates forcefully won in almost all the upazilas. The election commission watched helplessly. The head of the commission ATM Shamsul Huda remarked that fair elections were not possible under a partisan government.

During the rule of Sheikh Hasina, the provision was put in place to contest in the local government election under party symbol. Hasina's sycophants reasoned that, this system exists in so-and-so countries, so what not here? And so, the local government system was ruined by holding the local elections on a party basis. Politicisation seeped down to every hearth and home. Who will explain to that them politics and politicisation are not one and the same thing?

Politicians have come up with a new contention nowadays, that a process of depoliticisation has been put in place. What election can there be by leaving out political parties? They do not take into consideration that the local government is a government for all, above party interests, where everyone can have access to services, and so there is really no question about party power there. Party means cronies, oligarchy. They want their cronies on control everywhere.

A local government free of political influence is problematic for politicians. Given the way they plot and plan their power graph, they feel they will be in a problem without control on the local government. That is why they are vehemently against the union parishad or upazila parishad election being held before the parliamentary election. How will they be able to collect votes for the national election if the local elections are held first, they ponder. There is the matter of funds too.

Certain parties aspiring for power feel that the interim government wants to hold the local elections first so that they can stay in power for an extended period. This is a conspiracy. General Ayub Khan and General Ershad stayed in power for long in this manner. That, of course, is a matter of apprehension. The interim government needs to make it clear that they have no political ambitions. It must be seen that in holding the local government elections, focus must not be shifted away from the national election.

Hasina's plots and plans were all disrupted with the fall of her government. Many of those supported and patronised by her government have now fled. The mayors and chairmen have been removed. The people cannot avail basic services. If the national election takes place after a year or a year and a half, why should the people be deprived of these services for so long? In that sense, the local government polls should be held as soon as possible. These elections should be held within April or May this year. Then the monsoons will arrive. At the same time, a date for the parliamentary polls can be fixed too.

• Mohiuddin Ahmad is a writer and researcher
• This column appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir

 

[Saif]

AL won’t be allowed to run in nat’l polls

Calling the party fascist and anti-state, Mahfuj Alam, adviser to the interim government, yesterday said the Awami League would not be allowed to take part in the general election.

www.thedailystar.net

AL won’t be allowed to run in nat’l polls
Says Adviser Mahfuj

Photo: Alam Palash

Calling the party fascist and anti-state, Mahfuj Alam, adviser to the interim government, yesterday said the Awami League would not be allowed to take part in the general election.

"The elections will be contested among pro-Bangladesh groups only. All political parties, whether BNP-Jamaat or others, along with student organisations, workers, women, and scholars who are pro-Bangladesh, will establish future governance through a fair electoral process."

He made these remarks while exchanging greetings with students and locals at Hajiganj Bazar in Chandpur, reports a correspondent in Chandpur.

"We're working to establish a stable democratic Bangladesh, free from Awami fascism. If the Awami League returns, fascism will return with it," said Mahfuj.

He claimed that the people of the country do not want to see the era of Sheikh Mujib or Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh anymore.

"The new Bangladesh rejects the fascist system. We want Bangladesh to remain in the hands of true patriots. There will be no place for pro-Delhi elements in Bangladesh," added Mahfuj.

The adviser further said they would soon start talks with political parties and stakeholders and hold elections to facilitate democratic transformation, after carrying out minimum reforms based on the report of reform commissions.

"It is our commitment to ensure justice to the killings during the July uprising and to carry out reform of the institutions that were destroyed by fascist Hasina. We are also committed to holding free and fair elections for the sake of democratic transition."

Mahfuj, however, said that if the election is held without minimum reforms to the institutions that Hasina used to perpetrate genocide and oppress people, those same institutions will remain in place.

Hajiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tapas Shil, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hajiganj Police Station Mohiuddin Farooq, leaders of Students Against Discrimination and Jatiya Nagorik Committee were present.

Later in the day in Ramganj Government College in Lakshmipur, Mahfuj said there is no probability of military rule in Bangladesh, reports our Noakhali correspondent.

"We did not overthrow Hasina with the support of any state this time. We overthrew Hasina with the blood of the students and the people. We no longer need to obey anyone. We have brought independence in exchange for our own blood ... We will not bow to anyone again."​

 

[Saif]

Hold election soon to return country’s ownership to people: BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday called for the holding of general elections soon, emphasising the need for returning the country’s ownership to the people.

www.newagebd.net

Hold election soon to return country’s ownership to people: BNP
Staff Correspondent 27 January, 2025, 00:13

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday called for the holding of general elections soon, emphasising the need for returning the country’s ownership to the people.

Besides, the party’s standing committee member, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, urged students to avoid forming ‘King’s parties’ and instead establish political organisations independently, free from government influence.

Amir Khosru observed that democracy in Bangladesh cannot thrive without ensuring that the country’s ownership lies in the hands of its people.

He made these remarks at a discussion titled ‘The role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in establishing multi-party democracy and a sovereign independent country’, organised by the National People’s Party at the National Press Club in the capital Dhaka on Sunday.

He cautioned that delaying the election could create confusion among the public, jeopardising the democratic process.

He said that it was the people, particularly students, had forced the fascist Awami League government to relinquish power.

‘There is no alternative to holding the election quickly. If delayed, it could lead to chaos, and democracy could collapse,’ he said, asserting that it is the people who will decide the future of governance in the country.

‘If anyone tries to seize the state power like Sheikh Hasina or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did, they will be met with resistance,’ he added.

At a separate event organised by the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Muktijoddha Dal to mark the 89th birth anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, Hafiz urged for the political unity across various segments of society, including political leaders, students and the ordinary people, for greater national interests.

Hafiz highlighted the urgent need for electoral reforms, asserting that a free and fair election must be held without any further delay.

He observed that the necessary reforms could be completed within three months.

‘In 1971, we fought for an elected government. Why are we still debating the need for an elected government today?’ he questioned.

Hafiz also paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman, praising his leadership during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterated the call for reforms to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

BNP joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said that his party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s demand for holding the next general elections under a neutral government was very much logical.

‘The country’s people want the same thing, for which the common people are fighting, struggling and waging movements. It will not be wise to counter the demand as it may create another critical time for the nation,’ he said.

He was addressing an annual sports competition programme at the Collegiate High School ground in Laxmipur.​

 

[Saif]

Take opportunity of improved business climate, urges CA Press Secy amid business leaders’ call for quick polls

Business leaders should concentrate on seizing the opportunity of the improved business climate created by the present government, said Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, on Sunday. He made these remarks during a press briefing when asked to comment on business leaders’ ple

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Take opportunity of improved business climate, urges CA Press Secy amid business leaders’ call for quick polls
FE Online Report
Published :
Jan 26, 2025 21:09
Updated :
Jan 26, 2025 21:21

Business leaders should concentrate on seizing the opportunity of the improved business climate created by the present government, said Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, on Sunday.

He made these remarks during a press briefing when asked to comment on business leaders’ plea to hold general elections as soon as possible.

In response to another question, Mr Alam said that the closure of ready-made garment units has not hampered export growth, and most of the closed factories are owned by the oligarchs of the previous regime, who are either in jail or have fled the country.

They plundered banks and siphoned off millions of dollars, leaving workers unpaid, he noted.

Mr Alam also criticised Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the home minister of the Sheikh Hasina regime, calling him a “butcher” for ordering an indiscriminate killing of students, children, workers and innocent people during the July Revolution.

“Providing shelter to such a butcher is not at all acceptable,” he remarked.

Regarding the Chief Advisor’s recent visit to Davos, his press secretary mentioned that the Chief Adviser held meetings with top global business firms on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, where they showed huge interest in investing in Bangladesh.

He added that the government is serious about improving port management to lure more foreign investors and enhance the business climate.

Replying to a question about rumours on social media claiming that the advisers of the interim government, including the Chief Adviser, fled the country, Mr Alam said these rumours are being spread by elements of the previous regime who have already fled the country.

He informed that the government is planning to hold an international conference on the Rohingya issue in Dhaka in September next.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary said the Chief Adviser, during his meetings with top world leaders, sought their assistance in repatriating the laundered money.

However, he noted that it would be a “lengthy procedure.”​

 

[Saif]

Election Commission has no favourites: EC Sanaullah

The Election Commission has no favourites, nor it is on anyone's side, said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah today

www.thedailystar.net

Election Commission has no favourites: EC Sanaullah

Photo: Star

The Election Commission has no favourites, nor it is on anyone's side, said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah today.

"We stand for fairness and justice... we want to return people their voting rights," he said at a meeting with data collectors, supervisors, and new voters on the occasion of the voter list update programme.

The event was held at the Panchagarh deputy commissioner's conference room.

He said, "The people will decide who their representatives will be -- not anyone else. This will not happen in the Election Commission office, the district commissioner's veranda, the superintendent of police's porch, or in any intelligence agency office."

He said they are committed to hold a free and fair election. However, he said this was a significant task and could not be achieved by the EC alone.

"The Election Commission will lead from the front and coordinate, but the implementation of this work will be carried out by everyone at the grassroots level," he added.​

 

[Saif]

EC preparing to hold polls with year-end on mind

The Election Commission is preparing with an aim to hold the next national election in December, said Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, an election commissioner, yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

EC preparing to hold polls with year-end on mind
Says Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah

The Election Commission is preparing with an aim to hold the next national election in December, said Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, an election commissioner, yesterday.

"The chief adviser in his speech has already indicated that it might be possible to conduct the national election at the end of this year or the first half of 2026. So, we are taking preparation targeting to hold the polls in December," he said.

"But it's a matter of [political] consensus as to when the election will be held," the election commissioner said while talking to reporters after a meeting on updating the voter list at the Thakurgaon Road Degree College.

When the polls will be held lies with the government, not the EC, Sanaullah said.

"But we will ensure that those performing election duties at the grassroots level act professionally and impartially," he said, adding, "Our aim is to hold a free, fair, and credible election."

The election commissioner also hoped that the task of updating the voter list would be completed in March.

At another event in Dinajpur, Sanaullah urged the EC officials to make sure that Rohingyas do not get in the voter list.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin yesterday said they do not want the EC's independence enshrined in the constitution to be compromised.

He told reporters after a meeting with European Union Ambassador Michael Miller at the EC office.

The EU ambassador also opined that the EC should remain independent. Otherwise, the nation's expectations cannot be fulfilled, the CEC said.

While speaking at a programme on Sunday, Nasir said that there is no doubt that the EC's independence will be curtailed if some of the Electoral Reform Commission's recommendations are implemented.

On January 15, the reform commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

During yesterday's meeting, the EU enquired about the EC's preparation for the democratic transition through the upcoming election. It also wanted to know the EC's overall preparations for the next election, including the process of voter registration, the CEC said.

"They [EU] expressed their willingness to assist in every way possible for Bangladesh's progress. They want the democratic transition to take place. They assured us of their full support in this journey."

Nasir added that the EU would send personnel, conduct a needs assessment, and deploy a mission to evaluate the situation before informing the EC about what kind of assistance they will provide.

The EU also expressed its desire to send observers during the polls, the CEC said adding, "We have assured them of a free and fair election. We have dedicated all our efforts to ensure a transparent, impartial, and acceptable election."

Michael Miller told reporters, "And I have come with a message of support for the reform ambitions of the interim government for holding an election transparent manner in line with international standards."

[Our correspondents in Dinajpur and Thakurgaon contributed to this report.]​

 

[Saif]

Don't enrol Rohingyas as voters, EC Sanaullah tells officials in Dinajpur

"Ensure that no foreign nationals, particularly Rohingyas, are included in the voter list," he said

www.thedailystar.net

Don't enrol Rohingyas as voters, EC Sanaullah tells officials in Dinajpur

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah today urged Election Commission officials in Dinajpur to not enrol Rohingyas as voters.

"Ensure that no foreign nationals, particularly Rohingyas, are included in the voter list," he said.

Urging the officials to remove fake enrolment, duplicates, and foreign nationals from the voter rolls, he stressed that a transparent and accurate voter list is crucial for a fair election.

He made the remarks while speaking about various issues centring the next elections during separate meetings in Shilpakala Academy and Birganj upazila in Dinajpur. He was visiting Dinajpur today during his three-day tour of seven districts under the Rangpur division.

Stressing the need for encouraging female participation in the voter registration process, EC Sanaullah emphasised importance of preparing an accurate voter list and rebuilding public trust in the electoral process under the interim government.

He said, "The Election Commission is strongly committed to conducting a fair and credible election."

He reiterated the need to include the new generation in the voter list, aligning with the chief adviser's vision to ensure their active participation in the national elections.

However, the election commissioner raised concerns about the disparity between male and female voters, noting that the number of female voters currently is 30 lakh less than male voters.

"No eligible voter should be excluded due to technical issues," he stressed.

"We are determined to restore the credibility of all institutions, including the Election Commission, which has been questioned in the past due to controversial elections," he stated.

The meetings were attended by senior election officials, including Dinajpur Senior District Election Officer Md Kamrul Islam and Additional District Election Officer Md Aftabuzzaman.​

 

[Saif]

Election likely to be earlier than later

Scenarios point towards a December-January election

www.thedailystar.net

Election likely to be earlier than later
Scenarios point towards a December-January election

File photo

As speculation swirls around the timing of the next general election, remarks from election commissioners, along with historical precedents, suggest that the much-anticipated 13th national election will likely be held in December or January.

Sources within the Election Commission said that they were considering December for the elections because going to the ballots between February and June might not be feasible on account of the Ramadan, HSC exams and the monsoon.

Usually, national elections do not take place during Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims. Also, election date is scheduled in such manner that the preceding three weeks of campaigning do not coincide with Ramadan days either. Electioneering during this time is typically avoided, as it seriously limits campaigning. Elections during Ramadan would mean low voters' participation and challenging campaign logistics.

Candidates get at least 21 days to campaign, and the Ramadan is set to begin on February 17 or 18 in 2026.

"If we follow the usual practice, we will not be able to hold the elections until mid-April. But that is not feasible as Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent public examinations usually begin in April. These exams take about a month," said a top election official.

Top election officials explained that it is customary to avoid dates that conflict with public board exams, religious festivals and weather conditions. Even the typical cyclone season is also avoided for holding elections.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday noted that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said the next general election could be held at the end of this year or in the first half of next year, depending on the reforms political parties agree to.

If the election is to be held in December, all preparations, laws, and regulations must be finalised, and necessary arrangements must be made by October, he said, adding, "May–June is the rainy season, and elections have not been held during this time in the past."

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Tuesday was more precise when he said preparations for the national election are underway targeting December.

Senior election officials further mentioned that would be tight for the commission to hold elections before December, as there is a long 'to do list'. The commission will have to update electoral rolls, complete delimitation of constituencies, register new political parties, set up voting stations, organise a panel of polling officials, and, if necessary, amend electoral laws.

Adding to the complications, the EC must await outcomes of the reforms proposed by the commissions to determine the extent of changes required to electoral laws and logistics if any. Until these reforms are finalised, the EC cannot proceed with full-scale preparations.

The election chief on Sunday said that tasks like demarcation of parliamentary constituencies and political party registration take time. The commission has received numerous applications for delimitation, but it is unable to start working due to legal issues, he said.

"Still, we are confident. We have to overcome these challenges. We are doing our preliminary work and homework so that as soon as the rules of the game are fixed, we can jump into action," he said, adding that the EC has started the new voter registration process as well.

Past Elections

Bangladesh has witnessed 12 national elections since independence of which only two—the ones in 1986 and 1996—were not held in the typically dry months between October and March. Since the restoration of democracy in 1991, six of the seven national polls have been held during winter.

The first national election in independent Bangladesh was held on March 7, 1973. The next election was held on February 28, 1979, and the third election took place on May 7, 1986.

The fourth parliamentary elections were held on March 3, 1988, and the fifth general elections were held on February 27, 1991, under an interim government.

The sixth parliamentary election was held on February 15, 1996, and the seventh on June 12, 1996, under a caretaker government.

The election to the eighth parliament was held on October 1, 2001, the ninth parliamentary election was held on December 29, 2008, and the tenth election was held on January 5, 2014.

The eleventh parliamentary polls were held on December 30, 2018, and the 12th on January 7, 2024.

The seventh general election was held on June 12, 1996, barely four months after the sixth election as the Awami League and other opposition parties forced the ruling BNP-led government to step down and hand over to a caretaker government for conducting elections. The opposition parties had boycotted the February 1996 elections.

A caretaker government headed by former Chief Justice Mohammad Habibur Rahman was sworn in on April 3.

As Bangladesh inches closer to the election season and political quarters become more vocal for an election, scenarios point towards an increasing likelihood of the nation going to the ballots earlier, rather than later.​

 

[Saif]

Election date depends on reform progress, says press secretary

The timing of the 13th general election depends on the extent of reforms made by the interim government, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said. Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday, he presented the possibility of a one to one-a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election date depends on reform progress, says press secretary
bdnews24.com
Published :
Jan 29, 2025 22:11
Updated :
Jan 29, 2025 22:11

The timing of the 13th general election depends on the extent of reforms made by the interim government, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday, he presented the possibility of a one to one-and-a-half-years wait for the forthcoming polls.

“We have repeatedly made our position clear. If fewer reforms are needed, the election can take place by December this year,” Shafiqul said.

“If the parties feel more reforms are necessary under this government, the process could extend by another six months, meaning the election may be held by June next year.

“The chief advisor and other advisors have reiterated this repeatedly.”

Journalists at the briefing questioned him about the election timeline, the government’s decision on seven government colleges, and the Awami League’s protest programmes.

Following the fall of the Awami League government in the face of a mass uprising, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration took charge with a pledge to implement reforms.

Over the past five months, the government has undertaken initiatives to reform the police, administration, judiciary, economy, and Constitution.

Throughout this period, the election date and the tenure of the caretaker administration have remained a pressing issue.

Political parties have repeatedly urged the government to complete the reforms swiftly and proceed with the election.

The BNP leaders have also intensified their calls for an early election.

In response to a question, the press secretary said: “The Election Commission is an independent body, and it has its own stance. There will be further discussions on the issue, but what is most crucial right now is the reform process.”

The reform commissions are expected to submit their reports by mid-February.

“Once the reports are received, the consensus commission will begin its work. The exact election date will be determined based on these reforms,” he concluded.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms vs election: A distracting debate

Those who place the election above reforms undervalue the vital need for the latter.

www.thedailystar.net

Reforms vs election: A distracting debate
We need and can have both by the year-end

VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR

Recently, a debate in our political arena has been clouding our thinking. "No election before reforms" vs "No reforms if it delays the election" has our political players' attention engaged, distracting them from urgent actions. Exchanges between the respective proponents are now getting shriller and acrimonious. The truth is, we need both and can have both within the time frame of December 2025 or January 2026. People are firm and clear about not missing this unique opportunity to institute vital reforms, but they are also conscious about the complexity of the current situation and would prefer a more stable political and legal scenario.

Those who place the election above reforms undervalue the vital need for the latter. They tend to forget that the introduction of BAKSAL, two military interventions, the binary nature of our politics since the restoration of democracy in 1991, and the authoritarian rule for more than 15 years not only prevented reforms in areas like the judiciary, administration, police, etc, but reversed the process of making governance a public service and not a weapon in the ruler's hand. All our vital institutions need fundamental reforms—and urgently so. Let there be no doubt about it.

Contrarily, those who place reforms above the election do not truly understand the significance of a free and fair election and the absolute necessity of holding it as soon as possible as voters have been cheated of their right in the last three. It is also vital to put the country back on the track of having an elected government and parliament. The national election will restore people's right to choose who should and who should not rule them.It is a citizen's inalienable right to select which party and/or individual will be given the power to lead the country, govern it, spend our tax money, and introduce new policies and plans. Only a free and fair election can ensure it. How can we forget that, from the mountain of misgovernance by Sheikh Hasina, what triggered public anger the most was her fraudulent elections. Now, due to the students' popularity and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's wide acceptance, people have decided to wait to exercise their right to elect. But that wait is time-bound.

What elections also do is bring about the accountability of those who are placed in power and positions of decision-making. "Accountability" is perhaps the most ignored and undervalued word in our country's governance. Our government officials, who get all their perks and facilities and, most importantly, salary from our tax money, face no accountability. Our police, intelligence agencies and security apparatus have all the power to oppress the public, but the public has no right to ask if they are even remotely performing their tasks honestly and in line with the law. In every profession and sector, there are honourable exceptions whom we praise for being honest in spite of the system. But the overall system is rotten to the core.

How can we forget that, from the mountain of misgovernance by Sheikh Hasina, what triggered public anger the most was her fraudulent elections. Now, due to the students' popularity and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's wide acceptance, people have decided to wait to exercise their right to elect. But that wait is time-bound.

Free and fair elections are the only effective mechanism to make our political leaders accountable. It can be said that it did not work effectively in the past. With the proposed reforms instituted, it will be different in the future.

The interim government deserves kudos for setting up reform commissions in the most vital areas well in time. Four of them have already delivered their recommendations, while two others are expected soon. Some important committees have also shared their findings. What awaits us is the dialogue with political parties that the chief adviser has already planned. Recommendations on vital issues like the constitution, Election Commission, police and Anti-Corruption Commission are already in the public domain. All of them now await widespread discussion, which we think should start immediately.

However, when a national dialogue should be starting in earnest, the "reforms vs election" controversy has reemerged, and this time, unfortunately, in a tone that we should and need to avoid. The BNP's latest decision to launch a movement may lead to counter-movements, which may bring many factions to the streets. When things seem to be falling into place, such actions seem unnecessary.

The recent remark by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir about the interim government—that if it loses its neutrality, we must have a new one to conduct the election—took us all by surprise. The reasons he cited need to be examined, but we think the conclusion he made was a bit premature.

Mirza Fakrul's comments took a dramatic turn when Adviser Nahid Islam speculated as to whether or not BNP was making an indirect call for bringing back an army-backed government to hold the election, modelled after 1/11.

This comment, we think, took the discussion towards a confrontational direction. Instead of a greater understanding, attributing motives to the BNP, which was neither fair nor justified, has now led to a distance between the students and the BNP, which is, as Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul observed, "undesirable." If anybody, it was the BNP that suffered the most during 1/11. Given its experience, BNP would be the last political party to want the return of an army-backed caretaker government.

Vital and urgently necessary reform proposals are now in place. We urge all to begin serious discussions on them. Let's start with the one that has a built-in consensus: police reform. We want the police to be permanently changed from being an extension of the ruling party's oppressive mechanism to an institution that upholds law and order for the benefit of the people. As a public institution, the police must represent justice, not oppression. Many of the reform suggestions are timely, useful, and urgently needed. The reform process can easily start with the police and can be seen as an example for the other reforms to follow.

As for the judiciary (what we have been able to learn from media reports; the formal presentation of its report is yet to come) the idea of decentralising the High Court benches is a most timely one. The dictum "Justice delayed is justice denied" is a painful reality for most citizens who live outside Dhaka. Travel, stay, food and the high cost of lawyers put the higher judiciary literally out of reach for most people. Even when they make the effort, the procedural maze and the avoidable but casually imposed delays make our ordinary citizens puppets in the hands of the law, which is well exemplified by the 5.77 lakh cases pending at the court. Reported suggestions about appointments, work accountability, financial transparency of the judges and separate administration, supervision, etc will make the proposals most relevant. If there is a place where anti-discrimination needs implementation, it is here.

Public administration reforms are also an urgent need for us. Our administration never served the people but the ruling party of the day, and of course themselves. There are honest officials, but they are a small minority. Most are corrupt, inefficient and totally without accountability and monitoring. Reforms here would be most resisted, and hence must be pursued with determination.

Election reforms are of immediate concern and must be implemented fastest, compared to others.

The above examples—only a small part of the whole process—show how important the reform proposals are and how seriously and diligently we must pursue them.

As we pointed out earlier, we have almost a year in hand. If we use this time with efficiency, dedication, and seriousness, and refrain from getting embroiled in unnecessary issues, we can have both reforms and the election within the desired time frame, about which there is a widespread agreement.

We are aware that some sections will gain with an early election and others will not. It cannot be counted out that arguments of both the sides could also be based on these perceived benefits. But we have to put public interest above everything else. We cannot lose this opportunity and the momentum to reshape our future on the basis of democracy, equality, tolerance, and general prosperity.

We strongly urge all concerned not to further dig into this debate and concentrate fully on achieving both the reforms and the election, which will serve our national interest most effectively. We should set aside our differences and assist the interim government to move forward with speed and clarity to implement this duel agenda.

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

 

[Saif]

For stability, holding the national election should be prioritised

The interim government is not mandated to oversee local elections. Its primary responsibility is to conduct parliamentary elections.

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For stability, holding the national election should be prioritised

The competitive nature of local politics, often driven by major political parties, frequently turns local elections into battlegrounds. FILE PHOTO: STAR

The debate surrounding the timing of local government elections in Bangladesh has intensified in recent weeks, with some advocating for holding them before the national election. Doing so, however, may not lead to more harm than good, as organising and completing local elections could delay the national election, which may further deteriorate the country's already fragile law and order situation and its political instability.

One of the most pressing concerns is the time and logistical complexity of conducting local elections. With over 4,500 union parishads, municipalities and city corporations across the country, the process would take approximately one and a half years to complete. That would inevitably push back the national elections, leaving citizens waiting even longer to elect a new government. Considering Bangladesh's current situation, such a delay could be dangerous: it risks disillusioning voters, prolonging an already tense political situation, and extending the period during which the unelected interim government remains in power.

Furthermore, local elections in Bangladesh have historically been plagued by violence and unrest. The competitive nature of local politics, often driven by major political parties, frequently turns these elections into battlegrounds, where violence is more of an expectation than an exception. Party-backed candidates, eager to assert control over local resources and power, often resort to muscle power, intimidation, and financial influence to secure victory. Given the current volatile political environment, it seems unlikely that this trend will change.

Therefore, holding local elections now, before the national election, would place additional strain on the already overburdened law enforcement agencies who are struggling to improve the law and order situation across the country. Bangladesh is already in the midst of a prolonged political crisis. Citizens have been deprived of their right to vote for over a decade, with elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 either boycotted or contested by the opposition amid accusations of voter suppression and unfair practices. If local elections are allowed to take precedence, it would be a dereliction of duty to the people who have waited far too long for a fair and transparent national election.

Moreover, the interim government is not mandated to oversee local elections. Its primary responsibility is to conduct parliamentary elections, which are the only legitimate way for the people to restore democratic legitimacy. Prioritising local elections before national elections risks undermining the role of the interim government and further delaying the democratic process.

The deep structural issues facing Bangladesh's local government system must also be addressed. The country's local governance framework is dysfunctional at best and entirely ineffectual at worst. Bangladesh has a multi-tier system of local government—comprising district, upazila, and union councils, along with municipalilties and city corporations—which theoretically should allow for robust local governance. In reality, however, these institutions have been reduced to ceremonial bodies with little real power. Local governments should ideally be self-governing, capable of managing resources, delivering services, and addressing the needs of their communities. Instead, they are often rendered powerless due to the centralisation of authority in Dhaka.

This centralisation, where bureaucrats frequently control local councils, has stunted the development of local governments and their capacity to serve citizens effectively. Essential services that should be delivered at the community level, such as healthcare, education and infrastructure, are often delayed, disrupted or simply remain unavailable. Although elections are held every five years, the imposition of unelected officials and the central government's pervasive control over local councils frequently lead to a breakdown in local governance.

The root cause of this dysfunction lies in the vested interests of major political parties, who fear that empowering local governments would erode their control over the population. Over time, local governments have become tools for political patronage, used to secure votes and political support for national elections. This manipulation of local government, coupled with entrenched corruption and weak institutions, has made the prospect of free and fair local elections an anathema to the political establishment.

There is no doubt that local governments must be empowered and freed from political interference. However, just holding local elections is not enough. It must be ensured that local governance bodies have the autonomy, resources, and authority to serve their communities effectively. Empowering local governments is not only necessary for improving governance but also for upholding the moral obligation enshrined in Bangladesh's constitution, which mandates elected representatives with local governance. The continuation of centralised power is a violation of this principle and undermines the democratic foundations of the nation.

Given that the major political parties in Bangladesh have promised to focus on national governance and reconciliation, it may be more judicious to hold local government elections after the parliamentary election is concluded. This would allow the formation of a stable national government, thereby reducing tensions related to local elections. The priority should be to stabilise the national political environment. Besides, the people of Bangladesh have waited long enough to vote, and the longer they are deprived of this right, the greater the risk of deepening social and political discontent.

While local governance is critical for ensuring effective and accountable government, holding local elections before national elections would only delay the democratic process and worsen political instability. Bangladesh cannot afford to sacrifice the national election process for the sake of local elections. The national election must be held first, followed by the empowerment of local governments in a manner that ensures peace and stability.

Mohammad Al-Masum Molla is a political commentator.​

 

[Saif]

Election schedule depends on July charter: CA’s press secretary

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said it depends on the July charter whether the next national election will be held at the year-end or by June next year

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Election schedule depends on July charter: CA’s press secretary

Photo: PID

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said it depends on the July charter whether the next national election will be held at the year-end or by June next year.

He shared the key recommendations from the Judicial and Public Administration Reform Commissions at a press briefing today at the state guest house Jamuna after their reports were submitted to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Shafiqul Alam mentioned that the chief adviser said the six major reform commissions' recommendations would be reviewed by a consensus commission.

The chief adviser himself will head this commission, Prof Dr Ali Riaz will be vice chairman and the heads of the six commissions and its members, he said.

"After reviewing all reports, the consensus commission will hold discussions with political parties and civil society. A decision will then be made on which reforms need immediate action and which require constitutional amendments," he said.

"Political parties will sign on the mutually agreed recommendations, forming the July Charter. Some recommendations will be implemented by the current government while others by the next. The election date-whether in December this year or by June next year-will depend on its implementation," the press secretary added.

The reform commission has recommended full independence for the judiciary, he said.

"Previous governments claimed the judiciary was independent, but in reality, it never was. The new report suggested comprehensive measures to ensure its full and effective independence," he said.

The 351-page report also suggested constitutional amendments to ensure transparency in appointments in the judiciary, he added.

The recommendations include a new framework for appointing judges.

The Judiciary Reform Commission has also proposed establishing a permanent attorney service.

"This is a crucial reform. Many countries have permanent attorney services whereas in Bangladesh, nearly 4,000 public prosecutors are politically appointed. The new system would eliminate this practice," he said.

Another key recommendation is the formation of an independent investigation agency, said the press secretary.

"In Bangladesh, police investigate most crimes, but political interference often affects the outcomes. Many high-profile cases have been manipulated due to this. The new agency would ensure impartial investigations," he added.

He said the report also recommended setting up permanent Supreme Court benches in divisional cities to address the growing case backlog.

The report suggested extending magistrate courts to all upazilas and increasing legal aid for underprivileged people, said Shafiqul Alam.​

 

[Saif]

Polls could be held by year end ‘at the earliest’

The next general election in Bangladesh could be held at the end of this year at the earliest, said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

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Polls could be held by year end ‘at the earliest’
Yunus tells NHK

File photo

The next general election in Bangladesh could be held at the end of this year at the earliest, said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

In an interview with Japanese public broadcaster NHK on Wednesday, Yunus also discussed his plans to rebuild Bangladesh.

Yunus became the chief adviser of the interim government following a mass uprising that toppled the Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina, after 15 years in power.

He told NHK that he had taken charge of a country that was "devastated" in every aspect by the Awami League and vowed to ensure that Bangladesh "lands on its feet and becomes stronger."

"Given the circumstances when we took over, I believe we have come a long way. It was a completely devastated society—its economy, political system, and judiciary were all in disarray," he said.

Acknowledging the importance of elections in a democratic system, he expressed his commitment to creating a "safe and sound" environment before holding elections, ensuring that the next elected government can build upon his administration's efforts.

Regarding the election timeline, he reiterated that voting could take place at the end of this year at the earliest.

"When the election is held, the newly elected government will inherit a stable and secure foundation to work with," Yunus told NHK.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate expressed hope that young people, who played a key role in last year's uprising, would continue to have an "influential" role in shaping the country's future.

"What young people want is to showcase their creative power and share it with the rest of the world. That is the ambition we have in mind," Yunus said.

The chief adviser also conveyed his gratitude to Japan, Bangladesh's largest development partner, acknowledging that Japanese technology and investment have helped create jobs for young Bangladeshis.​

 

[Saif]

Can they reach a consensus over the election?

The International Crisis Group recently described Bangladesh's present predicament as "Dilemmas of a Democratic Transition." The Crisis Group's senior consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh, Thomas Kean, said the honeymoon period for Bangladesh's interim government is now well and truly over.

en.prothomalo.com

Can they reach a consensus over the election?
Joint Editor at Prothom Alo and...
Updated: 08 Feb 2025, 22: 40

The International Crisis Group recently described Bangladesh's present predicament as "Dilemmas of a Democratic Transition." The Crisis Group's senior consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh, Thomas Kean, said the honeymoon period for Bangladesh's interim government is now well and truly over. He said the challenges are likely to grow in the coming year, as political parties and other key players bargain over reforms and jockey for electoral advantage.

The bargaining actually began from 5 August. One section of those in the the mass uprising wanted the constitution to be abolished and a revolutionary government formed. They wanted the president to be removed. The other section opposed this, saying the government must be formed in keeping with the constitution. Finally, the latter opinion was followed and three from the anti-discrimination students movement who were in favour of a revolutionary government, even took oath as advisors of the interim government.

Today is 8 February and the interim government has been at the helm for 6 months. When the government headed by Dr Muhammad Yunus took over responsibility on 8 August, an abnormal situation prevailed in the country. There had been no government in the country for three days. The police were totally inactive. The public administration was in shambles.
It is not as if the police force, which the government had depended upon the most for improving the law and order, is fully functional at the moment. The armed forces have also been deployed along with the police and have been government magistracy powers.

The second challenge of the government was to control the spiralling prices of essentials. The government has taken all sorts of measures to this end, but has failed to bring the market under control. Food inflation is still over 10 per cent. The Crisis Group says the interim government is also under pressure over rising prices - a legacy of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's mismanagement.

However, the people are hardly interested in economic theory or the reason behind the prevailing predicament. They will want to see whether they can run the family with the wages earned after a day's work, whether they can afford their children's education and other expenses. If the price of essentials does not decrease, public dissatisfaction will increase.
The other priorities of the government included investigation into the crime and corruption of the previous government, trials regarding the July-August massacre.

The government has formed several committees to investigate these matters and the International Crimes Tribunal is working on the trials pertaining to the massacres during the mass uprising.

Criminal cases have also been filed against the leaders and activists of Awami League. Thousands of cases have been lodged, but arrests have been made less in that comparison. Due to the mass arrests, there is fear that the trial process will be slowed down somewhat. If there are over a hundred cases against a person (mostly for killing), then it will take a few years to gather evidence in that regard.

The government was encumbered with an economy in shambles, but economists feel it has managed to restore some degree of order to the situation. It has been possible for the banking sector, in particular, to be retrieved from the brink of collapse. The dwindling foreign exchange reserves have also been stabilised. But the problem is that no new investment is coming in. Unemployment is on the rise. And this is one of the reasons behind crime and conflict in the society.

The chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, in an interview with Japanese media outlet NHK, answered the question, "When will the election be held?" He said, "Towards the end of this year."

There is unrest in the industrial sector. Quite a large number of businesspersons close to Awami League have been arrested on corruption charges and many of their factories have been shut down. Many workers have been laid off. The gas and power crisis also poses as a threat to industry, trade and business.

The interim government is being criticised the most for the state of the education and health sectors. The anarchy and manipulations in postings that have prevailed in the education sector, have still not been fully eliminated. Students' demands and demonstration regularly bring public life almost to a halt. The government takes decisions only after the roads are blocked, not before.

The health sector had been in dire straits during the Awami League rule and that has not improved. For example, the health ministry had taken responsibility for the treatment of those injured in the July-August uprising. But six months on since then, they are still having to take to the streets demanding proper medical treatment.

There is no good news visible in the political arena either. The unity among the forces involved in the mass uprising after 5 August, has unravelled to a great extent. The various sides are criticising each other sternly, sometimes crossing the limit.

The people could not vote during the last three elections of the Awami League rule. Sheikh Hasina ran the country in an autocratic manner, politicising various state institutions. The interim government had committed that they would hold a free and fair election alongside reforming the state system. To this end, the government had formed 11 commissions and most of the commissions have submitted their reports. The government is scheduled to hold talks around mid-February with the heads of the commissions, the political parties that took part in the movement and other stakeholders.

There had been debate over the election and reforms from the very outset. Some want the reforms first and then the election. Others want the government to carry out reforms required for a free and fair election and then hold the election as soon as possible. The manner in which the election and the reforms have been pitched one against the other is totally unwarranted.

The interim government is not on any one side. Their job is to get all the sides to sit at one table. These talks will be successful when the political parties, student leadership and other stakeholders discuss matters freely and reach a consensus on reforms and the election. If any side takes up a stubborn stance, the talks will fall through.

The political leaders are responsible for the fact that the country's democratic structure did not become sturdy even over the past 53 years. The problem is not just over a matter of 15 years. Even those who ran the country before, failed to ensure democracy and good governance. And so the demand of the young generation for state reforms cannot be dismissed.

Then again, whatever the decision may be concerning reforms, people's verdict must also be taken into consideration to implement this. Everyone is well aware of the consequences of simply passing the election, then forgetting everything, simply to revert to running the country as one pleases.

As I completed writing this column, I got news that the chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, in an interview with Japanese media outlet NHK, answered the question, "When will the election be held?" He said, "Towards the end of this year."

After this interview, hopefully those who had apprehensions regarding the election timeframe, will overcome their consternation.

• Sohrab Hassan is joint editor of Prothom Alo and a poet
• This column appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir

 

[Saif]

EC to get ready by May or June for polls

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Sunday held a meeting with the Election Commission to discuss the preparations underway for the coming national elections...

www.newagebd.net

EC to get ready by May or June for polls
Staff Correspondent 09 February, 2025, 16:57

Flag of BNP. | UNB Photo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Sunday held a meeting with the Election Commission to discuss the preparations underway for the coming national elections.

The electoral process and finalisation of voter lists, among other issues, were discussed at the meeting.

Following the meeting, BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters that they felt confident that the commission would be ready for holding the polls by May or June this year.

He also said that the party did not present any specific proposals to the Election Commission regarding the polls road map and would discuss the matter with the chief adviser in a meeting scheduled for today.

Nazrul Islam Khan, accompanied by standing committee members Selima Rahman and Salah Uddin Ahmed, led the party delegation at the meeting held at Agargaon Nribachan Bhaban in the capital.

About the Election Commission’s preparations, Nazrul remarked ‘Good’.

‘We understand that they are doing what they are supposed to do according to the law,’ the BNP leader said.

He further said that the commission did not have the power to decide about the election schedule.

He explained that constitutionally, elections were supposed to be held within 90 days of a government’s stepping down, but the country at the moment was running in special circumstances.

He said that in this situation, the government, based on political consensus, would need to request the EC to hold elections.

The BNP leader said that if preparations were completed by May or June, national elections could be held soon after.

Recently, the Electoral Reform Commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

The chief election commissioner opposed some of the proposals of the reform commission, saying that their implementation would certainly undermine the independence of the commission.

When reporters asked if the issue was discussed in the meeting, Nazrul Islam replied, ‘If we find that any reform commission proposals are obstructing the holding of fair elections, we will block it, just as the Election Commission would.’

He said that the government would discuss the reform commission recommendations with stakeholders, and if their decisions led to changes in laws or regulations, the EC would have to accept them.

On behalf of the Election Commission the meeting was led by chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, accompanied by its commissioners, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and retired brigadier general Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah and EC secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

EC secretary Akhtar Ahmed told New Age that the BNP discussed about the preparation of elections, including progress of preparing the voter list.

The party did not make any specific proposals to the EC at the meeting, he added.​

 

[Saif]

BNP to bar if reform commission proposals obstruct fair elections

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will bar implement any proposal of the reform commissions that would create obstructions of holding a fair election

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BNP to bar if reform commission proposals obstruct fair elections
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 09 Feb 2025, 21: 58

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan talks to the media after a discussion with the election commission at Nirbachan Bhaban, Agargaon, Dhaka on 9 February 2025 Tanvir Ahammed

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will bar the implementation of any proposal of the reform commissions that would create obstructions of holding a fair election.

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said this to the media after an hour-long meeting of the party’s representatives with the election commission in the capital’s Agargaon area Sunday afternoon.

Newspersons asked Nazrul Islam Khan whether they had any discussion with the EC regarding a remark of the Chief Election Commissioner where he said that some of the proposals of the reform commission will curtail the authority of the EC.

In response to this, the senior BNP leader said, “They would talk about this since this is their issue. If we also think any proposal of the reform commission would obstruct fair elections, we also will impede.”

CEC AMM Nasir Uddin led the election commission in the meeting with the BNP. election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed, Anwarul Islam Sarkar, Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah and secretary Akhter Ahmed also attended the meeting.

Nazrul Islam Khan led the BNP delegation that included standing committee members Selima Rahman and Salahuddin Ahmed.

Nazrul Islam Khan further said that they have understood that the election commission would be completely ready to hold the parliamentary election in May or June. That means it is possible to organise the national election soon.

Asked about the agenda of discussion with the EC, the BNP standing committee member stated that there is not anything other than the election to discuss with the EC.

He remarked that the EC was completely ready to hold an election in May or June with the updated voter list.

When newspersons pressed for more information on whether they received any message on the tentative time of the election, Nazrul Islam Khan said, “As I said earlier, they (the EC) cannot announce this since the election is not going to take place following the normal course as delineated in the constitution.”

When he was asked whether the BNP made any proposal, Nazrul Islam Khan remarked, “No.”

He also stated that it is the responsibility of the government to announce the date of election. Then the EC will announce the polls schedule.

He informed the media that BNP has a discussion with the Chief Advisor on Monday. They will discuss those issues there.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for Dec 2025

Bangladesh’s next general election is scheduled to take place in December 2025. A highly placed source told UNB on Monday evening. The government is giving “much importance” to maintaining “political stability” and reconciliation, the source said. In the lead-up to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for Dec 2025
UNB
Published :
Feb 10, 2025 20:52
Updated :
Feb 10, 2025 20:56

Bangladesh’s next general election is scheduled to take place in December 2025.

A highly placed source told UNB on Monday evening.

The government is giving “much importance” to maintaining “political stability” and reconciliation, the source said.

In the lead-up to the crucial polls, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to meet political parties on February 15.

The meeting aims to foster a national consensus and ensure a smooth and inclusive election process.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also held a meeting with the Chief Adviser on Monday, expressing its desire for the election to be held at the earliest opportunity.​

 

[Saif]

BNP, Jamaat at odds over election

Two major political parties — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its long-time ally the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami — have taken conflicting stands on elections.

www.newagebd.net

BNP, Jamaat at odds over election
Staff Correspondent 13 February, 2025, 23:54

People to decide on AL ban, says Fakhrul

Two major political parties — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its long-time ally the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami — have taken conflicting stands on elections.

Jamaat demands local body elections and state reforms before the next general election while the BNP wants national election first after reforms that are essential for elections.

The BNP on Thursday rejected Jammat’s proposal for holding local government elections before the national elections, raising concerns that it could destabilise the country.

Besides, Jamaat’s call for proportional representation in the national election was also swiftly dismissed by the BNP.

On Thursday, a delegation led by Jamaat secretary general Mia Golam Parwar met with election commissioners at the Election Commission office in Dhaka.

After the meeting, Parwar, citing people’s desire, told journalists that Jamaat supported holding the local government elections before the national polls.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, addressing a press briefing at the party chairperson’s office in the captal’s Gulshan area on Thursday, rejected the idea of holding local elections before the national polls and described it as an attempt to push the country into a more fragile political situation.

The BNP leader addressed the press briefing after a meeting with the acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka, James Goldman.

He said that the national election should take place without any delay to ensure political stability in Bangladesh.

Fakhrul argued that delaying the national election for local government elections would only prolong the existing political unrest, and would undermine the country’s stability.

During Jamaat’s meeting with the EC, the party also advocated for the adoption of proportional representation in the upcoming elections.

This proposal was firmly rejected by the BNP, with Fakhrul stating that the BNP would never support such a system.

Parwar, while talking to journalists, emphasised the importance of electoral reforms, saying that, without proper changes, future elections could repeat the mistakes of the past.

He said that Jamaat was not demanding immediate elections but was willing to give a ‘reasonable’ time to complete necessary reforms.

Regarding the issue of banning the Awami League, Fakhrul at Thursday’s press conference said that the BNP would not decide whether the AL should be banned or barred from participating in the upcoming national election.

He said that the people of Bangladesh would decide on it.

The BNP leader also thanked the United Nations for the UN fact-finding report, which accused ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina of involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising.

He claimed that the report confirmed that the killings during the July-August mass uprising were carried out on orders from fascist Hasina.​

 

[Saif]

Election by the year-end is most logical

Political parties must reach a consensus on election timing, reforms

www.thedailystar.net

Election by the year-end is most logical
Political parties must reach a consensus on election timing, reforms

At a time when the nation is heading towards the national election by the end of this year, Jamaat's demand that the election should be held only after completing reforms to state institutions relevant to the electoral process has come as a surprise. While it is undeniable that our vital institutions urgently need fundamental reforms, the necessity and significance of holding the 13th national election as soon as possible cannot be overstated, especially since voters have been deprived of their right to vote in the last three elections. And as we have previously stated, it should be possible to both hold the election and implement crucial reforms by the end of the year.

The six reform commissions have already submitted their reports with recommendations, which have been made available to the public. Yesterday, the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission was held with political parties to review these recommendations and build consensus ahead of the election. We still have around 9 to 10 months before the election to reach an agreement on the major reforms that should be completed prior to the election. Therefore, Jamaat's stance regarding the timing of the polls is not a judicious one and largely reflects its own partisan interests.

Besides demanding reforms before elections, the party has also called for a proportional representation system and local government elections prior to the national election. These demands stand in stark contrast to those of the BNP, which was its long-time ally.

We believe Jamaat's demand for a proportional representation system has some merit, as it would prevent a sweeping majority from stultifying the parliament, as we have experienced in the past. Furthermore, there is no doubt that a proportional representation system better reflects public opinion compared to the first-past-the-post system. However, there is reportedly strong disagreement among political parties regarding this system. Also, given its unfamiliarity to the public, we think it should be planned for the election after the next. By that time, people should be made aware of the system and how it works. We are also in favour of holding local government elections before the national election, but only if it does not delay the national election. At a time when the country is going through a difficult phase without an elected government in place, the national election is far more crucial than local elections. We believe that an elected government can bring more stability to the country and improve overall governance.

Therefore, we hope all political parties will reach a consensus on the necessary reforms before the election. We urge both Jamaat and BNP, as well as other political parties, to rise above their partisan interests and prioritise national interests. This would best be achieved by holding the national election by the end of the year.​

 

[Saif]

Prepare for nat’l election

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin yesterday sought the active involvement of deputy commissioners in the electoral process, and urged them to raise public awareness regarding polls.

www.thedailystar.net

Prepare for nat’l election
CEC asks DCs

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin yesterday sought the active involvement of deputy commissioners in the electoral process, and urged them to raise public awareness regarding polls.

Speaking at a session on the final day of the Deputy Commissioners' Conference-2025 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he called on the DCs to maintain neutrality and uphold electoral laws while performing their election duties.

He also reassured the DCs, who typically serve as returning officers during national elections, that there would be no pressure from higher authorities.

Speaking to reporters after the session, he said, "In the past, there was pressure from high-ups…. I've assured them that there will be no unlawful pressure exerted on them this time. We won't impose any unjust pressure, and if there is any, we'll remove it."

He added that the DCs should not wait until election day or just a few days before it to be involved in the electoral process.

"Consider yourselves already actively involved in the process from now. Wherever you speak, whether at meetings or gatherings, a portion of your speech should focus on election."

He said awareness needs to be raised among people regarding the election as many of them have lost faith in the country's electoral system.

"So when you [DCs] speak to the people, make an effort to educate them about their voting rights."

Referring to DCs as "companions of the EC during polls," he stressed that they must proactively enforce the law and perform their duties impartially.

"We've instructed them [DCs] to address election irregularities proactively, not reactively -- meaning they should take action as soon as they learn about a violation instead of waiting until a journalist or anyone else makes a complaint," he told reporters, adding that the EC hopes the DCs perform their duties as per their promise.

Highlighting that poll duties are an obligation for DCs, the CEC further said, "We promised the nation a free and fair election and we want to fulfill this promise. I've requested the DCs and divisional commissioners to play their parts fully."

Asked about discussions regarding local polls before the national election, he said the matter had not been raised.

"They [DCs] are aware of what's happening at the national level. This [question of whether local polls will come before national polls] is an ongoing political debate. From what you can see, we don't want to be a part of that debate. We'll look into the matter once a decision is made."

The session was also attended by four election commissioners and senior EC officials, who briefed the DCs on electoral rules and regulations.​

 

[Saif]

AL leaders with no criminal record can run in elections: Asif Mahmud

Awami League (AL) leaders who have not been involved in any wrongdoing, crime or genocide can apologise and return to the mainstream without facing obstacles in elections, said Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

AL leaders with no criminal record can run in elections: Asif Mahmud
FE Online Desk
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 21:03
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 21:03

Awami League (AL) leaders who have not been involved in any wrongdoing, crime or genocide can apologise and return to the mainstream without facing obstacles in elections, said Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the final day of the Deputy Commissioners' (DC) Conference, Asif referred to a statement by adviser Nahid Islam, reaffirming that former AL members not implicated in any offences could seek forgiveness and re-enter the political process, UNB reports.

Addressing Awami League's participation in local government elections, Asif said that most individuals involved in genocide and crimes during past authoritarian rule were either fugitives or already imprisoned due to existing cases against them.

He clarified that those directly linked to genocide would not be allowed to contest elections under any circumstances.

The adviser mentioned about the United Nations report on human rights, which has documented the genocide committed by the Awami League on an international scale. Drawing parallels with historical fascist regimes in Germany and Italy, he said that AL should be held accountable for its actions.

"We consider European nations as models of democracy. History has shown how fascist regimes in Germany and Italy faced consequences. Since this genocide is now internationally documented, there should be some form of punishment for the party," he said.

When asked about whether local government elections would be held under party symbols or not as before, the adviser said the reform commission has been reviewing the matter, and a consensus commission would further consult before finalising policies.​

 

[Saif]

Election schedule likely by Oct

With the interim government having completed its first six months in office, all eyes are now on the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a consensus on reforms to be carried out.

www.thedailystar.net

Election schedule likely by Oct
Adviser M Sakhawat Hussain tells Star

With the interim government having completed its first six months in office, all eyes are now on the series of dialogues with political parties to reach a consensus on reforms to be carried out. At this crucial juncture, The Daily Star's Wasim Bin Habib and Baharam Khan sat down with Brig Gen (retd)M Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the ministries of shipping and labour and employment, to discuss various issues. Below is the full interview.

Star: When will the election take place?

MSH: If I am not mistaken, the election schedule will be announced around October, and the election may be held in December. We might have a new government formed by January. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has already said if we want to go to polls after urgent reforms, it will be held at the end of this year, and if we wish to do extensive reforms, the election may be held in the first half of next year. Reports from the reform commissions have started coming in, and there will be discussions with political parties soon regarding the reform proposals. We believe that political parties' opinions on reforms are the most important as no reform will last without their participation.

Star: Based on your experience as Election Commissioner, who actually conducts elections in Bangladesh: the Election Commission or the government?

MSH: Nowhere in the world can an Election Commission conduct an election alone -- it requires the involvement of six to seven lakh people. The EC has to work on most matters with the cooperation of the police, presiding officers and others from the government -- there is nothing wrong with it. The question is, what is the government's perspective on the election?

For instance, the previous government was determined to win the last three parliamentary polls at any cost. The first election (held in 2014) took place without the opposition parties, which was followed by an election that became widely known as "the midnight election" (due to ballot papers being stamped the night before the polls). The most recent election featured dummy candidates. Such election models are unheard of anywhere in the world. Such polls were not held even during Ershad's regime. The Deputy Commissioners appointed individuals from the Awami League and the Chhatra League as presiding officers.

Star: Has public trust been restored in the EC now?

MSH: People's trust has not yet been restored, and it cannot be regained overnight, especially considering the irregularities that occurred in the elections over the past decade. Therefore, I believe a lack of trust still persists, and restoring it remains the biggest challenge.

I would like to request the EC not to view their responsibilities as merely bureaucratic -- they are extremely difficult tasks. When we were in the EC, regardless of our performance, people at least had some trust in us.

Star: How can the EC regain public trust?

MSH: There is no specific formula for this. Those in charge must understand who they need to communicate with and whom to invite for discussions. They must act independently.

Star: The Electoral Reform Commission has recommended that the delimitation process be carried out by a separate authority. The current EC reacted to it by saying that the move would curb its authority. What is your opinion?

MSH: Delimitation is a highly complex issue. In many countries, it is typically carried out by a separate commission. If the EC were to handle it, political parties might accuse them of bias. However, even if a separate commission handles this issue, it must adhere to the guidelines set by the EC. If implemented properly, I believe it will be a positive initiative.

Star: Now, let's turn to labour issues. What is happening with Beximco's factories?

MSH: The Beximco issue reflects the real situation in Bangladesh. The government has not shut down any factories. These factories are closing because many of these companies operate on bank loans and subcontracts. Now that the banks are no longer providing loans to them, the factories cannot sustain themselves. Where will the banks get the money to lend when the companies have taken loans and not repaid them? From what we have gathered, around 27,000 workers were employed at Beximco. However, among the Beximco companies that took loans, 16 are untraceable. In other words, loans were taken under these companies' names and worker numbers were reported but these companies do not actually exist. Just from the state-owned Janata Bank, various entities of Beximco have taken loans amounting to Tk 23,000 crore. Can you imagine? If we include loans from other banks, Beximco has borrowed a total of Tk 40,000 crore. The question is, what happened to all that money? There is no clear record.

Star: You previously announced that Beximco's workers would receive their salaries by February.

MSH: According to our calculations, more than Tk 500 crore will be needed to pay their salaries. We have informed the finance division that this money must be provided on humanitarian grounds. At the same time, we are finding ways to create employment opportunities for these workers. The government is not in favour of shutting down any industry and will not take any action that harms workers. The government has so far disbursed Tk 55 crore and Tk 58 crore in two phases to support the workers.

Star: What will happen to the unemployed workers?

MSH: An American company has expressed interest in Beximco's entities and is currently evaluating the possibility of taking over the factories. If they move forward, decisions will be made regarding the bank loans. Besides, a Japanese business group has also shown interest in Beximco and plans to conduct a three-month pilot programme to assess whether the factories can be brought back into operation. If things move in a positive direction, the government will take the necessary steps to keep these industries running. I hope this will prevent the workers from remaining unemployed for long.

Star: If another company takes over, won't there be legal complications?

MSH: The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority is working on these issues.

Star: Companies under the Gazi Group have also suffered losses. What will happen to them?

MSH: No one has come forward regarding Gazi Group. I am not aware of any developments in this regard.

Star: Is the government still providing funds to any factories?

MSH: We had to provide funds to some factories on humanitarian grounds. However, this will not continue indefinitely.

Star: How would you evaluate the first six months of the interim government?

MSH: The greatest achievement of this government is that the state has not failed -- it continues to function. For this, the main credit goes to the people of Bangladesh. However, I would have been happier if the situation had improved further. We have seen examples in Iraq and Libya of what happens after a leaderless movement. In Bangladesh, a government collapsed and left the country in the face of a sudden uprising. At that time, there was no opposition party in the parliament to take charge. It was at this critical moment that our government took over. Many even wanted the country to plunge into chaos and some still do. But the people have put their trust in our government.

Star: But people's expectations from this government were very high.

MSH: It took three months just to fully understand the real condition of the state. Banks were looted, reserves were in dire condition and the government faced enormous economic challenges. The law-and-order situation was practically non-existent. Yet, there has been remarkable progress in a short period. The credit for this primarily goes to the people. I am not claiming that the law-and-order situation has reached the desired level. If it had, the army would not have to be deployed outside the cantonments for such a long time. When the government of a country that relies heavily on imports collapses suddenly, there is a real risk of a famine-like situation. But we have started to recover from that. However, elements of the deposed government are still trying to destabilise the country in various ways.

Star: Regardless of the challenges, people still have high expectations from this government.

MSH: There is nothing wrong with that. But our biggest problem is a lack of patience. How can we achieve in six months what was not done in 16 years? We need to understand that.

Star: But people are questioning whether the government is on the right track.

MSH: According to people's expectations, the government's pace would ideally be 80 kilometres per hour. We might be moving at 40-50 kilometres per hour. To reach 80 kilometres per hour, we need to be given time.

Star: What is the progress on the amendment of the labour laws?

MSH: As a signatory to the International Labour Organisation conventions, we are committed to certain reforms. One of the discussions is whether a factory's workers can form a trade union if 15 of them agree. Tripartite discussions are going on among the government, employers and workers on this issue.

Star: Do you think the recent labour unrest in the garment sector will worsen in the future?

MSH: The government is not at all negligent in taking the necessary steps to address workers' problems. However, a vested group is instigating a section of workers to create trouble, which is a major concern.

Star: What is the current situation at the ports?

MSH: There were some initial issues after the uprising, but the situation is stable now. I have visited the ports three times and plan to visit more to ensure that port services improve rapidly. Some containers that have been at the ports for 20 years are still there. I have given instructions to address these issues.

Star: Is there any update on the deep-sea port? Do we need it? Will we be able to operate it? Sri Lanka built two deep-sea ports and then had to lease them to China.

MSH: We absolutely need a deep-sea port. The progress was stalled due to the strategic rivalry between China and India. But now Japan will carry out the project, so that issue has been resolved. We can operate it. Our existing ports are already performing well. Investors from Denmark, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Dubai are eager to invest in our ports. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in taking full responsibility for Matarbari Port while China is set to build two container terminals in Mongla Port.

Star: Bangladesh's relationship with India appears stable on the surface, but is that truly the case beneath the surface?

MSH: Have we engaged in any conflict with India? Please show me one example. We have consistently spoken about maintaining relations based on equality. Is that a bad thing? The former prime minister herself admitted that Bangladesh has given so much to India that the country will never be able to forget it. Despite that, India did not allow Nepal and Bhutan to use our ports. It is because India values its relationship with the government, not the people of Bangladesh. We all saw how that relationship unfolded over the last 16 years.

Star: The issue of barbed wire fences along the border did not arise in the past. Why is it an issue now?

MSH: The previous government did not raise the issue, so no problem arose. Even when Bangladeshi people were being shot at the border, the Bangladesh government remained silent. Instead, they instructed the BGB to hold flag meetings to recover the bodies. But now, we are speaking up and expressing our concerns. If someone slaps me, I may not punch them, but I will at least slap you back. From our side, I do not see any hostility toward India. They are a big country -- why should we seek conflict with them?​

 

[Saif]

Election in December appears possible as political parties commit to reforms: Ali Riaz

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Dr Ali Riaz has said a national election in December this year appeared possible as political parties are committed to undertaking the reform process. "I am optimistic that in major ways it (reforms) can be done. It is not impossible, and I am

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election in December appears possible as political parties commit to reforms: Ali Riaz
BSS
Published :
Feb 20, 2025 21:57
Updated :
Feb 20, 2025 21:57

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Dr Ali Riaz -- File Photo

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Dr Ali Riaz has said a national election in December this year appeared possible as political parties are committed to undertaking the reform process.

"I am optimistic that in major ways it (reforms) can be done. It is not impossible, and I am more optimistic because of the commitment of the political parties," he told BSS in an exclusive interview in Dhaka.

Riaz, who also led the interim government-instituted Constitution Reforms Commission, added, "I think we need to be optimistic," though many sounded to be "very pessimistic," and some expressed their skepticism on the issue.

An academic by background who teaches political science and international politics in the United States, Riaz said it was not political parties alone; the people of Bangladesh now await election as they could not cast votes in the past 17 years.

"This is the ideal situation. I think it (reform) is possible (to hold elections), because at this point, I think it is not only political parties; it is also the people, citizens who like to vote," he said.

He said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and his interim government "don't want to stay a day longer than it is necessary".

The seven-member National Consensus Commission headed by Professor Yunus was formed on February 13to discuss with political parties on reform recommendations of six commissions for major sectors or institutions including constitution and election system.

The Consensus Commission aimed to reach a consensus on a number of political, constitutional, and electoral reform agenda, while it held its first meeting with political parties on February 15.

Riaz spoke at the opening meeting as the vice chair, expressing his hope that it would not take much time for the parties to reach a consensus on reform issues.

ACTION PLAN OF NATIONAL CONSENSUS COMMISSION

He said the consensus commission, as its first step, would provide the political parties with the full reports of the six commissions, which by now submitted their reports to the Chief Adviser.

Riaz said the parties' concern would evaluate and identify key proposals and then determine which of the recommendations they consider necessary for implementation.

He said as of now no specific deadline was set for the parties to complete the task, but both the Consensus Commission and the political parties recognized the urgency of the process.

"We do not want to rush this, as it is crucial to ensure meaningful discussions," Riaz said, adding that Chief Adviser Professor Yunus described this as the second phase of the interim government, where dialogue and action must go hand in hand.

But Riaz reminded that the Consensus Commission was given a six-month time to complete the task of reaching a consensus on reform issues. The political parties' feedback within a stipulated timeframe would be necessary, and efforts were underway to expedite the process as the people eagerly awaited the elections.

"If the major parties and a vast majority agree on a constitutional reform proposal, for example, we can set it aside as agreed upon and move forward with discussions on other areas where opinions diverge," Riaz explained.

He said the six commissions have made their recommendations, and the political parties might also propose alternative solutions that align better with their policies and governance plans, as eventually governance remains in the hands of elected representatives.

Riaz said the political parties must strike a balance between political priorities and national aspirations.

NATIONAL CHARTER

The political scientist said that once key agreements were reached, the process would culminate in a national charter—a guiding document for any future government.

"The charter will be the guide; whoever goes to power, whoever gets the mandate from the people (since) the people (would) know that these have been agreed upon by the political parties," Riaz said.

The Consensus Commission would also work with parties to determine which reforms should be implemented before the next election, which should be addressed by the new parliament, and whether certain decisions can be made through referendum.

Riaz said the commission's role is to facilitate discussions and help political parties chart a way forward, but "there is no single pathway".

Riaz emphasized that political parties would determine the reforms they wish to pursue, and their agreed-upon recommendations would eventually be made public through a dedicated website.

"The idea of publishing these agreements is to engage citizens," he said, adding that people have the right to know what reforms political parties were committing to," he said.

Riazsaid citizens' engagement remained a priority, though the mechanism for direct public input was yet to be determined.

POLITICAL PARTIES COMMITMENT ON REFORMS

Asked for comments on speculations about the consensus of political parties about the reform proposals, Riaz said he expected them to take a forward-looking approach.

"Let's not be prisoners of the past," he said.

Riaz, however, said Bangladesh in the past struggled with political consensus, but there were examples of successful agreements as well with the caretaker government system being a major one.

He said Bangladesh's current political climate was unprecedented—a scenario when all parties recognized the need for reform in view of their experiences in the past 16 years when they faced challenges, and the recent mass uprising that claimed over 1,400 lives underscored the urgency of change.

"No party is saying that everything is fine. They all acknowledge the need for structural reforms, whether in governance, the judiciary, or constitutional bodies," Riaz said.

He, however, said the extent of commitment by parties might vary.

"Every party wants reform, but their priorities may differ. Our task is to facilitate discussions and find common ground," Riaz said.

Asked about the fate of reform proposals after elections, Riaz suggested that the political parties must ensure accountability and the Consensus Commission's ultimate goal was to establish a binding national charter that all parties would adhere to, "both before and after elections".

"This is the ideal scenario," Riaz said but added it was up to the political parties how they would implement the proposals.

BANNING AWAMI LEAGUE

Riaz said the interim government and the political parties would determine the course of action regarding the Awami League but those accused of crimes against humanity must be brought to justice.

The issue of banning the Awami League, however, would not be part of the ongoing national consensus negotiations, as it falls under a separate judicial and governmental process, he said.

Riaz said the United Nations documented the crimes against humanity committed under a political party's command.

"The responsibility lies with a single individual. This is not a matter for negotiation within our commission but a judicial process that the interim government must address," he said.

Riaz pointed out that the Awami League's history raises ideological concerns, citing its rule from 1972-75 and again under Sheikh Hasina from 2009-2024.

"This is the same political party (Awami League) which engendered personalistic autocracy. So there must be something wrong with their ideology. It cannot be simply an accident. It didn't happen once but rather it happened twice," he said.

In both the instances, he said, it was "meticulously done, it was preplanned" that suggested it was the ideology of this political party and "we cannot simply forget about it".

He, however, said this issue should not derail the structural reforms needed for the country's future.

"That should not stop us from the structure reforms that are absolutely necessary. So these are two different issues," Riaz added.

CONSTITUTION REFORMS

Riaz who headed the constitution reform commission, said their recommendations could not be imposed through an executive order; they require national consensus and a clear process.

"There are multiple ways to approach constitutional reform through a constituent assembly, a referendum, or a negotiated agreement. Bangladesh can learn from global experiences or create its own path," he said.

Riaz emphasized that the commission's role was to review the constitution, identify gaps, and make recommendations-not dictate the reform process.

"We never used the term 'amendment.' Instead, we highlighted the articles requiring reform. It is up to political parties to decide what to adopt and how to implement," he said.

He noted broad political support was needed for certain proposals, including the formation of a bicameral parliament and a national constitutional council.

But he urged parties to first agree on what reforms they want before debating implementation.

"Let us do first thing first. Let's first decide what needs change-then we can discuss how to implement it. Let's have the charter first," he concluded.​

 

[Saif]

EC moving ahead centring two deadlines for national elections: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission (EC) is moving ahead centring the two deadlines given by the interim government for the national elections. “The interim government has given two deadlines for election, by December or by June next year if the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC moving ahead centring two deadlines for national elections: CEC
BSS
Published :
Feb 23, 2025 18:48
Updated :
Feb 23, 2025 18:48

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission (EC) is moving ahead centring the two deadlines given by the interim government for the national elections.

“The interim government has given two deadlines for election, by December or by June next year if there is a major reform,” he said while exchanging views with district administration officials in Cox's Bazar on Sunday afternoon.

Nasir hoped that the final voter list for the next national polls would be available by June this year.

He said that the EC wants to hold a free, fair, and neutral election. This election will be credible and internationally acceptable like 1991, 1996, and 2001, he said, adding that everyone's involvement and cooperation is needed in this regard.

Replying to a question about whether local government polls or the national election would be held first, he said it is a debate between political parties, and the Election Commission does not want to go into the debate.

“For now, the Election Commission's first goal is to prepare an accurate voter list. There are 1.6 million dead voters. They need to be excluded," the CEC said.

The CEC said the Election Commission will not put any unfair pressure on or make any unfair decisions.

He said the EC wants to place its trust in those who will perform impartial election duties in the current administration.

Nasir Uddin instructed those who will be in charge of election duties to work in accordance with the law, assuring them of giving all support.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin presided over the meeting where Cox’s Bazar police super and election officers of Chattogram region, among others, were present at the event.​

 

[Saif]

Polls by this December or March next year: press secretary

Shafiqul Alam said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and other advisers talked about elections many times

www.thedailystar.net

Polls by this December or March next year: press secretary

Shafiqul Alam. File photo

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the next parliamentary elections might be held by this December or March next year.

He made the remarks while replying to a question at a press briefing at Foreign Service Academy this evening.

Alam said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and other advisers talked about elections many times.

Referring to the previous statement of the chief advisor, he said if the political parties want minimum reforms, then the elections will be held by December this year.

"And if they want us to stay for a few more days, in that case the chief adviser said it will be held in the first half of 2026," he said.

But, the press secretary said, there is a reality. The Kalbaisakhi (nor'wester) storm season starts from April and the monsoon begins in June.

So, these three months are not suitable for elections and that is why the elections may be held in December or March next year, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Polls likely by the end of the year: Prof Yunus

He made the remark during a meeting with Zarah Bruhn, a commissioner of the German government, who called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka

www.thedailystar.net

Polls likely by the end of the year: Prof Yunus

Photo: Collected

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday said that the interim government is likely to hold elections by the end of this year.

He made the remark during a meeting with Zarah Bruhn, a commissioner of the German government, who called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

Professor Yunus also sought Germany's help in implementing the reform initiatives taken by his government.

"We need all your support for the New Bangladesh. We are working hard to make the general election a success," he said.

Praising the German people and economy, Prof Yunus expressed Dhaka's desire for a special relationship with Berlin to deepen trade and investment ties with Europe's largest economy.

"We have close relations with Germany, but we want a different relationship -- a special relationship -- with Germany," he added.

Zarah Bruhn, who is visiting Bangladesh to learn more about social businesses and microcredit, praised Prof Yunus' leadership, stating that Bangladesh would prosper during his tenure.

"I am a big enthusiast of your work," she said, adding that she is eager to launch social businesses in Germany.

The two also discussed the Three Zero Movement launched by Prof Yunus, social businesses, poverty reduction initiatives, and the future of welfare states.

Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and head of SDG Affairs at the Bangladesh government, also attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Govt likely to hold elections by end of this year: Dr Yunus

The interim government is likely to hold elections by the end of this year, said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus when Zarah Bruhn, a commissioner of the German government, called on him on Wednesday. "We need all your support for the New Bangladesh. We are working hard to make the general e

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt likely to hold elections by end of this year: Dr Yunus
FE Online Report
Published :
Feb 27, 2025 20:56
Updated :
Feb 27, 2025 20:56

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus -- File Photo

The interim government is likely to hold elections by the end of this year, said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus when Zarah Bruhn, a commissioner of the German government, called on him on Wednesday.

"We need all your support for the New Bangladesh. We are working hard to make the general elections a big success," he told the German official at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

Bangladesh wants a special relationship with Germany in an effort to deepen trade and investment ties with Europe's largest economy, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said.

During the talks, the Chief Adviser praised the German people and the German economy, saying the country has been the leader in many areas, including heavy industry, in the world.

"We have close relations with Germany. But we want to have a different relationship – a special relationship – with Germany," he said.

Zarah Bruhn, who is visiting the country to learn more about social businesses and micro credit, lauded the leadership of Professor Yunus, saying Bangladesh would prosper during his tenure, said a spokesperson of the CA Office.

"I am a big enthusiast of your work," she said, adding that she was keen to launch social businesses in Germany.

They also discussed the three-zero movement launched by Professor Yunus, social businesses, poverty reduction measures, and the future of the welfare state.

Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and the head of the SDG affairs of the Bangladesh government, also attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Elections without reforms may lead to dictatorship again: Badiul Alam

The movement was not merely intended to topple Sheikh Hasina; rather it was for changing the dictatorial system and reforms.

en.prothomalo.com

Elections without reforms may lead to dictatorship again: Badiul Alam
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 01 Mar 2025, 15: 55

Shujan holds a human chain at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on 1 March, 2025.Prothom Alo

Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar has laid emphasis on carrying out reforms prior to elections, saying that an election without proper reforms may lead to a reemergence of dictatorship.

He made the statement while addressing a human chain at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Saturday, organised by the civil society platform.

He clarified that the movement was not merely intended to topple Sheikh Hasina; rather it was for changing the dictatorial system and reforming its systems, processes, and institutions. “The dictatorial system had turned Sheikh Hasina into a monster.”

The Shujan secretary further explained that Sheikh Hasina did not emerge as an autocrat out of nowhere. She became it through a systematic process.

“This system needs to be reformed. For a free and fair election, the political sphere needs cleansing. Otherwise, dictatorship will emerge again. Let no ugly person enter this beautiful building of Louis Kahn.” he cautioned.

No foreign aid at Shujan

Addressing allegations that Sujan received funding from the US government to strengthen the political situation in Bangladesh, Badiul Alam dismissed the claims as baseless.

“This is completely false. Sujan is not a registered organisation and therefore cannot receive any foreign aid. It operates with assistance from various individuals," he said.

He described the information on US funding as ‘deep fake news,’ saying, “It does not have minimum substance. The dictator's allies are spreading this disinformation to create controversy.”​

 

[Saif]

Holding polls this year may be difficult

National Citizen Party leader Nahid Islam said the interim government has been unable to fully ensure public safety, and holding a general election this year will be difficult.

www.thedailystar.net

Holding polls this year may be difficult
Says Nahid citing security concerns

National Citizen Party leader Nahid Islam said the interim government has been unable to fully ensure public safety, and holding a general election this year will be difficult.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last August in the wake of mass student-led protests. The interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, said this month that the election could be held by the end of 2025.

"In the past seven months, we all expected the policing system, law and order to be restored through short-term reforms. It has happened to an extent, but not up to our expectations," said Nahid.

"In the current law and order situation and policing system, I don't think it is possible to hold a national election," the 26-year-old said in his first interview as NCP head at his government-provided villa in Dhaka.

Nahid, who was until recently an adviser to the interim government, is the first politician of significance to cast doubt on Yunus' timeframe for an election.

Political analysts believe his youth-led party could significantly reshape national politics, dominated for decades by Hasina's Awami League party and her rival, former prime minister Khaleda Zia's BNP.

Those parties have demanded early elections, arguing that power should be returned to a democratically elected government.

Nahid said the NCP, which was formed just last week, would be ready for the polls whenever they are held.

However, he added that before elections can be held, it would be crucial to reach a consensus on the so-called "Proclamation of the July Revolution" -- a charter that the interim government plans to prepare in consultations with political parties and student activists.

The document is intended to reflect the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and honour the people who died in last year's violence. Student protestors dropped calls for changes to the constitution after the interim government said it would prepare the proclamation.

"If we can reach that consensus within a month, we can call for elections immediately. But if it takes more time, the election should be deferred," he added.

Many affluent people across Bangladesh are helping finance the party, said Nahid, adding that it will soon look to crowdfunding for a new office and creating a fund for the election.​

 

[Saif]

অস্থিরতার কারণে এ বছর নির্বাচন আয়োজন কঠিন হতে পারে: রয়টার্সকে নাহিদ

 

[Saif]

Election possible in December if political parties agree to minor reforms, says Yunus

The next general election could take place within December if political parties agree to hold it with minor reforms, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said. If the reform process is extended, the polls may be delayed by another six months, he added. The interim prime minister discussed the timing

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election possible in December if political parties agree to minor reforms, says Yunus
bdnews24.com
Published :
Mar 06, 2025 23:16
Updated :
Mar 06, 2025 23:16

The next general election could take place within December if political parties agree to hold it with minor reforms, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said.

If the reform process is extended, the polls may be delayed by another six months, he added.

The interim prime minister discussed the timing of the parliamentary election during a meeting with former United States diplomats William B Milam and Jon Danilowicz at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday.

The talks also covered Bangladesh-US relations, the Rohingya crisis and the impact of dwindling international aid for refugees, efforts to recover large sums of money laundered under the previous administration, and the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC.

Yunus-led interim administration took charge with a pledge to reform the state following the ouster of the Awami League government through mass uprising.

The reform commissions formed by the government have already submitted their recommendations, which are now being discussed with political parties.

“The political parties will sign the July Charter after completing dialogues on the six commissions' recommended reforms. This charter will guide us forward,” the chief advisor said.

He added that the caretaker administration would implement some of the charter’s recommendations while the rest would be carried out by the next elected government.

The chief advisor’s press wing said the meeting with Milam, president of Right to Freedom, and Danilowicz, its executive director, lasted nearly an hour.

Milam served as the US ambassador to Bangladesh in the early 1990s, while Danilowicz was the deputy chief of mission at the US embassies in Dhaka.

Milam praised the interim government’s reform initiatives.

The envoy said the July Uprising had created an opportunity for major reforms and paved the way for true democracy to flourish in Bangladesh.

Danilowicz stressed the importance of presenting positive developments in Bangladesh and countering misinformation and fake news.

Both diplomats discussed plans to expand Right to Freedom’s activities in Bangladesh and expressed the organisation’s interest in supporting the country’s democratic transition.

Yunus appreciated their efforts and the organisation’s work in upholding human rights and democratic values.​

 

[Saif]

Parliamentary polls should come first to hand over power to people: Rizvi

He slammed what he called the government's dilly-dallying attitude toward holding elections, despite providing a clear election timeline.

en.prothomalo.com

Parliamentary polls should come first to hand over power to people: Rizvi
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 07 Mar 2025, 19: 28

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi speaks at a programme in Rajshahi on 7 March, 2025. Prothom Alo

The senior joint secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, has reiterated that parliamentary elections should be prioritised over local government polls in order to hand over power to the people.

He made the statement while addressing a courtesy meeting and prayer programme for the families of the July uprising martyrs from Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj on Friday.

An organisation called ‘We Are BNP Family’ organised the programme on the Shaheed Minar premises of Bhuban Mohan Park in Rajshahi.

“The national parliamentary elections need to be held first, and the local government elections should follow. Reform is an ongoing process. It will continue... so that no form of fascism emerges in the future,” he said. “If a father is not born, how will he have a child? The national parliamentary polls need to be held first to hand over power to the people.”

Questioning the ongoing reform process, Rizvi said, “Those who are now talking about reforms, can you please say how many days are required to carry them out? The police should act according to the law and refrain from entertaining any influential individuals. It must be established that institutions will run as per the law. How many days are required for this?”

He slammed what he called the government's dilly-dallying attitude toward holding elections, despite providing a clear election timeline. “Why this dilly-dallying approach for the election? The government itself specified a month for the election, saying polls might be held in December. Meanwhile, some people are saying – no, it is difficult to hold an election within this timeframe. It is up to the election commission to hold the election, while the government will assist.”

Criticising India’s role, the BNP leader said, “It surprises me when I often notice that India discusses Bangladesh issues during its trips to America… India discusses Bangladesh issues with the US president. I saw in today’s newspaper that India is discussing Bangladesh with the United Kingdom. Why? Isn’t there a government in Bangladesh? Isn’t it an independent country? It has its own flag and national anthem. You are a neighbouring country, a separate independent nation. Why are you so concerned about Bangladesh? Who has given you the responsibility to discuss Bangladesh with other countries?”​

 

[Saif]

US role during 1/11: Prioritising polls over reforms was a ‘great mistake’

Washington made a “great mistake” during Bangladesh’s 2007-08 political crisis by prioritising election timelines over public aspirations and fundamental reforms, said former US diplomat Jon Danilowicz yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

US role during 1/11: Prioritising polls over reforms was a ‘great mistake’
Says former diplomat

Jon Danilowicz

Washington made a "great mistake" during Bangladesh's 2007-08 political crisis by prioritising election timelines over public aspirations and fundamental reforms, said former US diplomat Jon Danilowicz yesterday.

Speaking at a discussion on "Navigating the Dynamics of Bangladesh-US Relations After the Mass Uprising," organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the BIISS Auditorium yesterday, he said the current interim government has taken a more effective approach by fostering national consensus on reform.

Danilowicz, who served as political and economic counsellor at the US embassy in Dhaka from 2007 to 2011, witnessed the military-backed caretaker government's tenure following mass protests against the BNP-Jamaat alliance.

He said the US and other stakeholders focused too heavily on the army's position rather than the demands of the Bangladeshi people.

"I am the first to acknowledge that the United States made great mistakes in the 2007-08 period," he said. "We put too much emphasis on elections and their timeline instead of ensuring lasting political reforms."

The caretaker government had initially pushed for reforms, but once it prioritised holding elections and stepping down, it lost leverage with political parties, he explained. Agreements between the caretaker government and political leaders were made in secret, leaving uncertainty about commitments from figures such as Sheikh Hasina.

"Our perception was that the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina had learned lessons and were committed to reforms," he said. "As history turned out, we were wrong. That miscalculation contributed to the gradual decline, culminating in the summer of 2024."

Danilowicz believes the current interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, has learned from past mistakes and is now pursuing genuine reforms. The US supports this agenda while refraining from setting an arbitrary election date.

Asked about Awami League's participation in the next election, he said, "That decision rests solely with the people of Bangladesh."

On accountability, he stressed that elections alone do not ensure it. "The International Crimes Tribunal process and legal mechanisms are also critical in holding individuals accountable."

Former US ambassador William B Milam also spoke at the event, moderated by CGS Executive Director Zillur Rahman.

Milam reaffirmed Washington's commitment to democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, regardless of which party holds power.

He said that while Donald Trump's foreign policy may have had some deviations, the US generally supports democracies, not autocrats.

Milam said his organisation has been working for five years to raise awareness among the American public about Bangladesh's democratic trajectory and secure funding to continue this effort.

Danilowicz highlighted the lack of accountability among Bangladesh's ruling parties as a major political challenge and warned that the country is facing an "information warfare" threat, much of it originating from India.

He urged Washington to engage with Bangladesh independently rather than viewing it solely through the lens of India.​

 

[Saif]

What’s ahead? How far is the national election?

It suddenly seems like something new is about to happen in the country’s political arena. Chief advisor professor Muhammad Yunus has been saying for some time that the national parliamentary elections will be held by December. The chief advisor initially mentioned this outside the country. Since...

en.prothomalo.com

What’s ahead? How far is the national election?
Mahmudur Rahman Manna
Updated: 12 Mar 2025, 08: 45

Election Commission logo

It suddenly seems that something new is going to happen in the country’s political situation. Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus has been saying for some time that the national parliamentary elections will be held by December. The chief adviser initially mentioned this outside the country. Since then, he has been consistently stating this. Almost everyone, including the country's political parties, believed this. Discussions about this had started in villages and even around tea tables. But suddenly, he said the election would be held between December and March.

At that time, environment, forest, and climate change adviser Rizwana Hasan first said that the election would take place between December and June. Shortly after, the new leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Nahid Islam, said that the election environment had not yet been created in the country. Describing the state of the administration and police, he mentioned that the police were not yet in a condition to hold elections.

During an interview with former US ambassador and president of the US-based human rights organisation Right to Freedom, William B Milam, and former American diplomat, John F Danilowicz, chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus said that there would be discussions with political parties regarding the proposals made by six commissions about reforms.

After the dialogue, the political parties would sign the July Charter. The interim government would implement some of the recommendations from this charter, while the remaining parts would be implemented by the next political government.

Professor Yunus also said that if the political parties agree to fewer reforms before the election, the election could take place in December. Otherwise, the national election would be held by June of the following year.

Doesn't this sound a bit unclear? The July Charter and reforms are certainly not the same thing. But the way the chief adviser is speaking, it seems that if there is national consensus on the July Charter, then later there will be a consensus on reforms. This needs further discussion.

Readers must remember the July Charter or July Proclamation. At that time, it was referred to as a proclamation. The students were very serious about this issue. They were particularly upset that there was no proclamation about the July uprising. Because of this, they blamed the government. In response, the government had said that a proclamation could not be made alone and required consensus, and that it would start discussions with political parties to build that consensus.

The July Charter or Proclamation doesn't just refer to the July Uprising; it’s part of history. Therefore, it has a past, a present, and future directions. Those who were part of the movement say it represents continuity, and this continuity can be traced back from the 1952 language movement up to today. Many, even in the context of India's partition, find the direction for Bangladesh’s history in today's situation. To be more specific, the Proclamation is something that explains the period of turmoil and inspires hope for future building. It is an analysis that instills hope, not a framework for state reform.

At the end of December, student movement coordinators had pressured for a proclamation. They even prepared a draft charter and sent it to political parties and various stakeholders. Readers must recall that at that time, various stakeholders did not show much interest in the students' initiative. It wasn’t because they neglected the students; it was a matter of how they chose to engage with the issue. Since this is a major political question, it needed to be viewed in the broader context of overall politics. Some might agree with the proposed charter, some might agree partially, and others might not agree with the overall concept at all.

State reforms are not synonymous with the charter. Reforms, especially in today’s context, refer to qualitative changes in the constitution and election procedures. This is not the July Uprising’s charter in any sense. The government formed six commissions, which have submitted their reports. These six commissions have created six spreadsheets, where stakeholders can suggest yes/no responses or propose minor changes. There is a scope of ticking or making proposals. The process of these two is different.

Are these two seen as the same? There’s no chance of that. Moreover, if the parties agree to minor reforms, the election could be in December, but if not, it could be postponed until March or June. Doesn’t this statement create confusion about reforms? Is the issue about fewer or more reforms really like this?

Seven months later, the entire nation, based on real experience, now understands the necessary reforms for a good and acceptable election. For example, Nahid Islam, the newly formed political party’s leader, believes that the country’s police force is not at all prepared to conduct a good election. I agree with this. The question is, couldn’t the police have been brought up to that level in the past seven months? Isn’t it possible to do that within these seven months?

The same can be said about the public administration and the election commission. What does reform mean in these contexts? Reform certainly implies a complete overhaul. On the other hand, police could work in a somewhat proactive way, instead of being fully proactive. It seems that those in power right now are not able to think about getting the necessary work done in this manner. That’s why, even after a month of taking office as chief adviser, whatever reforms (?) have been made are being mentioned, but just the other day, he said that reforms hadn’t even started yet.

Has the country paused a bit due to the sudden talk of delaying the election? I think so. After the student-people's struggle against Sheikh Hasina’s heartless fascist rule, which led to victory, the people of this country, even political parties, have respect and sympathy for the students. People are observing the political party formed by the students with great attention, and that’s only normal.

Political parties, of course, will view this new political party as competition. They are carefully analysing the behaviour and statements of this newly formed party from the very beginning, and will continue to do so. It is no secret that chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus has special feelings for this party and its organisers. They believe that the chief adviser listens especially to them, and they also think the government might provide them with political advantages.

For example, they might need more time to form their party, which could be a reason for the government to delay the election agenda. This might explain why the election has shifted from December to June. If necessary, it could be delayed even further.

The politics of the coming days, therefore, demand deeper observation.

* Mahmudur Rahman Manna is the president of Nagorik Oikya

** This column appeared in the print edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Rabiul Islam​

 

[Saif]

Want CA to announce roadmap for nat'l election: Salahuddin

The BNP leader went on to say, '....while we may not all agree on some proposals, we believe that the majority of the proposals will gain consensus among most of the people of Bangladesh.'

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Want CA to announce roadmap for nat'l election: Salahuddin

File photo

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed wants the chief adviser to announce a clear roadmap for the parliamentary election in line with public demand.

"The aspiration of the July uprising was to establish a democratic state by freeing the country from autocracy. Discussions on reforms and dialogues will continue, but we need to make a decision regarding the national elections. For that, we need a roadmap," Salahuddin said at an iftar event organised by Gono Odhikar Parishad today.

Addressing the ongoing debate on whether the local or national election should be held first, Salahuddin said, "We have presented our proposals and opinions to the government, the chief adviser, and the people."

He said that reaching consensus on reform proposals and their implementation involve short, mid, and long-term phases; preparations for the national elections must go ahead.

"The Election Commission, responsible for conducting the national polls, is nearly ready. Based on their statements, they are working towards holding the election in December."

The BNP leader went on to say, "....while we may not all agree on some proposals, we believe that the majority of the proposals will gain consensus among most of the people of Bangladesh."

"We have received both hard and soft copies of the reform commissions' proposals. We have analysed them and will soon submit our report to the National Consensus Commission, following which discussions will continue," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Election likely in December if reforms package is short, or by June for larger package

Visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed his full support for the reform process initiated by Bangladesh's Interim Government and voiced concern for declining humanitarian aid for more than a million Rohingya refugees living in the country's southeast.

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Guterres-Yunus meeting

Election likely in December if reforms package is short, or by June for larger package
BSS
Dhaka
Updated: 14 Mar 2025, 20: 50

Visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed his full support for the reform process initiated by Bangladesh's Interim Government and voiced concern for declining humanitarian aid for more than a million Rohingya refugees living in the country's southeast.

The UN Secretary General, who arrived here on a four- day visit on Thursday, reaffirmed the UN's commitment for Bangladesh's reform agenda and voiced his concern for "one of the most discriminated peoples" in the world during a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office in the capital.

"I want to express our total commitment to the reform process. We are here to support your reforms. We wish you all the best. Whatever we can do, let us know," the UN Secretary General told Professor Yunus during his hour-long meeting.

He hoped the reforms would lead to a free and fair election and a "real transformation" of the country. "I know the process of reforms can be complex," he said.

Guterres said he was also here to express solidarity with Myanmar's forcibly displaced Rohingya people during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

"I've never seen a population so discriminated against. The international community is forgetting the Rohingya," the UN Secretary General said as he voiced his deep concern over declining humanitarian aid for the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees who live in camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district.

"(Aid) cuts are a crime," he said, adding that Western nations were now doubling up on defense spending while humanitarian aid is squeezed across the globe.

Guterres also expressed the UN's "enormous gratitude" to Bangladesh for hosting the Rohingya refugees. "Bangladesh has been extremely generous to the Rohingya people."

"Rohingyas are a special case for me," he added.

Professor Yunus thanked the UN Secretary General for visiting the country at such a crucial time.

"You couldn't come at a better time. Your visit is timely not only for the Rohingya people but also for Bangladesh," he said.

The Chief Adviser briefed Guterres about the reform process, saying about 10 political parties have already submitted their responses to the reports of the six reform commissions constituted by the interim government.

Professor Yunus said once the parties agreed to the recommendations of the six commissions, they would sign a July Charter, which would be the blueprint for country's democratic transition and implementation of the political, judicial, electoral, administrative, anti-corruption and police reforms.

He said election could be held in December provided the political parties agreed to "a short package" of reforms, but it will be held by June next year if the parties settled for "a larger package" of reforms.

The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his commitment to holding "free, fair and participatory elections."

Prof Yunus sought the support of the UN Secretary General for the dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in the western Rakhine state in Myanmar and in the meantime mobilising adequate food and humanitarian assistance for the 1.2 million refugees.

"We are trying to raise attention of the plight of the Rohingya people. The world should know how they are suffering. There is a feeling frustration," he said.

The UN Secretary General said he would do his best to resolve the Rohingya crisis and would try to mobilize support for them, giving priority to the Rohingyas.

Guterres lauded the contribution of the Bangladesh peacekeeping forces in maintaining peace and stability in some of the troubled corners of the world.

"Bangladesh peace keeping forces are very important for us," the UN Secretary General said, adding their engagements have been "extraordinary", and "added that Bangladesh acts in the frontline for a fairer world."

Professor Yunus also praised the Bangladesh peace keepers, saying Bangladesh military gets unique exposure in these assignments. "The deployments mean a lot to us," he said.

Geopolitics and the status of SAARC and Bangladesh's relationships with neighbours were also featured in the talks, with Professor Yunus highlighting his efforts to revive the South Asian regional forum.

He said Bangladesh also wants to become a member of the ASEAN in an effort to boost trade and investment with the Southeast Asian nations.

The Chief Adviser also highlighted his proposal to create a South Asia grid involving Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and India to tap and import huge hydropower from the Himalayan nations.

He said Bangladesh was building a series of ports in the country's Chittagong region in a bid to transform the country into "an economic hub", connecting Bangladesh with the landlocked countries of Nepal and Bhutan and India's Northeastern region.

Prof Yunus said the interim government has been fully supported by almost every country in the world, including the United States, European Union, China and Japan.

About the state of the economy, the Chief Adviser said his government has inherited a ruined economy with a broken banking sector, dwindling reserves and destroyed institutions.

"The economy has now been solidified. Exports have been growing for months. Foreign exchange reserves are also better," he said.

Prof Yunus said Bangladesh economy has made a turnaround to an extent that the interim government has now decided the country would make graduation from LDC nation next year (2026).

"We are taking full preparations for LDC graduation," he said.

The Chief Adviser also outlined his government's efforts to bring back tens of billions of dollars stolen by the leadership and cronies of the previous government. Some $234 billion dollars have been siphoned off during the 16-year-long dictatorship, he said.

"We are trying to get back the money. But this is a complex and lengthy process," he added.

The Secretary General said that it all reminded him of his time during the revolutionary days in 1974 in Portugal.

Prof Yunus also thanked the High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk for the work of the UN fact-finding mission, which documented atrocities and potential crimes against humanity committed by the Sheikh Hasina government.

"He did a fantastic work. They documented the crimes just right after the atrocities were committed. Let them come back again and do more work," he said.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, High Representative of the Chief Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the meeting.

UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima and UN Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis also attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Election should be held after finishing reforms quickly, BNP tells Guterres

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told this to the journalists after a meeting with the UN secretary general

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Election should be held after finishing reforms quickly, BNP tells Guterres
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 15 Mar 2025, 22: 13

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks to journalists after a meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Dhaka on 15 March 2025.Suvra Kanti Das

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) informed the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres that the party was the first to speak about reforms.

BNP also told the UN chief that the national election should be held after carrying out electoral reforms as soon as possible.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told this to the journalists after a meeting with the UN secretary general at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Saturday.

Replying to queries on the conversation with the UN chief, the BNP secretary general said, “A roundtable was organised by the UN where chiefs of the reform commissions were present. At the event, the UN chief was mainly informed about the ongoing discussions on reforms.”

Mirza Fakhrul Islam said, “We have informed the UN chief about the issues that we have been saying this long. Reform must happen. We have talked about reform previously and that reform must be carried out as soon as possible. We have said that electoral reforms should be completed speedily and then elections should be held quickly. After that, the remaining issues can be completed by parliament. Reform is a continuous process. We have spoken about these issues.”

Replying to a query on the UN chief’s response to the BNP’s issues, Mirza Fakhrul said António Guterres made no comment.

Replying to another query whether there was any discussion on timeframe for election, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We have talked to the reform commission and we are in touch with them. We gave everything that they wanted. We are already holding a meeting with them. So, why would we give a timeframe to the UN chief?”

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also joined the meeting.

Replying to a question on election, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “The UN said it is an internal issue of Bangladesh and you sit together and fix what reforms you will carry out. The UN chief expected a strong democratic government would be in power in Bangladesh, and the next election will set a precedent in the world.”​