[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Possible to hold elections in December, would be best for the nation: Mirza Fakhrul

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that April is not at all appropriate for the national election. He said, it is quite possible to hold the election in December and that would be best for the nation. The BNP secretary general said this in reply to questions of newsmen today, Saturday...

en.prothomalo.com

Possible to hold elections in December, would be best for the nation: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 07 Jun 2025, 15: 22

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other leaders of the party lay wreaths at the grave of the party's founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital Courtesy: BNP chairperson's media cell

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that April is not at all appropriate for the national election. He said, it is quite possible to hold the election in December and that would be best for the nation.

The BNP secretary general said this in reply to questions of newsmen today, Saturday, while laying wreaths at the grave of the party's founder Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of Eid . He visited the grave of Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:30am today.

Mirza Fakhrul said, "The time fixed for the election (April), is not appropriate for elections in Bangladesh. It is extremely hot (in April) and there is the apprehension of storms and rain... and it is also immediately after Ramadan... public exams will also be on. It does not seem much thought was given to fixing this date."

He went on to say, "That would also mean that the election campaign would have to be carried out during Ramadan, which is difficult. Our remarks have been expressed by the standing committee after taking a decision at its meeting last night. We feel that it is possible to hold the election in December and that would be the best time for the nation."

Referring to the announcement made by the chief advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus that the national election would be held any day in the first week of April 2026, Mirza Fakhrul said, "We already gave our reaction yesterday. We have always demanded that the election be held by December... that was also the expectation of the people."

"People's expectations not met"

Earlier, at 11:30am, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul, accompanied by standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain, placed wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman. They also offered a special prayer seeking forgiveness for the departed leader’s soul.

Senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, members of the chairperson’s advisory council Abdus Salam and Abdul Halim, joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Mir Newaz Ali, Aminul Haque, among others, were present at the time.

Before being imprisoned in 2008, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia would visit Ziaur Rahman’s grave every Eid. In her absence, the party's secretary general and standing committee members pay tribute at the founder’s grave on behalf of the party.

Mirza Fakhrul said, “On behalf of the party, on behalf of chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and on behalf of acting chairman Tarique Rahman, I extend Eid greetings and best wishes to the people of the country.”

He added, “On this day, we seek truth through sacrifice and strive to get closer to Almighty Allah. As Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote in his poem ‘Qurbani’, this is not killing today, but the pursuit of truth, the awakening of strength. He said, Eid-ul-Azha truly teaches us to sacrifice, to love humanity, and to build a better world.​

 

[Saif]

Nation does not want another questionable election: Jamaat ameer

“If justice, reforms, July Charter and Declaration, and an equal electoral field are ensured, then an election following the roadmap will be possible,” he said

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Nation does not want another questionable election: Jamaat ameer
UNB Dhaka
Published: 07 Jun 2025, 22: 39

Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said the nation does not want another ‘questionable election’ and stressed that a credible national election would only be possible if justice, reforms, the July Charter and July Declaration are ensured along with a level- playing field.

“The nation does not want another ‘questionable’ election. If justice, reforms, the July Charter and Declaration, and an equal electoral field are ensured, then an election following the roadmap will be possible,” he said after offering Eid prayers at his native village in Tulapur Panchgaon Eidgah under Bhatera union of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar district.

He mentioned that people were denied the opportunity to vote in the last three elections, and this time, the youth and new voters “must be allowed to exercise their voting rights.”

Shafiqur also said if the chief adviser seeks cooperation, his party will respond positively.

He, however, emphasised that resolving the ongoing political crisis is crucial for holding a free and fair election.

Earlier, delivering an Eid message, the Jamaat chief said, “Eid-ul-Azha is a symbol of sacrifice and a test of seeking Allah’s pleasure. On this sacred day, let us pledge to unite against injustice, oppression and corruption.”

He added that the nation must overcome the current crisis by standing united for truth, justice, and Islamic values.

After the prayers, he exchanged Eid greetings with local residents.​

 

[Saif]

BNP resolute on demand for elections by December

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reiterated its proposal of holding the next national parliamentary election by December this year.

en.prothomalo.com

BNP resolute on demand for elections by December
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 07 Jun 2025, 11: 48

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reiterated its proposal of holding the next national parliamentary election by December this year. The decision was made during a meeting of the party’s Standing Committee on Friday night. The meeting was presided over by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who joined virtually from London.

Following the meeting, senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi issued a press release to the media, outlining the party’s stance on the election.

Earlier on Friday evening, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus delivered a televised address to the nation, stating that the upcoming general election would be held on any day in the first half of April next year.

The BNP standing committee discussed the chief adviser’s speech during its meeting. It was stated in the meeting that holding the election in early April could pose challenges due to both weather conditions and the overlap with the holy month of Ramadan, potentially creating a situation that may be used as a pretext to delay the election. Besides, the chief adviser in his speech failed to present any specific reason as to why elections could not be held by December.

The press release stated that although the people achieved a significant victory through the mass uprising of students and citizens in July–August 2024, the unnecessary delay in scheduling the election has caused public frustration and anger. Taking into account Ramadan, secondary and higher secondary level examinations, as well as weather conditions, the committee reaffirmed its proposal that the election be held by December.

While the non-partisan and neutral interim government speaks of building a consensus, the way it’s calling its own neutrality into question by being heavily influenced by a particular political group to ignore the opinions of the majority of political parties can make the public justifiably concerned about the possibilities of a free and fair election, the committee added.

Upon reviewing the chief adviser’s speech to the nation, the BNP standing committee unanimously expressed the view that, although it was delivered on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the address extended far beyond that context.

The speech touched on issues such as ports and corridors—subjects which, in his own words, do not fall within the scope of the three mandates assigned to the interim government. The committee also expressed its dismay at what it described as a breach of political decorum in the language used during his address.​

 

[Saif]

Amir Khosru casts doubt on Yunus govt’s ability to hold election

Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has questioned the interim government if the general election is being set beyond December in the interest of any particular group, also casting doubt on the administration’s ability to hold polls in future. On Sunday, he said 90 percent of the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Amir Khosru casts doubt on Yunus govt’s ability to hold election

FE Online Desk
Published :
Jun 08, 2025 21:23
Updated :
Jun 08, 2025 21:23

Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has questioned the interim government if the general election is being set beyond December in the interest of any particular group, also casting doubt on the administration’s ability to hold polls in future.

On Sunday, he said 90 percent of the political parties seek national polls within December.

“A question about whether an election under this government is possible has emerged in the minds of the people,” he said.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has been clamouring for the 13th parliamentary elections by December as the interim government moves with the state reform initiatives.

Addressing the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha on Sunday, Chief Advisor Yunus said: “After reviewing the ongoing reform activities related to justice, reform and elections, I am announcing to the countrymen that the next national election will be held on a day in the first half of April 2026.”

The BNP expressed “disappointment” and said that April was “not suitable” for the election.

The party's Standing Committee member Khosru said, “I think over 90 percent of political parties have decided to hold elections in December. They have made their proposals and opinions clear.

“Since our reform initiatives are supposed to be completed in a year or one and a half years, taking longer [for an election] is unreasonable.”

On trying the perpetrators of the July massacre, he said, “The judicial process is in progress, under the judiciary. This is happening in court, the trials will continue regardless of which government [is in charge].”

Noting that the government’s window to adjudicate those charged for crimes during the July Uprising extends until, he said: “If the government still cannot bring them [to justice], BNP will enact justice upon those who remain.”

He stressed that no other party in Bangladesh suffered more than BNP, reports bdnews24.com.

"It is the BNP’s responsibility to ensure that all those involved in this oppression are brought to justice. We will pursue this, regardless of whether anyone else does. And once that is done, the election cannot be delayed beyond December under any circumstances."

He said, “According to many, elections should be held in October or November after these issues are resolved. So why after December? This question has emerged in everyone’s mind. In whose interest should it be held after December? In the interest of which group?

“If a decision is made in the interest of that group, ignoring 90 percent of political parties, then doubts will arise in people’s minds."

Claiming that almost all political parties in the country want elections by December, he said, “What happens if [the timeline] is pushed after December which is followed by the month of Ramadan, our month of sacrifice and restraint, of religious sentiments?

“We don’t want election programmes that month. Then we have exams, followed by weather-related problems, cyclones. So we want elections by December. That is our decision.”

BNP leaders and activists came to Amir Khasru’s house on Sunday to exchange Eid greetings.​

 

[Saif]

BNP terms April election plan ‘imprudent decision’

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Sunday criticised the plan to hold the national election in April, describing it as an ‘imprudent’ and ‘irrational’ decision...

www.newagebd.net

BNP terms April election plan ‘imprudent decision’
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 08 June, 2025, 20:58

The party flag of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. | File photo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Sunday criticised the plan to hold the national election in April, describing it as an ‘imprudent’ and ‘irrational’ decision.

The party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the comment while speaking at a food distribution event organised by the Jatiyatabadi Van and Rickshaw Sramik Dal in the capital.

‘People believe the decision to hold the election in April is unwise and an ill-considered one,’ he said.

He said that chief adviser Muhammad Yunus’s announcement regarding the election in early April raises serious concerns about both motive and timing.

‘Why is the chief adviser speaking of holding the election in April based on the words of just one or two individuals or political parties? April is a month of intense heat, storms and rainfall. It is also when the SSC and other public examinations take place,’ the BNP leader said.

At that time, he noted, Eid-ul-Fitr will have just concluded. ‘If the election is held in April, campaigning would have to take place during Ramadan. How can one campaign while fasting? Will people observe their fasts or run election campaigns?’

Rizvi alleged that the interim government had pitted democracy against reform.

He said that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina both dreamt of remaining in power indefinitely.

The BNP leader said that questions were now being raised as to whether the interim government is harbouring the same ambition.

He accused the Awami League of systematically eroding democratic institutions over the past 15–16 years. ‘People of this country have been denied their right to vote. Elections have been rigged, and Sheikh Hasina has crushed the sanctity of free and fair elections.’

The BNP leader said that democracy fundamentally relied on free and fair elections. ‘People must have the right to disagree and to choose their leaders freely. That is what elections are about.’

Rizvi reiterated BNP’s demand for the election to be held in December, which he described as a more suitable time for voting.​

 

[Saif]

BNP ready for election any time: Fakhrul

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said that his party was ready to contest the national election any time.

www.newagebd.net

BNP ready for election any time: Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent 10 June, 2025, 21:26

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir | BSS photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said that his party was ready to contest the national election any time.

Speaking to journalists at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, he said that the BNP was not a revolutionary party but was committed to attaining power through democratic elections.

Fakhrul expressed his confidence that the national election could take place as early as December, aligning with the position of the party’s acting chairman.

He, however, said that the BNP had yet to take any formal stance on the government’s announcement to hold the national election in April 2026.

‘We hope that the government will consider the matter realistically,’ he said and added that April was not an ideal time for holding the general election.

Fakhrul hoped that an upcoming meeting between chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman could mark a turning point.

Describing the meeting as a major political event, he underlined its potential to help resolve ongoing political challenges, simplify issues, and create new opportunities amid the current crisis.

Regarding the interim government’s role, Fakhrul acknowledged their sincerity and willingness to work but mentioned that they lacked sufficient political experience.

He described the current period as a time of democratic transition that demanded responsibility, cautious dialogue and national unity to progress.

Replying to a question, Fakhrul said that Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh soon.Bangladeshi cuisine recipes

‘His return is certain and imminent,’ Fakhrul added without providing any specific date.​

 

[Saif]

February is the most logical month for the election

We hope the meeting between interim government chief advisor Professor Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will lead to broader political consensus

en.prothomalo.com

February is the most logical month for the election

AKM Zakaria
Updated: 13 Jun 2025, 14: 46

Professor Yunus, for the time being, has drawn a close to the conjectures and confusion over the when the national election is to be held, whether in December this year or any time within June of the coming year. According to his announcement, the national election is to be held any day in the first half of April 2026.

This announcement has been met with mixed reaction. However, the country's largest political party BNP has not accepted this date. It seemed that Professor Yunus would stick to his April schedule, but now his meeting to be held in London with BNP's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is generating a sense of hope among many.

BNP has explained why it is not accepting April as the time for the election. It feels that the weather at that time is not favourable for an election. There are also apprehensions and objection about campaigning and conducting other political programmes during the month of Ramadan. They fear that such circumstances may arise that will create scope for the election date to be pushed back.

Amid all the present discussions, debates and speculations concerning the election timeframe, many are raising the doubts as to whether the election will actually be held at all. BNP leaders are continuously alleging that conspiracies are be hatched against their party. The party acting chairman Tarique Rahman recently said, "Behind the delay in reforms, it seems there are elements within and outside the government who have a different objection." Tarique Rahman's insinuation is clear.

National crises or exceptional circumstances often create opportunities for extreme and reckless political forces to become active. Following the July mass uprising, many such groups have found a favorable environment to operate within the new political reality. Whether labeled as extremism, anarchism, or recklessness, these are, in their own way, particular paths within politics.

In the history of our country’s politics, such forces have tried to assert themselves during moments of crisis. Even in the current situation, there are reports of the activities of such groups or factions. There is growing concern and apprehension among many regarding the influence and activities of these groups within the state machinery.

The country's politics at one point had gone through considerable uncertainty. There was a sit-in outside Jamuna demanding a ban of Awami League, then there were the issues of an election timeframe, the army chief's stance concerning a corridor to Myanmar and leasing Chittagong Port of foreign quarters, BNP and NCP at loggerheads of the Ishraque issue, their demands for certain advisors to resign and so on. Fed up with all this, Professor Yunus' talk of resigning threw the country in the face of another crisis.

A large segment of Bangladesh’s population is eagerly waiting to vote for the first time. The current interim government and its chief advisor, Professor Yunus, also aim to ensure that as many young voters as possible are able to participate in the election.

In such a complex situation, the demand for elections to be held soon was seen as a way out of the crisis. The army chief said the election should be held within December this year. BNP also began to step up their demand for the election in December. The party's acting chairman clearly said, the election must be held within December. In this reality, Professor Yunus' announcement for the election in the first half of April brought an end to the December-June election debate. But the question remains as to how far the crisis has actually cleared.

BNP has made known its negative stance towards the election in April. Given Professor Yunus' December-June timeframe, most people wanted the election to be held before Ramadan. There are practical reasons for this. And there are clearly many problems in holding the election in the first half of April.

Ramadan is likely to start after mid-February on the 17th, depending on the sighting of the moon. That means Eid will be on 19-20 March, and this will be following with a few more days holiday. If the election is to be held in the first half of April, that will give only around 20 days at the most. Ramadan and Eid is not favourable at all for campaigning. Then again, the SSC exam begins from 9 April.

More importantly, temperature begun to rise from mid-March and reach a peak in April. We must also bear in mind that after 2008, there have been no free elections in the country. The festivity of an election disappeared from Bangladesh. If the election could be held within winter, that would really be a festival once again. All said and done, holding the election before Ramadan would be most convenient.

A large segment of Bangladesh’s population is eagerly waiting to vote for the first time. The current interim government and its chief advisor, Professor Yunus, also aim to ensure that as many young voters as possible are able to participate in the election. Students and young people were the driving force behind this year’s mass uprising. Including new and young voters in the electoral roll aligns with the aspirations of the uprising.

If the election is held in February, before Ramadan, there should be no difficulty in including new voters in the electoral roll. According to the Voter List Act 2009, all existing voter lists preserved in the computer database can be updated between 2 January and 2 March each year. Officials say that shortly after 2 January (within about a week), it is possible for the election commission to update the voter list. Moreover, if any legal amendments or ordinances are needed for this, those can also be enacted easily.

It would be most unfortunate if BNP clings to its position solely based on the hope of winning the next election, and insists on safeguarding its interests as a future ruling party in matters of reform

Considering everything, the first half of February appears to be the most logical time for holding the election. If such a timeline is set, we believe that most political parties, including the BNP, will accept it. Most importantly, there is now an urgent need to create an atmosphere of comprehensive consensus in national politics. Holding the election in February before Ramadan could pave the way for that consensus.

One thing must be kept in mind. Whether the election takes place in February or April, if there is no consensus among the political forces involved in the mass uprising beforehand, questions may arise about the moral and legal legitimacy of the uprising itself, the interim government formed through it, and the future elected government.

To bring the election forward from April to February, consensus must be reached quickly on issues like the July Charter. Political parties also need to come to an agreement on the main proposals for constitutional reform. In all of this, the role of the BNP is particularly important.

There is a public perception that BNP is not interested in reforms. BNP must therefore adopt a rational and realistic stance that takes into account the aspirations of the mass uprising. It would be most unfortunate if BNP clings to its position solely based on the hope of winning the next election, and insists on safeguarding its interests as a future ruling party in matters of reform.

The mass uprising has created an opportunity for fundamental change, and BNP respect that. The party’s negative stance on issues such as proportional representation in the upper house of parliament or limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms hints at a narrow, self-serving political approach.

We hope that in today's meeting in London between interim government chief advisor Professor Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, there will be progress toward understanding on these issues and an opportunity will emerge to build broader political consensus.

* AKM Zakaria is associate editor, Prothom Alo​

 

[Saif]

All preparations taken to ensure security during polls: Jahangir

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said all preparations of the law enforcement agencies required to ensure security during the polls have already been taken. "We have already taken all preparations necessary to ensure security during the elect

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

All preparations taken to ensure security during polls: Jahangir

Published :
Jun 15, 2025 00:02
Updated :
Jun 15, 2025 00:02

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said all preparations of the law enforcement agencies required to ensure security during the polls have already been taken.

"We have already taken all preparations necessary to ensure security during
the elections," he said while replying to a question after visiting the RAB-1
Headquarters in the capital's Uttara area, BSS reports.

Replying to another question, the Home Adviser said that the law and order in
the country has improved in the last 11 months.

The Home Adviser called upon the journalists not to publish or broadcast
partial news which may create scope to twist it from outside of the country.​