[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Bringing voters to polling stations key challenge, says CEC

Chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said that peoples’ trust in the election system had been destroyed, making it a major challenge to bring voters to polling centres in the upcoming elections.

www.newagebd.net

Bringing voters to polling stations key challenge, says CEC
Our Correspondent . Rangpur 09 August, 2025, 23:51

Chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.

Chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said that peoples’ trust in the election system had been destroyed, making it a major challenge to bring voters to polling centres in the upcoming elections.

‘Restoring the confidence has become the commission’s most pressing task, alongside convincing the citizens that free, fair, and credible elections are possible in the country,’ he said while speaking to journalists after a view-exchange meeting with election officials at the Rangpur Regional Election Office.

Asked about what the main challenges are ahead, the CEC said that the law and order remained a visible concern but the commission had the ability to handle it.

The CEC hinted at possible changes in the process of selection of presiding and polling officers, saying that the commission was considering alternatives to relying solely on teachers.

‘We, however, cannot import people from abroad to conduct the elections; we have to work with our own citizens. If people can see that there is no manipulation in the system and trust that we are genuinely committed to holding the poll in a fair manner, they will stand beside us’, he said.

Noting that maintaining the law and order would be a top priority for the commission, he hoped that the situation would improve much more as the polling day approaches. The commission, along with the law enforcement agencies, is committed to creating a congenial atmosphere where everyone can cast their vote for the candidate of their choice, he added.

Terming the arrangement for a fair election is his ‘moral and sacred duty’, he said, ‘We are pledge-bound to the nation to deliver our service. My decisions might be unfavourable for some people, but those are not in my personal interest. They will be guided completely by the law. I will work impartially as long as I remain conscious.’

The CEC also warned against the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media, describing them as bigger threats than weapons. He noted that AI was being used to create fabricated speeches and images of public figures, which many people cannot distinguish from the reality.

Chaired by regional election officer Md Dulal Talukder, the meeting was attended by all additional regional election officers, senior district and district election officers, additional district election officers, and upazila election officers of the Rangpur region. The session was held to provide directives related to the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections.

Later, in the afternoon, the CEC joined another view-exchange meeting at the Rangpur divisional commissioner’s conference room with senior law enforcement and administrative officials — including the divisional commissioner, Deputy Inspector General of Rangpur Range police, police commissioner of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police, sector commanders, BGB Rangpur, Ansar and VDP, RAB-13, DGFI, NSI, district commissioners, superintendents of police, and senior district election officers — to discuss election preparations.​

 

[Saif]

NCP among 16 parties clear EC’s preliminary registration screening: official

The EC's committee on political party registration verification and selection held a meeting yesterday at the EC Secretariat

www.thedailystar.net

NCP among 16 parties clear EC’s preliminary registration screening: official

National Citizen Party (NCP) and 15 other political parties have passed Election Commission's preliminary selection process for registration.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting yesterday, EC Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz said, "We have listed 16 parties, including the NCP, for field-level verification. After receiving the investigation report from there, further decisions will be made."

The EC's committee on political party registration verification and selection held a meeting yesterday at the EC Secretariat.

Subject to approval by the Election Commission, an investigation will soon begin to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the parties, including their central and grassroots offices, committees, and other details, EC officials said.

This year, a total of 145 parties applied for registration by June 22. They were given until August 3 to correct any errors in their applications.

According to EC officials, 59 parties failed to submit the necessary documents with their applications, and even after being allowed to correct errors, another 69-70 parties did not do so.

In such cases, the EC Secretariat will inform the concerned parties that their applications for registration have been rejected.

To obtain EC registration as a political party, an applicant must have a central committee, committees in at least one-third of the districts and 100 upazilas, and proof of support from 200 voters in each committee.

After receiving applications, the EC first conducts a preliminary selection. It then verifies the submitted information through on-site investigations before issuing a public notice inviting claims or objections.

If any objections are received, the EC holds hearings to resolve them. If no objections remain, the commission grants the party an election symbol registration certificate.

The registration system was introduced before the 9th parliamentary election in 2008. Currently, there are 50 registered political parties in the country.​

 

[Saif]

Half of Bangladeshis undecided about who to vote in general election, survey finds

Bangladeshis have been torn over their voting choice for the general election, according to a recent survey. Conducted in July by BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), the poll found that 49 percent of respondents have yet to decide whom they will vote for. In comparison, 38 percen

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Half of Bangladeshis undecided about who to vote in general election, survey finds

bdnews24.com
Published :
Aug 12, 2025 01:21
Updated :
Aug 12, 2025 01:21

Bangladeshis have been torn over their voting choice for the general election, according to a recent survey.

Conducted in July by BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), the poll found that 49 percent of respondents have yet to decide whom they will vote for.

In comparison, 38 percent were in a similar dilemma in October.

Women showed higher levels of uncertainty than men, with 55 percent of female respondents undecided in July 2025, up from 43 percent in October 2024.

The survey results were published on Monday at an event jointly organised by BIGD and the reform-focused civic platform “Voice for Reform” in Dhaka.

Between Jul 1 and 20, telephone interviews were conducted with 5,489 people across all districts of Bangladesh. Among them, 53 percent were men and 47 percent women; 73 percent lived in rural areas and 27 percent in cities.

The report notes that support for the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami has declined over the past eight months. Support has also dipped for Islamic parties, the banned Awami League, and the Jatiya Party.

The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), established by student leaders involved in the July Uprising, has gained traction.

When asked whom they would vote for, 12 percent named BNP, 10.4 percent Jamaat-e-Islami, and 2.8 percent the NCP.

In October, the votes were 16.3 percent for the BNP, 11.3 percent for the Jamaat, and 2 percent for the student-led party.

Support for the Awami League fell from 8.9 percent in October to 7.3 percent in the latest survey. The Jatiya Party’s votes declined from 0.7 to 0.3 percent, while other Islamic parties dropped from 2.6 to 0.7 percent.

Regarding election timing, 32 percent want polls before December, 12 percent believe elections should be held by February 2026, and 25 percent prefer a date after December 2026.

On whether the upcoming national election will be free and fair, 70 percent responded positively, while 15 percent doubted its fairness.

BIGD said political optimism from August 2024 has gradually waned. In July 2025, only 42 percent believe the country is heading in the right political direction, down from 56 percent in October 2024 and 71 percent in August 2024.

Approval of the interim government’s activities has also declined over time, from 75 percent in August 2024 to 68 percent in October 2024, and then to 63 percent in July 2025.

Among public concerns, 80 percent identified mob violence as a major problem. Along with that, 67 percent mentioned harassment over clothing, 61 percent expressed concerns over safety at night, and 56 percent said women’s security remains poor.​

 

[Saif]

'No vote' to return only for single-candidate seats: EC

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to reinstate the ‘no vote’ provision for only in constituencies with a single candidate under the proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) ahead of the upcoming national election, said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal M

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'No vote' to return only for single-candidate seats: EC

Published :
Aug 11, 2025 21:00
Updated :
Aug 11, 2025 21:00

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to reinstate the ‘no vote’ provision for only in constituencies with a single candidate under the proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) ahead of the upcoming national election, said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Monday.

“There will be no 'no vote' everywhere, if there is a single candidate, there will be a 'no vote' but in case of alliance, votes must be cast in the symbol of one's own party,” he said while speaking at a press briefing held at the Nirbachan Bhaban on Monday evening, UNB reports.

The Election Commission also took a decision to remove the provision of the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), he said.

Earlier in the day, a meeting was held at Nirbachan Bhaban, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, in the chair. The session was a continuation of the Commission's ninth meeting.

The meeting also decided to include the armed forces under the definition of law enforcement agencies and this will allow the commission to deploy members of the army, navy, and air force for maintaining law and order just like other forces.

The current Election Commission had stated that they would not use EVMs. Now, it has been removed from the RPO, he said.

Referring to EVMs, Sanaullah said, “Since this Commission has already decided not to use EVMs, all related provisions have been removed from the draft amendments. We have also specified penalties for dereliction of duty by election officials. Any such matter must be investigated and reported to the EC within three working days.”

The ‘no vote’ option was first introduced in the 2008 national election but was later scrapped in the 9th Parliament.

The Election Reform Commission had also recommended its reinstatement in the current reform proposals, he said.

It also said even if candidates contest elections under an alliance, they must use their respective party’s electoral symbol, he added.

"If there is only one candidate anywhere, they will not be elected unopposed. Overall, it is not about no votes. If there is one candidate in a constituency, they must still go to the election and they must compete. If they are elected again with no votes, then there will be no votes anymore. At that point, the individual, the candidate will be elected,” said EC Sanaullah.

The proposed RPO reforms will be sent to the relevant ministry next week, he added.

If approved by the government, it will be promulgated through an amendment ordinance. Any additional consensus recommendations from the reform commission may also be included later, he said.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/rab-ready-to-assist-in-national-election-if-assigned-dg

RAB ready to assist in national election, if assigned: DG

UNB
Published :
Aug 11, 2025 20:50
Updated :
Aug 11, 2025 20:50

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman on Monday said the force is ready to assist in maintaining law and order during the upcoming national election, should the Election Commission assign them the task.

“RAB is fully prepared to fulfill its responsibilities if entrusted by the Election Commission. We expect that the law and order situation will remain stable throughout the election period,” he told reporters after visiting Karwanbazar in the capital.

The visit was part of an awareness campaign against the production, transportation and marketing of banned polythene.

Highlighting growing concerns, the RAB’s DG said, “Despite having various restrictions in place, the use of banned polythene has alarmingly increased in recent times. Some dishonest traders are secretly producing and marketing it, putting public health and the environment at serious risk.”

He said RAB’s intelligence operations are going on to bring those involved in illegal polythene trade under the law.

“RAB’s combined efforts to curb illegal polythene are not just a government initiative but will take the form of a national movement. For building a sustainable and eco-friendly society, people must become more aware of the harmful effects of producing and using banned polythene,” the RAB DG said.

He said RAB continues its regular patrols, surveillance and drives to curb terrorism and other criminal activities alongside maintaining law and order in the country.

During Monday’s campaign at Karwanbazar, RAB personnel distributed leaflets among shopkeepers and traders to raise awareness about the harmful effects of using banned polythene.

RAB and the Department of Environment are jointly conducting various activities, including nationwide leaflet distribution, to discourage the use of banned polythene and promote eco-friendly alternatives.​

 

[Saif]

EC seeks expanded power to cancel entire balloting in constituency over irregularities

The Election Commission headed by AMM Nasir Uddin is going to amend the Representation of the People Order (RPO) rules to empower itself with the authority to annul voting in an entire constituency in the event of irregularities. The proposed changes also include a provision allowing the revocatio

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC seeks expanded power to cancel entire balloting in constituency over irregularities

bdnews24.com
Published :
Aug 12, 2025 00:38
Updated :
Aug 12, 2025 00:46

The Election Commission headed by AMM Nasir Uddin is going to amend the Representation of the People Order (RPO) rules to empower itself with the authority to annul voting in an entire constituency in the event of irregularities.

The proposed changes also include a provision allowing the revocation of a candidate’s status even after voting, if the candidate is found to have provided false information in their affidavit.

These changes were part of a package of reform proposals finalised at a meeting on Monday, said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, who briefed media in the evening.

Among other decisions taken at the meeting were: reintroducing the “No” vote option to avoid uncontested victories when there is only a single candidate in a constituency, holding a fresh election instead of a lottery in the event of a tie, and introducing a system to monitor candidates’ election expenditure.

The day began with the ninth commission’s adjourned meeting at the Nirbachan Bhaban, presided over by the Chief Election Commissioner Nasir.

Sanaullah said the finalised set of RPO reform proposals will be sent to the relevant ministry for government approval next week.​

 

[Saif]

Election not happening in February: NCP

Nasiruddin Patwary, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has dismissed the prospect of a general election taking place in February next year with reforms remaining unfinished. Addressing an event at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Tuesday, he dir

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election not happening in February: NCP

Published :
Aug 12, 2025 20:22
Updated :
Aug 12, 2025 22:16

Nasiruddin Patwary, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has dismissed the prospect of a general election taking place in February next year with reforms remaining unfinished.

Addressing an event at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Tuesday, he directly challenged the official election schedule, saying the proposed timeline was unrealistic.

His remarks came in the presence of BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Jamaat-e-Islami deputy chief Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, reports bdnews24.com.

Nasiruddin said the election would not go ahead as planned unless key demands from the July Uprising were addressed.

“If the election takes place in February, this government will have to return the bodies of my brothers who were martyred, who shed blood for reforms.

“They must return the hands that were lost, the sons taken from their mothers. If not, there will be no election,” he added.​

 

[Saif]

EC forms committee to scrutinize local observer applications

A 10-member committee has been formed to scrutinise the applications of the intending local observer organisations of the next national parliamentary elections, a press release of the EC said. EC’s Law Division Joint Secretary Farukh Ahmed has been appointed as the convener of the committee,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EC forms committee to scrutinize local observer applications

BSS
Published :
Aug 13, 2025 20:55
Updated :
Aug 13, 2025 20:55

A 10-member committee has been formed to scrutinise the applications of the intending local observer organisations of the next national parliamentary elections, a press release of the EC said.

EC’s Law Division Joint Secretary Farukh Ahmed has been appointed as the convener of the committee, and Assistant Director (Public Relations) Md. Ashadul Haque has been appointed as the member secretary.

Ashadul Haque said that 331 organisations have applied to the Election Commission for registration as election observers.

The EC on July 27 invited applications from the intending organisations to register them as election observers.

Qualified non-government organisations will be given registration for 5 years as per the Election Observation Guidelines 2025.

The registered organisations will be able to observe all national and local government elections held during this period.​

 

[Saif]

Loan defaulters will not be allowed to contest national election: Salehuddin

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the interim government will not allow the loan defaulters to contest the next parliamentary election scheduled for February 2026. “If political leaders encourage nomination and voting in exchange of money there’s nothing the Finance

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Loan defaulters will not be allowed to contest national election: Salehuddin

Published :
Aug 13, 2025 20:54
Updated :
Aug 13, 2025 20:54

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the interim government will not allow the loan defaulters to contest the next parliamentary election scheduled for February 2026.

“If political leaders encourage nomination and voting in exchange of money there’s nothing the Finance Ministry can do, ” the adviser said at the launch of the “UPension” app, organised by the National Pension Authority at the Finance Ministry, UNB reports.

He also said that the ministry will extend all necessary cooperation to improve the law and order situation for holding a good election in February.

According to the current law, loan defaulters cannot contest the elections.

Under Article 12 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, a loan defaulter is ineligible to become a Member of Parliament.

“If one is a defaulter, they cannot run for office,” Salehuddin said, adding that this provision is often misused ahead of polls.

“The Election Commission should identify the loan defaulters,” he said.

Citing an example, he said former Awami League minister Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir served five years despite being a defaulter.

Asked about measures to curb the use of black money in the polls, the adviser said, “The matter has not yet come to us, the Election Commission will consider it.”

He mentioned that there are two aspects of black money — the source and the process.

“The source is now more or less blocked compared to past times. Earlier, the same person could be a bank owner, factory owner, newspaper owner, and flat owner. That’s no longer the case. Now there is some check and balance.”

About the remarks made NCP’s chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary on Tuesday that “there will be no election in February,” the finance adviser said, “Let them make political statements.”

The Adviser said he used to do leftist politics in his student life.“I also made many statements like — shut down the hall, close the university, and so on. Did they ever shut down?”​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat-e-Islami demands free and fair election: Dr Taher

Reiterating the call for a free, fair and neutral election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Wednesday claimed that only one party has welcomed the government’s election roadmap while other pro-democracy parties have neither endorsed nor could endor

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat-e-Islami demands free and fair election: Dr Taher

UNB
Published :
Aug 14, 2025 00:01
Updated :
Aug 14, 2025 00:01

Reiterating the call for a free, fair and neutral election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Wednesday claimed that only one party has welcomed the government’s election roadmap while other pro-democracy parties have neither endorsed nor could endorse it.

Speaking at a rally organized by the Dhaka city units (North and South) of the party on Bijoynagar Road, Dr. Taher emphasized that fundamental state reforms, justice for all past atrocities, and a level playing field have yet to be ensured. “Even after 54 years of independence, the people of this country have never witnessed a fully free, fair, and impartial election,” he said.

He highlighted that the July Uprising had raised hopes among citizens for a “new Bangladesh” with an election that truly reflects their will. Although the interim government had pledged to implement state reforms, Dr. Taher accused it of failing to purify and uphold the integrity of the institutions it currently controls, calling their promises “empty.”

Addressing the government, he criticised months of meetings under the guise of reform, which have yet to yield any legal basis for the reforms, and urged authorities not to deceive the public. He called for collaboration, saying, “Give us the responsibility, sit with us, and do not try to fool the people.”

Dr. Taher also reiterated the party’s support for the proportional representation (PR) system, which a survey by Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) shows is favored by 71 percent of the population.

“Democracy means respecting the majority’s voice. Yet, one political party opposes it because PR elections would prevent vote theft and curb authoritarian exploitation,” he said.

He warned that parties promising reform while in power should not now raise objections. “If they take office, how can citizens trust they will implement reforms?” he questioned, urging the government to provide a legal foundation for the July Declaration without delay.

Special addresses were delivered by Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and other central and city leaders, including Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Dr. Rezaul Karim, Maulana Abdul Halim, Mohammad Selim Uddin, and Mobarak Hossain.

The rally concluded with a large protest procession from Bijoynagar to Kakrail Nightingale Mor, ending in front of the Chief Justice’s residence.

Central and city leaders, along with party activists at various levels, actively participated in the demonstration.​