[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[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

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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.​