[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

Saif · Jul 9, 2025

EC gets approval to begin voter registration in five countries

The Election Commission (EC) has received approval to initiate the voter registration process and issue national identity cards (NIDs) in five countries, including the United States. The other four countries are Maldives, Jordan, South Africa and Oman, BSS reports The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC gets approval to begin voter registration in five countries

Published :
Jul 09, 2025 20:14
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 20:14

The Election Commission (EC) has received approval to initiate the voter registration process and issue national identity cards (NIDs) in five countries, including the United States.

The other four countries are Maldives, Jordan, South Africa and Oman, BSS reports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted the approval through an official consent letter sent to the EC on Wednesday.

The letter, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shakera Ahmed, confirmed that the EC is authorised to begin voter registration and NID issuance in these countries, specifying Los Angeles as the designated location in the United States.

The EC has been requested to take necessary steps to move forward with the implementation of the registration process in the approved countries.

Earlier, on July 2, Md. Abdul Momin Sarkar, Director (Registration and Expatriates) of the Election Commission’s National Identity Registration Division, signed a letter addressed to the Foreign Secretary concerning the “Consent to start the process of registering voters abroad and issuing national identity cards to Bangladeshi citizens living abroad.”

The letter stated that the Election Commission Secretariat has adopted a plan to issue national identity cards to Bangladeshi citizens residing in 40 countries around the world.

With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' consent, voter registration and NID issuance have already begun in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada.

Among the remaining 31 countries, the United States, Oman, Jordan, South Africa, and the Maldives received consent on Wednesday to begin registering expatriate voters.

The countries still awaiting for consent are Bahrain, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Egypt, Romania, Mauritius, Iraq, Greece, Spain, Germany, Japan, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, and Cyprus.

The letter noted that the Election Commission Secretariat is fully prepared to begin the voter registration process in these countries and has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide consent on a priority basis, as it has for the other countries.

It also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted approval for Japan on May 25, and preparations are in place to begin the process there by July 15.

In this context, the letter requested priority consent for the United States, Maldives, Turkey, Jordan, South Africa, Oman, Egypt, and France to start voter registration and NID issuance. The EC Secretariat is prepared to initiate the process in these countries as well.

When contacted, EC National Identity Registration Division Director General ASM Humayun Kabir said, “We (EC) have written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as we are ready to start voter registration and issuance of national identity cards in eight countries. Work has already been started in this regard.”

According to EC officials, voter registration and NID issuance for expatriates are currently ongoing in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada.

So far, approximately 47,032 expatriates from these countries have applied for registration. Of them, biometrics for 29,563 individuals have been collected by the mission offices, while 20,451 have been approved for inclusion as voters.

Meanwhile, 3,677 applications have been rejected.

Saif · Jul 9, 2025

Law enforcement agencies instructed to complete election preparations by December: Shafiqul

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed law enforcement agencies to complete all the necessary preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December. The information was shared by the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, at a press conference held on

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Law enforcement agencies instructed to complete election preparations by December: Shafiqul

FE Online Desk
Published :
Jul 09, 2025 20:38
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 21:06

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed law enforcement agencies to complete all the necessary preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election by December.

The information was shared by the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

The CA’s Press Wing said the briefing was organised to inform the public about the developments regarding the national election.

At the briefing, Shafiqul stated that the Chief Adviser has instructed that all preparations related to the upcoming election be completed by December. He emphasised that the deadline for finishing all preparations is within this timeframe.

He added that the preparations involve several important aspects, including the recruitment and training of 17,000 new members across law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Coast Guard.

The Chief Adviser has directed that their recruitment and training should be completed within the specified period.

The Press Secretary also warned that as the election approaches, there may be attempts to create unrest to destabilise the law and order situation.

In response, the Chief Adviser has ordered the law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the law in the coming months to ensure a peaceful and secure election environment, he stated.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Ahmad Foyez were also present at the press briefing.

Saif · Jul 10, 2025

EC forms five committees to coordinate general election

To prepare for the 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission has formed five special coordination and oversight committees, covering law and order, field administration, and other areas. The committees will be led by four election commissioners, with seven members

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC forms five committees to coordinate general election

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 10, 2025 22:54
Updated :
Jul 10, 2025 22:54

To prepare for the 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission has formed five special coordination and oversight committees, covering law and order, field administration, and other areas.

The committees will be led by four election commissioners, with seven members working under each.

Separate office orders on this topic were issued on Thursday, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Shah Alam.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah will lead the law and order coordination committee. He will also be responsible for coordinating expatriate voting and the local and international election observers.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud will head the committee on electoral laws, rules, and regulations.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker will serve as the head of the field administration coordination committee, while Commissioner Tahmida Ahmad will lead the committee for forming the panel of polling officials and overseeing training activities.

These special committees have been formed following instructions from the chief advisor to complete all election-related preparations by December.

SANAULLAH TO OVERSEE LAW AND ORDER

The law and order coordination committee, led by Sanaullah, includes the following members: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, project director (IDA Project Phase 2), joint secretary (Administration and Finance), joint secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Management-2), who will act as the secretary. The committee may co-opt any officer as needed.

Scope of work:

Devising security plans for conducting the election.
Monitoring and coordinating the activities of law-enforcing agencies deployed for the election.
Ensuring coordination between the police, RAB, BGB, Coast Guard, Armed Forces, Ansar, and other relevant bodies.
Coordinating between different law-enforcing agencies for maintaining peace and order in polling centres and electoral areas.
Coordinating the deployment of law-enforcing agencies as mobile and striking forces for securely transporting and distributing ballot papers and other electoral materials, and supporting returning officers and presiding officers in the election process.
Assessing potential threats of violence, terrorism, or unrest and taking preventative measures in consultation with relevant forces.
Other relevant matters.

COMMITTEE FOR EXPAT VOTES AND OVERSERVERS

Sanaullah will also lead the committee on expatriate voting and domestic and foreign election observers.

Other members of the committee include: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, joint secretary (Election Management-2), deputy secretary (Election Assistance and Supplies), director (Public Relations), system manager (ICT), with the option to co-opt any additional officer as needed.

Scope of work:

Developing procedures for allowing Bangladeshi expatriates to exercise their voting rights.
Coordinating all matters related to expatriate voting.
Coordinating with embassies and relevant ministries and agencies on expatriate voter rights.
Overseeing and coordinating the activities of domestic and foreign election observers according to the observer policy.
Handling other related matters.

ELECTORAL LAW

During elections, the EC forms electoral inquiry committees composed of joint district judges who investigate irregularities and recommend action. This time, the EC will directly monitor their activities.

Masud will oversee the drafting, amending, and reviewing of electoral laws, rules, regulations, and policies, and monitor the electoral inquiry committees.

Other committee members are: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, joint secretary (Law), joint secretary (Election Management-1), deputy secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Assistance and Supply), who will serve as the secretary. The committee may co-opt any officer as needed.

Scope of work:

Carrying out tasks related to the drafting, revision, and amendment of electoral laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
Overseeing and coordinating the compilation of manuals for the interpretation and implementation of laws by field administration, law-enforcing agencies, returning officers, and polling officers.
Monitoring and coordinating the activities of electoral inquiry committees.
Managing other relevant issues.

FIELD ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Anwarul will chair the field administration coordination committee.

Members include: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, director general of the NID Wing, joint secretary (Administration and Finance), joint secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Management-2). The committee may co-opt other officers as needed.

Scope of work:

Maintaining regular communication, coordination, and consultation with civil officers engaged in election duties.
Providing instructions for implementing electoral activities at the field level.
Developing and monitoring a reliable and timely reporting system for information flowing in from the field to the EC.
Offering immediate guidance and support for resolving any crises that may arise during the election period.
Coordinating and consulting executive magistrates on enforcing the code of conduct.
Handling other related matters.

APPOINTING POLLING OFFICERS

An office order has also been issued for preparing the panel of polling officials, led by Tahmida.

Members include: EC senior secretary, additional secretary, director general of the National Identity Registration Wing, joint secretary (Administration and Finance), joint secretary (Election Management-2), and deputy secretary (Election Management-2), who will act as the secretary. The committee may co-opt other officers as needed.

Scope of work:

Preparing and supervising the panel of polling officers for national and local government elections.
Overseeing the appointment of presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers based on qualifications, experience, and skills.
Monitoring and coordinating the training of polling officers.
Handling other related matters.

At the capital’s Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, the Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam provided updates on the 13th General Election. He reaffirmed the government's intention to complete preparations before Ramadan, suggesting the election could be held in February.

He also mentioned that around 800,000 law enforcement personnel would be deployed for the election, and the chief advisor has instructed that their training be completed by December to ensure a peaceful election.

Saif · Jul 10, 2025

Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC

Thanking Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for his fresh instruction on the national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will complete its election preparations promptly. “I would like to thank Professor Dr Yun

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC

Published :
Jul 10, 2025 15:52
Updated :
Jul 10, 2025 18:09

Thanking Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus for his fresh instruction on the national election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed the hope that the Election Commission will complete its election preparations promptly.

“I would like to thank Professor Dr Yunus from this programme as he has instructed the Election Commission to complete all the work by December. This is a very positive matter,” he said while speaking at a discussion, UNB reports.

“We hope that the Election Commission will complete this work very quickly and create an environment for the election,” the BNP leader added.

He said their party wants the Election Commission to work in such a way that it can present the nation with a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election. “We hope they will work in that way.”

The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the programme titled ‘Journalists’ Role in the July Uprising by Students and Masses’ at the Jatiya Press Club."

Expressing strong optimism, Fakhrul dismissed concerns raised by some quarters about whether the election will be held on time.

“Why wouldn’t the election be held? The people of this country want the election. They have sacrificed their lives for the election. They want a parliament with elected representatives,” he said.

Fakhrul said that attempts have been made by a certain quarter to label BNP as a party that opposes reforms, but in reality, it is the BNP that has introduced all major reforms in Bangladesh.

“Reform is in our blood and DNA. We were born through reforms. So, it is unfair to say that BNP is against reforms….Nothing could be a greater distortion of the truth than claiming BNP is obstructing reforms,” he said.

The BNP leader, however, said that is the people who will ultimately decide on reforms. “Why should we expect everything from this interim government?”

Speaking about the July Charter, Fakhrul said BNP had earlier shared their opinions on it and finalised their formal response on Wednesday night after receiving a draft on it from the government. “So, where is the problem?”

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said political parties may have different opinions, but they should stay united in the interest of the nation and democracy.

He also urged political parties to use careful and respectful language while speaking or criticising their opponents, so that people do not get the wrong message about the unity among anti-fascist forces.

The Jamaat leader called upon all pro-democratic parties to stay alert, warning that any disunity among them could help fascist forces to rise.

Describing journalists as the barometer of civilisation, he requested the media to play a more responsible role by practising fair and objective journalism.

Parwar alleged that some media outlets are spreading false and misleading information about Jamaat, BNP and other parties to create division among the democratic forces.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid said he is concerned about the future of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as there has been no change in the mindset and attitude of the young leaders who played a role in ousting the autocratic and fascist regime of Awami League.

He urged young leaders to show more restraint and patience, and to avoid arrogance in their actions and words. "You should remain alert so that your words and actions do not reflect the mindset of fascists and autocrats."

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said there has been no major progress in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission regarding reform proposals.

However, he praised the Chief Adviser for instructing law enforcers to complete all preparations by December for the election.

Manna said the election should be held as soon as possible, warning that any delay may push the country into a dark future. “The mass uprising will succeed when democracy is restored in the country through a fair and credible national election,” he said.

Saif · Jul 11, 2025

BNP demands specific February election date, says outcome is obvious to all

The BNP has pressed the interim government to fix a specific date for the general election, accusing certain quarters of trying to derail the process through “diversionary tactics” in the name of reform and justice. At a protest event in Dhaka on Friday, the party’s Vice-Chairman

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP demands specific February election date, says outcome is obvious to all

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 11, 2025 19:31
Updated :
Jul 11, 2025 19:31

The BNP has pressed the interim government to fix a specific date for the general election, accusing certain quarters of trying to derail the process through “diversionary tactics” in the name of reform and justice.

At a protest event in Dhaka on Friday, the party’s Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu warned that the longer the government delays naming a date, the deeper the “crisis” will grow.

He said the path to stability lies in “a clear and timely declaration”.

According to Dudu, there is now “real hope” for a national election following a meeting in London between BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

He urged the caretaker administration to capitalise on this momentum by naming a date—early, mid, or late February—that could calm political uncertainty.

Dudu accused certain groups of using legal and institutional pretexts to obstruct the election, saying their aim is to “sabotage” the democratic process.

While avoiding direct references, he took aim at a “so-called” alliance of intellectuals, politicians, and special interests “clinging to the illusion of power”.

“Even a madman knows who’s going to form the next government,” he said.

He added that the BNP has governed before and is poised to return to power again through popular support.

Calling for national unity, Dudu warned of cross-border interference, suggesting hostile forces were “dreaming of disruption” and “waiting to intervene.”

He urged the BNP supporters to remain alert and united.

The BNP leader went further, predicting that the Awami League would be out of power for the next century.

He held ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina directly responsible for “destroying her own party”.

The protest was organised by Jatiyatabadi Nobin Dal at the National Press Club, demanding justice for the 2011 police assault on the BNP lawmakers, including then opposition chief whip Zainul Abedin Farroque.

He called for the trial of police officers Harunor Rashid and Biplob Kumar Sarker, who were allegedly involved.

Dudu also challenged those dismissing the BNP’s strength. “Many now pretend the BNP is irrelevant. But when the election comes, it’ll be clear who’s strong and who’s not.

“We believe polls are essential.”

“When the votes are counted, it’ll be clear who’s winning seats, who’s losing deposits, and who’s being forced out of the game,” he added.

Saif · Jul 13, 2025

Election Commission says polls logo remains under its ownership even if party dissolves

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that the “boat” symbol will remain in its list of reserved electoral symbols, despite the suspension of the Awami League’s registration. On Sunday, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said election symbols are never banned and rem

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election Commission says polls logo remains under its ownership even if party dissolves

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 13, 2025 21:58
Updated :
Jul 13, 2025 21:58

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that the “boat” symbol will remain in its list of reserved electoral symbols, despite the suspension of the Awami League’s registration.

On Sunday, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said election symbols are never banned and remain the property of the commission, even if a political party ceases to exist.

The clarification came after the National Citizen Party (NCP), which has applied for registration, demanded that the boat be removed from the list and their preferred ‘Shapla’, or water lily, symbol be included.

In preparation for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, the EC has revised the electoral code and proposed a new list of 115 reserved symbols, now under vetting by the law ministry.

The list includes the “weighing scales” symbol following Jamaat-e-Islami's re-registration, and retains the boat, despite the Awami League’s suspension. However, the water lily, sought by both NCP and Nagorik Oikya, was not included.

The EC suspended the Awami League’s registration following demands from different factions within the current post-Uprising government. NCP argues that as long as the Awami League’s status remains unresolved, its symbol should also be excluded.

Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, NCP Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa said: “The Awami League’s registration is suspended, but its boat symbol remains. That’s legally untenable.”

Commissioner Masud, however, rejected this argument.

“The boat was allocated to a party by the EC, and it is still officially on record. Even if the party is inactive or dissolved, the symbol doesn’t vanish. It remains in the EC’s custody and can be reallocated in future.”

Citing precedents, he added that the EC retains symbols of defunct parties, such as tiger, axe, key, and hookah, in the official registry.

“The Freedom Party may no longer exist, but its symbol is still with us. We are guided by law, not expediency.”

The EC introduced party registration with symbol protection in 2008. Currently, 69 symbols are reserved for registered parties and independent candidates.

On the separate issue of NCP’s renewed appeal for the water lily symbol, which had earlier been rejected on grounds of its status as a national emblem, Masud said no decision had been made yet.

The NCP had initially applied for water lily, pen, and mobile phone symbols. The party argues it was the first to apply for water lily after the code revision, and thus should be prioritised if the symbol is later included.

“We expect the EC to honour our position,” Musa said. “If the party is granted registration, we should receive Shapla.”

Commissioner Masud acknowledged the appeal but said the EC would decide on the symbol after the party’s registration is finalised. “There’s no scope to act on this yet,” he said.

Saif · Jul 14, 2025

Election must be held in February, there’s no alternative to it: Mirza Fakhrul

Now our goal is only one - the election must be held in February of 2026, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday. “Our goal is only one now - the election in Bangladesh must be held in February of 2026. There is no alternative to that,”...

en.prothomalo.com

Election must be held in February, there’s no alternative to it: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 14 Jul 2025, 21: 33

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on 14 July 2025 addresses as the chief guest a rally, organised by Dhaka city north and south units of the BNP at the party's central office at Naya Paltan in the capital on Monday. Dipu Malakar

Now our goal is only one - the election must be held in February of 2026, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday.

“Our goal is only one now - the election in Bangladesh must be held in February of 2026. There is no alternative to that,” he stated while addressing a rally in front of the party headquarters in the capital’s Naya Paltan area today.

The BNP secretary general further said, “We will not compromise regarding the election. We want the election, and we want it to happen at the time that has been decided.”

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was addressing as the chief guest of a rally and procession, organised by Dhaka city north and south units of the BNP, in protest against continuous conspiratorial lies and negative propaganda about BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and on demand of exemplary punishment for the brutal killing near Mitford Hospital.

Dhaka city north and south units of the BNP organise a rally at the party's central office in Naya Paltan in protest against continuous conspiratorial lies and negative propaganda about BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and on demand of exemplary punishment for the brutal killing near Mitford Hospital Prothom Alo

Just when people have become hopeful of an election after the meeting in London, at that moment several political quarters and some other cliques have been conspiring to take politics at a different route, Mirza Fakhrul alleged.

“Such conspiracy is nothing new. These conspirators are trying to destabilise Bangladesh once again. They have been trying so that no election takes place in Bangladesh,” he stated.

Mirza Fakhrul termed this planning as “extremely dangerous”.

“When the chief adviser confirmed Tarique Rahman during the meeting in London that there will be an election this time, since then that quarter has become crazy. Those who speak against Tarique Rahman and the BNP, are enemies of democracy and enemies of the country,” he added.

Dhaka city north and south units of the BNP organise a rally in protest against continuous conspiratorial lies and negative propaganda about BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and on demand of exemplary punishment for the brutal killing near Mitford Hospital Dipu Malakar

Without taking anyone’s name, the BNP secretary general said those who are now speaking and chanting slogans against Tarique Rahman in obscene language, thought the BNP will backtrack if they say use such languages. But the BNP is that party that time and again fought back all the challenges.

Mirza Fakhrul also warned the party leaders and activists that a certain quarter is trying very hard to entrap the BNP by making them excited.

He further expressed that the BNP waged a movement along with the people to goodbye to the fascists. The party will erect a bulwark so that no more fascist could arise in this country.

Saif · Jul 17, 2025

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/citizens-can-become-voters-until-announcement-of-election-schedule

Citizens can become voters until announcement of election schedule

BSS
Published :
Jul 17, 2025 20:03
Updated :
Jul 17, 2025 20:03

The Council of Advisers on Thursday gave final approval to the draft of the ‘Voters’ List (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’.

This will allow the country’s eligible citizens to become voters until the announcement of the election schedule or they will get such opportunity when they complete 18 years.

The final draft of the ordinance was approved today at a meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Adviser’s Office. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus chaired it.

Later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad briefed reporters at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Currently, citizens who turn 18 by December each year can be included in the voters list in January of the following year.

Foyez Ahammad said, “Under the current system, only those who turn 18 by December of the previous year prior to the updating of the voters list are included in the list out of those Bangladeshi citizens who are eligible to be voters. Every year, the Election Commission publishes the draft list on January 2 and the final list on March 2.”

He went on saying, “As a result, those who turn 18 before holding of the next election can’t take part in that and they become excluded from the list. They have to wait again until the next election. Under such reality, the Election Commission thinks since the final voters list must be prepared before announcing the election schedule, those who become eligible within the rationale timeframe before the announcement of the schedule can be included in the voters list.”

Foyez said that with the approval of the final draft of the ‘Voters’ List (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’, individuals who will turn 18 at least one month prior to the announcement of the election schedule will now have the opportunity to be included in the voters’ list.

In addition, the Council of Advisers also gave final approval to the draft of ‘Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance, 2025’.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that this ordinance expands the scope for donating human organs by the potential organ donors.

He said, “This will make much easier the kidney transplants in the country. It has been drafted in compliance with the international laws. The ordinance also specifies how organs can be collected from the dead bodies after death and how can be transplanted.”

Meanwhile, the meeting also gave final approval to the draft of the ‘Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’ subject to vetting by the Legislative Division and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

In response to a question, Shafiqul Alam said that the committee formed to investigate the violence and casualties in Gopalganj would conduct a thorough investigation into the entire incident like why the incident happened, how the deaths took place and to identify those who were responsible for the violence.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir was also present.

Saif · Jul 19, 2025

Fakhrul warns of rising tensions, urges govt to expedite elections

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the interim government to promptly move towards holding elections, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly complicated as time passes. "It seems the situation is getting more complicated with each passing day. Tho

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fakhrul warns of rising tensions, urges govt to expedite elections

FE Online Report
Published :
Jul 19, 2025 17:27
Updated :
Jul 19, 2025 17:27

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the interim government to promptly move towards holding elections, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly complicated as time passes.

"It seems the situation is getting more complicated with each passing day. Those who do not believe in democracy or a society free of exploitation are regrouping once again," he said.

Speaking at a discussion titled 'Expectations of the Mass Uprising and the Path to Democratic Transition in the Country' organised by Ganatantra Manch at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader spoke about the nation's democratic future.

Fakhrul urged the government to "identify the problems without unnecessary delay and engage in dialogue with political parties. Then, move forward towards elections. That seems to be the only way forward."

Referring to the aftermath of the August 5 regime fall, Fakhrul noted that it had opened a new opportunity to establish a democratic system in Bangladesh. "It seems the situation is becoming more complicated. Those who do not believe in democracy, people's progress, or politics aimed at building a just and exploitation-free society are once again forming alliances. The fascist forces that we were once able to oust are now quietly reorganising and conspiring to regain power."

Expressing concerns over rising incidents of mob rule, killings, muggings and enforced disappearances, Fakhrul warned, "If we lose this opportunity, Bangladesh will fall further behind. Every time, our people and youth give their lives to create an opening. It is unacceptable that we would squander such chances due to our own irresponsibility."

He stressed the importance of swiftly advancing reforms, the July Charter issue and election-related efforts, asserting that the sooner progress is made, the better it will be for the country.

"There is no doubt that this responsibility lies with the interim government. But the longer the delay, the murkier the situation becomes. The forces opposed to uprisings and to Bangladesh itself are reuniting and working to destroy democracy once again."

Fakhrul expressed hope that interim government leader Dr Muhammad Yunus would be able to unite the nation and lead it towards achieving the common goal. Labeling the BNP as a democratic party, Fakhrul stated, "We want to take responsibility for running the state through elections and build a welfare-oriented state. Just as we have overcome obstacles in the past, no barrier can stop us in the days ahead."

Fakhrul said, "The 1971 and independence are at the heart of our philosophy. There can be no compromise there, nor in our commitment to democratic governance. Through dialogue, tolerance and acceptance of differing views, we believe we can reach a point where we can re-establish a truly democratic system."

Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan; Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP); Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP); and Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party were, among others, present.

Saif · Jul 23, 2025

Jamaat Ameer opposes delaying elections, demands free and fair polls

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party does not want any delay in the upcoming national election but stressed that it must be free, fair, and transparent. “We do not want a delayed election, but it must be acceptable and neutral. Jamaat-e-Islami will not

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat Ameer opposes delaying elections, demands free and fair polls

UNB
Published :
Jul 23, 2025 23:57
Updated :
Jul 23, 2025 23:57

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party does not want any delay in the upcoming national election but stressed that it must be free, fair, and transparent.

“We do not want a delayed election, but it must be acceptable and neutral. Jamaat-e-Islami will not accept any rigged election like in the past,” he said while addressing a gathering of party leaders and supporters in Beanibazar upazila of Sylhet.

“We will not allow anyone to exploit the nation for personal gain anymore. No one will be allowed to misuse public resources,” he added.

Shafiqur also said, “We don’t want a divided Bangladesh. We want a humane and equitable nation. To build such a country, we need the love, support, and participation of the people.”

Referring to Jamaat's initiative after August 5, he said, “Despite facing persecution, we called for national unity because we want stability in the country. We ensured the safety of religious minorities in the past and continue to do so. But during previous governments, minority communities faced the worst repression.”

He alleged that no government in the past 52 years has truly cared for the people. “They were busy securing their own interests and strengthening their political bases. We must remain vigilant so that such a time never returns,” he added.

The event, a manpower and community gathering, was organised by the Beanibazar upazila and Pourashava units of Jamaat. It was presided over by Upazila Ameer Maulana Faizul Islam and conducted by Secretary Abul Kashem and PourashavaAmeer Kazi Jamir Hossain.

Special guests included Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zobayer, Central Executive Committee Member and Dhaka North City Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Sylhet District Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman, and Sylhet Metropolitan Ameer Fakhrul Islam, among others.