[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Election roadmap to be unveiled this week: EC secretary

Speaking to newspersons at the EC office in the capital’s Agargaon, he confirmed that a draft of the election roadmap has been prepared

en.prothomalo.com

Election roadmap to be unveiled this week: EC secretary

BSS Dhaka
Published: 18 Aug 2025, 19: 47

Senior secretary of the EC Akhtar Ahmed BSS file photo

Senior secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Akhtar Ahmed on Monday said the Election Commission (EC) will announce the action plan or roadmap of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election within this week.

Speaking to newspersons at the EC office in the capital’s Agargaon, he confirmed that a draft of the election roadmap has been prepared and will soon be placed before the commission for final approval.

"The plan focuses on inter-departmental coordination and relevant operational issues. We hope to finalise and publish it within the week," he stated.

Addressing concerns over law and order, Ahmed said there is no immediate reason for worry as law enforcement agencies and administrative officials are already working in their respective areas.

"If everyone does their part responsibly, there won't be any problem," he added.

On voter list and NID updates, the secretary reported that around 80,000 appeals for NID corrections have been submitted so far, though the number is gradually declining.

He stressed ongoing improvements in the data entry process for reducing future errors.

Regarding the number of polling stations, Ahmed noted that the overall number will remain the same and some adjustments may be made based on necessity.

"We're exploring options like increasing the number of voters per booth from 500 to 600 for better efficiency," he said.

The EC also plans to scan and upload the unscanned Form-2 voter registration documents dating back to 2008 to enrich its digital database, he said.

On constituency delimitation, he informed that objections have been raised over 83 seats, with hearings scheduled from 24 August for four days, he added.

In terms of political party registration, 22 parties are undergoing field verification, he continued.

Rejected applicants are being formally notified with specific reasons for disqualification, he added.

Ahmed stressed the importance of early preparation saying if all concerned can finish their works early, then the coordination of the polling procedure will become smooth.​

 

[Saif]

Elections only way to restore political rights, resist fascism: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that holding elections is the only way to restore the political rights of people and resist fascism. “Through the practice of electing public representatives by direct vote, people gain strength in the state and politics. If the people are n

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Elections only way to restore political rights, resist fascism: Tarique

Published :
Aug 19, 2025 22:58
Updated :
Aug 19, 2025 22:58

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that holding elections is the only way to restore the political rights of people and resist fascism.

“Through the practice of electing public representatives by direct vote, people gain strength in the state and politics. If the people are not strong, the state and the government cannot be strong. In a democratic system, elections are the main way to empower people and ensure every citizen’s political rights,” he said while virtually addressing a discussion, UNB reports.

Speaking about the interim government’s announcement to hold the national election in February, Tarique said the people’s long wait of nearly 15 years will come to an end. “People will vote themselves and choose the candidates they want — this is now the hope of all.”

He also said statements from various political parties have raised questions in the minds of democracy-loving citizens about the election.

“From this event, I would like to draw the attention of all leaders of pro-democracy political parties — if the distance grows between democratic forces, it will open the door for the defeated and fugitive fascist groups to return. I sincerely urge all democracy-loving people across the country to stay alert and cautious,” the BNP leader said.

Tarique said if different conditions or obstacles are created on the path of restoring people’s political rights, democracy will face a serious crisis.

“We must remember that during authoritarian rule, no democratic political worker or opposition member was safe — nor were their families. If the path to democracy is blocked and people can't exercise their rights, the entire state will fall into trouble,” the BNP leader said.

He said true power lies with the people, and if people are not empowered, no laws and rules can resist fascism. “You cannot stop fascism with the constitution or written laws. If we want to prevent fascism in the state and politics, there is no alternative but to politically empower the people.”

Tarique said that falling into unnecessary debates after the fall of a brutal fascist regime disrespects the sacrifices of the martyrs who fought for democracy.

He urged all to stay away from the politics of revenge and instead focus on implementing well-thought-out plans to bring positive changes in the country’s political system.

The BNP leader said hid party’s future politics will be centred around improving people’s living standards. “Creating jobs both at home and abroad and ensuring safe employment will be BNP’s top priority.”

Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal arranged the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, marking its 45th founding anniversary.

On 19 August 1980, BNP’s founder and former President Ziaur Rahman established the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal.

On the occasion of the founding anniversary, party leaders, including Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Swechchhasebak Dal members, laid floral wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Tarique said if BNP gets the responsibility to run the country with direct support from people’s votes, it will be able to quickly implement its plans for the welfare of the country and the people. “Ahead of the upcoming national election, please present BNP’s vision and plans to the people at all levels.”

“BNP believes that people are the source of all political power. Let us stand with the people, and tell them, ‘Vote for the sheaf of paddy, and together we’ll build the nation,” he said

Giving advice to the leaders of the party’s voluntary wing, Tarique said, “You are already running campaigns at upazila-level hospitals voluntarily. Please consider launching a union-level cleanliness drive to protect the environment through voluntary efforts.”

He said he believes that if a countrywide cleanliness campaign was declared at a suitable time, it would not only help protect the environment but also set an example of positive political change. “This would help present the nationalist movement to the people in a new way.”

Tarique also urged everyone to avoid doing anything that might create a negative impression among the people.

He reminded them that people are the strength of BNP and told them to stay close to people by earning their love and showing love in return.

“My appeal to you — avoid doing anything that might create a negative impression in the minds of the people. Always remember — manpower is BNP’s strength. Stay with the love of the people, and keep loving them back,” the BNP leader said.

BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed Khan were present.

Some children of Swechchhasebak Dal leaders and activists, who were victims of enforced disappearance or killed during the struggle against autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina, spoke at the programme, creating an emotional atmosphere that deeply moved the audience.​

 

[Saif]

BNP thanks CA for reaffirming Feb election

BNP on Thursday thanked the Chief Adviser for reaffirming that the next national election will be held in the first half of February and for announcing that a referendum will take place on the same day. “The BNP Standing Committee, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, thanked the Chief

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP thanks CA for reaffirming Feb election

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 13, 2025 23:06

BNP on Thursday thanked the Chief Adviser for reaffirming that the next national election will be held in the first half of February and for announcing that a referendum will take place on the same day.

“The BNP Standing Committee, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, thanked the Chief Adviser for reaffirming that the national election will be held in the first half of February and for announcing that a referendum will be held on the same day in his address to the nation,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, reports UNB.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee at the Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

Fakhrul said the meeting urged the government and the Election Commission to make all necessary preparations to hold the national election as soon as possible, along with the referendum to seek public approval of the July National Charter signed on October 17, 2025.

Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter would be held on the same day.

In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025.

“To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals in the charter and, subsequently, forming a Constitution Reform Council,” he said.​

 

[Saif]

Fair elections not possible without political parties’ cooperation: CEC

The CEC made these remarks during a dialogue with political parties as part of preparations for the 13th parliamentary election in Dhaka on Monday.

en.prothomalo.com

Fair elections not possible without political parties’ cooperation: CEC
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 17 Nov 2025, 22: 30

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and Election Commissioners meet political parties at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka on 17 November 2025.Prothom Alo

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin sought the cooperation of political parties to conduct free and fair elections.

He said it would not be possible to hold a credible election without such cooperation.

The CEC made these remarks during a dialogue with political parties as part of preparations for the 13th parliamentary election at the election commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka on Monday morning.

Leaders of Bangladesh Sanskritik Mukti Jote, Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bikalpo Dhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Kallyan Party, and Bangladesh Muslim League (BML) participated in the first phase of the third day of dialogue. Although invited, the Bangladesh Labour Party did not attend.

Presenting the commission’s preparations for the parliamentary elections scheduled in February, CEC Nasir Uddin said at the start of the dialogue, "From our side, we will take all necessary preparations to create a free, fair, and smooth electoral environment. Our intention is absolutely clear, our commitment is clear. Whatever storms, cyclones, or obstacles come, we will take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and credible environment."

Highlighting the importance of party cooperation on this matter, the CEC added, “If political parties do not cooperate or deliberately create problems, you will see that the possibility of holding the election turns into uncertainty.”

Urging parties to follow the electoral code of conduct, he said, “Problems may arise before polling day, on voting day, or afterwards. On the ground, these issues are visible during elections. To ensure that no problem arises in any of these three phases, the electoral code of conduct must be followed.”

Election commissioner Abul Fazal Muhammad Sanaullah said that, for the first time, the electoral code of conduct has been directly linked with the Representation of the People Order (RPO). As a result, any violation of the code of conduct will now be treated as a pre-election offence, and penalties, including cancellation of candidature, will apply.

He also stated that any form of election campaigning will remain prohibited in mosques, temples, pagodas, churches, government offices, and educational institutions.

Highlighting the voting of expatriates as a major challenge this time, Abul Fazal said, “The commission is attempting to implement this complex process in just nine months. The registration platform, Postal Vote BD, will be launched tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.”

He also mentioned that a monitoring cell has been formed to counter misinformation on social media, deepfakes, and misuse of artificial intelligence, with assistance from the United Nations.

Election commissioner Anwarul Islam stated that the current commission’s message is clear: no one will be allowed to violate the law, and the commission will not compromise on any matter. Vigilance teams, monitoring teams, law-and-order cells, electoral inquiry teams, and the commission’s own observers will keep round-the-cloak watch on the ground.

Anwarul Islam further said that if irregularities are observed, returning officers (ROs) may suspend or cancel voting in the entire constituency, and presiding officers may, if deemed necessary, annul the results of a polling centre.

Election commissioner Tahmida Ahmed sought everyone’s cooperation for free and fair elections, saying, “Even if the law-and-order situation is difficult, success is possible if the nation stands together, as demonstrated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja.”

Objections over poster ban

During the dialogue, Bangladesh Kallyan Party chairman Syed Muhammad Ibrahim said that in today’s digital era, thanks to media and social media, identifying violations of the code of conduct is easy. Therefore, the focus should be on preventing or minimising such violations.

Referring to the limited authority of assistant returning officers, he added that in the digital era, people expect instant responses and action, so rapid decisions and measures are necessary.

Syed Muhammad Ibrahim praised the initiative for out-of-country voting (OCV) and postal ballots, and thanked the election commission for addressing the long-standing demand of over 4 million expatriates.

However, he urged special caution in the security and accounting of postal ballots, citing the current political distrust and lack of confidence in the country.

He also advised setting up a quick fact-checking and accurate information dissemination system to prevent the spread of false information during elections.

Bikalpo Dhara Bangladesh secretary general Major (retd) Abdul Mannan stated that if the candidature of a few candidates is cancelled for violating the code of conduct, it will create discipline among the rest.

He noted that in the past, there has been no precedent for cancelling the candidature of candidates from major parties, so the commission’s strict powers and enforcement must be ensured.

Regarding posters, Abdul Mannan said that major political parties do not need posters for campaigning, but smaller parties rely on them for recognition. Therefore, a realistic decision on posters is necessary.

He also raised questions about the presence of party agents at polling centres, stating that voting is possible without them because agents from major parties usually dominate polling centres, while agents from smaller parties are often denied access.

Bangladesh National Awami Party presidium member Abdur Rahman highlighted declining public confidence in elections and emphasised that a neutral, transparent, and violence-free election is the need of the hour, which will restore people’s trust.

Bangladesh Muslim League (BML) president Sheikh Zulfikar Bulbul Chowdhury stressed creating a level playing field for all parties and stopping the use of black money.

Speaking regarding the ban on posters, banners, leaflets, festoons, and PVC materials in the electoral code of conduct, he said this is inconsistent with reality.

Bangladesh Sanskritik Mukti Jote president Abu Layes Munna suggested structural reforms in the election commission, stating that a national council should be formed including presidents and general secretaries of all registered political parties to reform the commission’s rules and regulations.

He noted that if such a council existed, there would be no need for month-long dialogues.​

 

[Saif]

Is Bangladesh at risk of losing the election information war?

The 2026 general election is not just an administrative task; it is a historic opportunity to redefine Bangladesh's democratic identity.

www.thedailystar.net

Is Bangladesh at risk of losing the election information war?

"I've made a solemn commitment to deliver an election that would stand out in terms of voter turnout, participation of new and women voters, global confidence in safety and security, and its festive atmosphere as a celebration of democracy and rule of law." - Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

"In war, the result is never final." - Carl von Clausewitz

The current phase of Bangladesh's democratic journey that began with the August 2024 collapse of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime will culminate in the February 2026 general election. This election will do more than simply transfer power; it will demonstrate whether Bangladesh has renewed its democratic spirit after years of turbulence and deficit. The election will be judged not only by its procedural credibility, but also by the actual and perceived quantity and quality of public participation.

This reality and perception will also determine the next government's legitimacy. Supporters of the previous Awami League regime understand this and will do their best to undermine the legitimacy of the next government to increase their odds of returning to exact vengeance from those who ousted them. The Awami League and its supporters have deployed a ferocious disinformation and false propaganda campaign against the interim government for over a year. This campaign shows no sign of abating.

Their recent slogan of "No boat, no vote," which is being dramatically boosted across social media with advertising and coordinated amplification, has yet to be effectively challenged by a counter-narrative that distinguishes between the fugitive Awami League leadership and their supporters, whose right to vote has not been curtailed.

Put starkly, without an effective counter, the emerging dominant narrative at home and abroad risks becoming not one of democratic renewal, but of over-amplified Awami League disinformation, framing Bangladesh as a country trapped in mobocracy, societal disorder, and extortion. It is not simply the case that Bangladesh risks losing the information war, but more that it has unilaterally disarmed, with pro-democracy forces ceding the field to those driving the Awami League's narrative.

Right now, there exists no effective counter-narrative to stem the flow of disinformation and assure the Bangladeshi electorate that the February 2026 election will be different from before. To prevent this further erosion of hope and trust, and deliver a high-quality, high-turnout election, the interim government must convince voters that voting is safe, meaningful, and celebratory. Domestic and international observers will also be looking for signs that Bangladesh can deliver an election worthy of its people's aspirations and global democratic standards. The stakes could not be higher for the interim government and the political parties competing in the election, who hope to form the next government.

Public expectations are high, but fragile. Citizens, especially women, young people, minorities, and first-time voters, want to believe their voices matter. Yet, spoilers (again notably the Awami League and their international supporters) are using their considerable disinformation apparatus to disrupt the election preparation and frustrate the transition by sowing fear, apathy, and distrust.

While surveys consistently show overwhelming intent to vote, the vast majority of citizens will never see these findings; instead, they are influenced almost entirely by social media consumption. This is a massive vulnerability: with around 50 percent of the electorate still undecided, disinformation is already disproportionately shaping perceptions, fuelling apathy, and depressing turnout among volatile blocs such as youth, women, and urban voters.

Without a coordinated, well-resourced counter-narrative and campaign, the election risks being remembered not as a festival of democracy, but as yet another turn in an ongoing cycle of fear and division.

The 2026 general election is not just an administrative task; it is a historic opportunity to redefine Bangladesh's democratic identity. By delivering a safe, inclusive, and festive election, the interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus can inspire its citizens, win global respect, and lay the foundation for a renewed democracy. Future governments and citizens will reap the dividends from the resources invested in ensuring the success of this transition.

This campaign is not optional; it is essential. It will transform voting from a procedural duty into a joyful act of nation-building, ensuring that Bangladesh rises from its democratic struggles with pride and hope. For Professor Yunus and pro-democracy forces, it is an opportunity to leave behind a legacy of global stature: to be remembered for delivering not only Bangladesh's most credible election, but one that the world will cite for decades as a model of democratic renewal. This is also the best way to honour the sacrifices of those who gave so much to restore democracy before and during the long July of 2024.

Jon Danilowicz is a retired US diplomat and independent foreign policy analyst. He currently serves as president of Right to Freedom, a Washington DC-based non-profit human rights organisation.​