[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Election will be held on time, Yunus tells US Special Envoy

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reiterated his commitment to holding the general election on February 12 next. "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a telephone conve

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election will be held on time, Yunus tells US Special Envoy

UNB
Published :
Dec 22, 2025 22:58
Updated :
Dec 22, 2025 22:58

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reiterated his commitment to holding the general election on February 12 next.

"The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," he said.

Prof Yunus made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, at around 7:30 pm (Dhaka time).

The discussion, which lasted for about half an hour, focused on trade and tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States, the upcoming general election, the country’s democratic transition, and the murder of young Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi.

Sergio Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Prof Yunus for his leadership during recent tariff negotiations.

Bangladesh succeeded in reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent.

The US Special Envoy also discussed the massive funeral of Shaheed Osman Hadi, said Chief Adviser’s Press wing.

The Chief Adviser noted that supporters of the ousted autocratic regime were allegedly spending millions of dollars to disrupt the electoral process and that their fugitive leader was inciting violence.

He, however, said the interim government was “fully prepared” to deal with any challenges.

“We have roughly 50 days to go before the election. We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable,” Prof Yunus said.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the phone call.​

 

[Saif]

Election process must stay on track

Leaders of four political parties yesterday pledged to build a society free from corruption, protect the rights and safety of people of all walks of life, and promote good governance and balance of power at the highest levels of the government.

www.thedailystar.net

Election process must stay on track​

 

[Saif]

Yunus urges religious leaders to help raise public awareness about election, referendum

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged religious leaders to help raise awareness about the parliamentary polls and referendum scheduled for Feb 12. He made the call while meeting the leaders of the Christian community on Christmas Eve on Wednesday evening at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chie

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Yunus urges religious leaders to help raise public awareness about election, referendum

bdnews24.com
Published :
Dec 24, 2025 20:56
Updated :
Dec 24, 2025 20:56

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged religious leaders to help raise awareness about the parliamentary polls and referendum scheduled for Feb 12.

He made the call while meeting the leaders of the Christian community on Christmas Eve on Wednesday evening at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The Chief Advisor’s Office later issued a media statement on the meeting.

Archbishop Bejoy N D’Cruz said the people of Bangladesh, along with millions around the world, are celebrating Christmas this year with enthusiasm and joy, keeping in mind the great ideals of Jesus Christ’s forgiveness and service to humanity.

Wishing the Chief Advisor a Merry Christmas, Bejoy, the head of the Catholic Christians in Bangladesh, said: “After the July mass uprising, the people entrusted you with the task of rebuilding Bangladesh. You have been fulfilling that responsibility with utmost dedication. We pray that your efforts will succeed through a free, fair, and peaceful election.”

The interim government chief said he is working to build a healthy society.

“That is why the July Charter has been prepared to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising. Through a referendum on this charter, the country will take another step forward,” he said.​

 

[Saif]

Poll concerns must be addressed seriously

EC must ensure proper enforcement of law and electoral code.

www.thedailystar.net

Poll concerns must be addressed seriously

EC must ensure proper enforcement of law and electoral code

VISUAL: STAR

The concerns raised by returning officers and field-level police officials at a meeting with the Election Commission should be taken as a serious warning. Among other challenges, they highlighted the use of illegal firearms, abuse of social media, indiscriminate bail for listed criminals, and weak border security. These form a combustible mix in a volatile socio-political climate, posing a serious threat to our hope for a free, fair, and inclusive election. Clearly, what's important is not only acknowledging these risks, which the top brass often seem unwilling to do, but also acting decisively on them.

In this regard, we acknowledge the chief election commissioner's assurance that the commission "will stand by" officials in charge of conducting elections, directing them to apply the law equally to everyone. Meanwhile, the inspector general of police claimed that police have sufficiently rebuilt their capacity, pledging to counter all attempts to create unrest. "If we cannot establish order, it will not be possible to provide full support to the commission during the polls," he said. These assurances, however, will mean nothing if they are not matched by visible enforcement. And right now, we need some serious enforcement on the ground.

Recent weeks have seen a disturbing spike in political and mob violence. A leader of National Citizen Party (NCP) was shot by miscreants in Khulna on Monday. Earlier, an MP aspirant from Dhaka-8 constituency, Sharif Osman Hadi, suffered a critical head injury after being shot from close range and eventually died on Thursday, which then unleashed a wave of violence and arson attacks. Around the same time, a BNP leader's house in Lakshmipur was set on fire, leading to a seven-year-old being burnt to death. These incidents have understandably heightened concerns about whether the February 12 polls can be held on time and without intimidation. The EC must remember that polls derive legitimacy not just from the ballots cast, but also from voters' confidence that their choice can be exercised safely.

When it comes to holding a fair election, the work starts much earlier, right on the campaign trail. A vital task for the EC here is to ensure proper enforcement of the electoral code. Allegations about MP aspirants, especially from major parties, spending crores of taka even before the election schedule was announced risk distorting competition and marginalising candidates without deep pockets. Such activities, if left unaddressed, could compromise the level playing field, fuel criminal patronage networks, and encourage further violence.

We, therefore, urge the EC to take the dual challenge of ensuring law enforcement and proper electoral conduct with equal seriousness. The recommendations presented by officials at Monday's meeting deserve serious consideration. The EC, the administration, and the police all must do their part properly.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat-NCP in talks over seat-sharing deal

Earlier, the possibility of a seat-sharing deal between NCP and the BNP was discussed, but no understanding was reached.

en.prothomalo.com

Jamaat-NCP in talks over seat-sharing deal
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 26 Dec 2025, 09: 53

Discussions are underway between Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) over a possible seat-sharing arrangement for the 13th national parliamentary election. While many within NCP support the move, a section of the party opposes it. Whether an agreement will be reached is expected to become clear within the next couple of days.

Earlier, the possibility of a seat-sharing deal between NCP and the BNP was discussed, but no understanding was reached. Since then, talks with Jamaat have progressed positively, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

However, following the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh, senior NCP leaders see renewed prospects for reopening talks with the BNP. They are keen to meet Tarique Rahman to discuss a possible arrangement, though no indication had emerged from the BNP as of Thursday.

Earlier, the possibility of a seat-sharing deal between NCP and the BNP was discussed, but no understanding was reached. Since then, talks with Jamaat have progressed positively, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
NCP leaders said the party’s top leadership has already held discussions with senior Jamaat leaders over seat-sharing. NCP has sought concessions in at least 50 constituencies, a number Jamaat considers excessive. Jamaat has yet to make a final position public. Further talks between senior leaders of both parties are expected within the next few days.

Within NCP, one faction supports a deal with Jamaat, while another strongly opposes it. The issue has triggered internal reactions, and on Thursday, Mir Arshadul Haque—known as a leader of the anti-Jamaat faction—resigned from the party. He had been joint member secretary of NCP and chief coordinator of its Chattogram city unit.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kader, a prominent figure of the July mass uprising and former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, claimed that NCP is moving toward an electoral deal with Jamaat.

NCP has sought concessions in at least 50 constituencies, a number Jamaat considers excessive. Jamaat has yet to make a final position public. Further talks between senior leaders of both parties are expected within the next few days.

In a Facebook post on Thursday morning, he said NCP initially sought 50 seats but settled on 30 after negotiations, under which it would not field candidates in the remaining 270 constituencies. He added that the alliance could be announced on Friday if all goes as planned.

Senior NCP leaders have declined to comment officially on the talks. However, one influential party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said many prospective NCP candidates who have conducted grassroots campaigns believe victory would be impossible without an alliance or understanding with either the BNP or Jamaat.

As a result, while talks with Jamaat continue, channels of communication with the BNP are also being kept open. The leader said a direct meeting between NCP’s top leadership and Tarique Rahman now appears likely.

Another senior NCP leader said it would become clear within days whether a seat-sharing deal with Jamaat will materialise and, if so, in what form.

Contacted for comment, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad told Prothom Alo late Thursday night that discussions with NCP are ongoing.

Within NCP, one faction supports a deal with Jamaat, while another strongly opposes it. The issue has triggered internal reactions, and on Thursday, Mir Arshadul Haque—known as a leader of the anti-Jamaat faction—resigned from the party.

Signs of Strain Within the Alliance

Ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, NCP, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and Bangladesh State Reform Movement formed an alliance on 7 December under the banner of the Democratic Reform Alliance.

At the time of its formation, the alliance said it aimed to emerge as a strong third force outside the BNP and Jamaat. However, efforts by NCP and AB Party to pursue understandings with either the BNP or Jamaat have angered the State Reform Movement.

Didar Bhuiyan, joint general secretary of the Rastra Sanskar Andolan, told Prothom Alo that there had been a consensus among the three parties that the Democratic Reform Alliance would function independently of both the BNP and Jamaat. “That understanding has already been violated by holding talks with both sides,” he said, adding that the party would soon issue an official statement on the matter.​

 

[Saif]

Shafiqur Rahman sets 3 conditions for electoral alliance with Jamaat

Urges Shibir to act as guardians of the student community

www.thedailystar.net

Shafiqur Rahman sets 3 conditions for electoral alliance with Jamaat
Urges Shibir to act as guardians of the student community

File photo of Shafiqur Rahman

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today said any political party can forge an electoral alliance with Jamaat if it agrees to three conditions.

The conditions are: refraining from corruption and from patronising corrupt individuals, ensuring equal justice for all at every level of society without any political interference in the judicial process, and committing to the implementation of all reform recommendations.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the central members' conference of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Jamaat's student wing, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Shafiqur said Jamaat wants to build an education system that leaves no one unemployed. "Jamaat aims to turn every pair of hands into skilled builders of the nation," he added.

Urging Chhatra Shibir to act as guardians of the student community, the Jamaat ameer said, "For the last 54 years, pens were snatched from students' hands. Innocent students were misled and weapons were put in their hands. Educational institutions were turned into mini cantonments."

He added, "There was no guarantee of women's dignity, or of students' lives and careers. That dark chapter has begun to recede. But its dark shadow has not yet lifted from the nation. Until this shadow is eliminated, Chhatra Shibir must continue its struggle."

Addressing the conference, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, "Failing to confront Shibir with logic and ideology, the opposing forces have resorted to lies and propaganda. They have labelled Shibir as anti-independence, and 'rogkata', but failed to prove it. In student union elections at four public universities, the people rejected them."

In the opening session, Omar Bin Hadi, elder brother of martyred Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, also spoke. He said, "Not as Osman Hadi's brother, but as a fellow fighter, I want to say that it is you who must decide how Bangladesh will be built in the days ahead. If anyone retreats from here or collaborates with a neighbouring state or the deep state to help re-establish fascism in this country, you will be held accountable before Allah."

He added, "May this Bangladesh be freed from hegemony in exchange for Osman Hadi's blood, and may justice be established in this country."

Alongside other top Jamaat leaders, those present at the conference included Ashraf Ali Akon, presidium member of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Mostafizur Rahman Iran, chairman of Bangladesh Labour Party; and Rashed Pradhan, spokesperson of Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), among others.

The opening session, presided over by Chhatra Shibir Central President Zahidul Islam, was conducted by Central General Secretary Nurul Islam Saddam.

In the second session of the conference, attended by several thousand Shibir members, Nurul Islam Saddam was elected president for the 2026 session through a vote of members.

According to the organisation's constitution, the newly elected president nominated the secretary general. Accordingly, Sibgatullah has been appointed as the new secretary general of the student organisation.​