[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

[Saif]

Jatiya Party's two factions want to grab Awami League's votes

Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s Jatiya Party (JP) has once again split. Ahead of the election following the July uprising, a new Jatiya Party has emerged under the leadership of Anisul Islam Mahmud, bringing together several “heavyweight” leaders. Separately, another faction of the Jatiya Party is...

en.prothomalo.com

Jatiya Party's two factions want to grab Awami League's votes

Anowar Hossain Dhaka
Updated: 29 Dec 2025, 13: 16

Jatiya Party logo

Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s Jatiya Party (JP) has once again split. Ahead of the election following the July uprising, a new Jatiya Party has emerged under the leadership of Anisul Islam Mahmud, bringing together several “heavyweight” leaders. Separately, another faction of the Jatiya Party is being controlled by Ershad’s brother, GM Quader.

Meanwhile, Awami League, whose activities remain banned, cannot take part in the election. However, there is no bar on its ally, the Jatiya Party, contesting the polls. So now there is now discussion over which Jatiya Party, the one led by Anisul Islam Mahmud or the one led by GM Quader, will outdo the other in the upcoming election.

Jatiya Party broke up several times while Ershad was still alive. Each time, however, the faction under Ershad’s leadership stood as the main Jatiya Party. In the 2008 election, Jatiya Party became the third-largest party in parliament. After the 2014 election, it assumed the position of the main opposition in parliament, but also joined the government, a move that drew considerable attention at the time. Ershad’s party played a role in lending “legitimacy” to three controversial elections held under Awami League governments.

Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP) and Gono Odhikar Parishad have been demanding a ban on Jatiya Party, describing it as an ally of Awami League that was ousted from power in the July mass uprising. However, while the interim government has imposed a ban on the activities of Awami League, it has not taken any such decision regarding Jatiya Party.

There is discussion in political circles that the parties calling for a ban on Jatiya Party on the grounds that it supported fascism are, in fact, aiming to draw the party’s vote bank into their own fold. On the other hand, with the opportunity to participate in the election, both factions of Jatiya Party have now set their sights on attracting Awami League voters.

Awami League’s top leadership is either in jail or on the run. The party’s chief, Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to death on charges of crimes against humanity. She fled to India on 5 August last year in the face of the uprising and remains there. In the 2008 election, Awami League secured 48 per cent of the vote, while in the 2001 election it received 40 per cent. What its actual vote share is now remains a major question. A survey conducted by Prothom Alo last month found that 28 per cent of people favour allowing the Awami League to participate in the next election unconditionally. A large portion of this group can be considered Awami League supporters.

The interim government has made it clear that the Awami League will not be able to participate in the upcoming election. Attempts to allow a “cleansed” Awami League to contest, excluding Sheikh Hasina, have not succeeded. The government had also assumed that relatively “moderate” Awami League leaders might run as independent candidates, but no such signs have appeared. In fact, there are reportedly no such plans or discussions within the party at present. Many parties, including the BNP and Jamaat, now aim to use this opportunity to draw in Awami League votes. The emergence of both factions of the Jatiya Party as claimants to the Awami League vote has drawn additional attention.

Political analysts note that historically Jatiya Party has maintained good relations with the Awami League. During Ershad’s rule, the BNP boycotted the 1986 election, but the Awami League participated. In 1996, after 21 years, the Awami League returned to power with the support of the Jatiya Party. In 2006, the Jatiya Party sided with the Awami League in the anti-BNP–Jamaat government movement. Later, in the 2008 election, it reached an understanding with the Awami League and participated in the vote, joining the government. This long-standing association makes it reasonable for the Jatiya Party to expect some share of the Awami League vote.

Will the new JaPa surpass the old one?

GM Quader, chairman of one faction of the Jatiya Party, served as a minister in the Awami League government from 2009 to 2014. The new Jatiya Party, led by Anisul Islam Mahmud with Executive Chairman Mujibul Haque Chunnu, also had leaders who served in the Awami League-led government, back when the party was still united. Currently, almost all top leaders are with Anisul Islam Mahmud, many of whom have been ministers and members of parliament at different times.

Many leaders who had previously split Jatiya Party to form new parties have now joined this new faction. Among them is the Jatiya Party (JP) led by Anwar Hossain Manju, who was a minister twice under Sheikh Hasina’s government. This alliance has been named the “National Democratic Front (NDF),” which includes 18 registered and unregistered political parties. Notable parties in the alliance include JaPa, JP, Janata Party Bangladesh, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Andolan, Bangladesh Sangskritik Mukti Jote, and Gono Front. The alliance has allocated party nominations in 119 constituencies.


Analysis of the NDF’s nomination list shows that at least 18 individuals have served as members of parliament one or more times, and seven of them have held ministerial or state minister positions at different periods. Many of them have been regarded as “heavyweights” in politics. In comparison, the Jatiya Party led by GM Quader now lacks such well-known leaders. As a result, the focus of discussion is currently on the new Jatiya Party.

According to government and political sources, the Jatiya Party led by Anisul Islam Mahmud is receiving support from the government and various influential quarters in multiple ways. Some are even considering positioning the new party as an alternative to Jamaat.

However, the question has again arisen: who will get the plough symbol? Although this has not yet been resolved, most political analysts believe the plough is likely to remain under GM Quader’s faction.

Jatiya Party has been a leader-dependent party from the start. Its organisational structure outside greater Rangpur is not very strong, and its support base has shrunk. In the most recent survey conducted by Prothom Alo, only 0.1 per cent of people believe that JaPa can form the government in the next election. However, the NDF alliance, led by the experienced and familiar leaders Anisul Islam Mahmud, Anwar Hossain Manju, Ruhul Amin Howlader, Kazi Firoz Rashid, and Mujibul Haque Chunnu, is expected to have the potential to make a political impact.

Fewer prominent leaders in GM Quader’s JaPa

Even while Ershad was alive, there was conflict between Raushan Ershad and GM Quader over the leadership of the Jatiya Party. Ershad had run the party in coordination with his younger brother GM Quader and his wife Raushan Ershad. However, after Ershad’s death, that arrangement no longer exists. Although Raushan Ershad is unwell, another faction of the Jatiya Party continues under her leadership. In the 2024 election, the Awami League drew GM Quader forward as the main leader, which pushed Raushan largely into the background. Meanwhile, senior leaders under Anisul Islam Mahmud are now challenging GM Quader.

GM Quader’s Jatiya Party has announced plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, and party nomination forms are being sold. However, unlike previous elections, the number of nomination forms purchased is low.

Currently, the secretary general of GM Quader’s faction is the comparatively younger Shamim Haider Patwary. Beyond him, the party lacks other well-known leaders. Last September, former secretary general Mashiur Rahman Ranga was expelled from the party. On 14 December, he rejoined after seeking forgiveness. At the same time, former MP of Rangpur-6, Noor Mohammad Mondal, has also returned to the party. These moves are part of an effort to revitalise a fragile party.

According to political analysts, in the northern districts, including Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Nilphamari, there is still some residual sympathy among the general public for Ershad’s Jatiya Party. This support is expected to lean toward GM Quader’s faction under Ershad’s brother’s leadership. Additionally, the party’s co-chairman and former mayor of Rangpur, Mostafizur Rahman, has a strong local position. Overall, considering the plough symbol and lingering affinity for Ershad, GM Quader’s JP may be able to maintain some standing in the greater Rangpur region, though they are unlikely to have any significant influence nationwide.

After the July uprising, the central office of the Jatiya Party in Kakrail was attacked and set on fire several times. GM Quader’s Jatiya Party has announced plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, and party nomination forms are being sold. However, unlike previous elections, the number of nomination forms purchased is low, and interest appears limited. This raises the question of how many qualified candidates the party will be able to nominate nationwide.

During the interim government’s 16-month tenure, GM Quader’s Jatiya Party was unable to conduct substantial political programmes due to its past role. While the government and the Election Commission engaged in dialogue with various political parties, GM Quader’s faction was not invited. In other words, although they can contest the election, they will not receive any official support.

In contrast, the Jatiya Party led by Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju, along with the alliance they have formed, has not faced such obstacles in pursuing their program. In fact, in some cases, they have even received assurances and sympathy from different sections of the government. As a result, discussion is growing over whether the Anisul Islam Mahmud–Anwar Hossain Manju alliance might take the place of the old Jatiya Party.

Voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on 12 February. It is believed that those factions able to capture the portion of the Awami League vote that would otherwise go to Jatiya Party are likely to gain an advantage.​

 

[Saif]

Why the long wait for elections has been an illuminating interlude

The delayed election, rather than being merely a period of political stagnation, has paradoxically served as a crucial and illuminating interlude for Bangladesh. Had the interim government, formed on August 8, 2024, acted as a caretaker, conducted elections within 90 days, and then departed, peo

www.thedailystar.net

Why the long wait for elections has been an illuminating interlude

The public's once-fervent enthusiasm for certain student leaders, seen as pure-hearted and symbolising hope, has been tempered. FILE PHOTO: STAR

The delayed election, rather than being merely a period of political stagnation, has paradoxically served as a crucial and illuminating interlude for Bangladesh. Had the interim government, formed on August 8, 2024, acted as a caretaker, conducted elections within 90 days, and then departed, people would have imagined—perhaps unrealistically—that the interim administration could have solved many of the country's problems. Instead, this extended timeframe has allowed for a deeper, more sobering examination of the nation's political landscape, resulting in unexpected clarity. The delay provided the necessary time for several pervasive national myths to be confronted by the hard light of reality.


For instance, many believed that Nobel Peace Prize–winning economist Dr Muhammad Yunus's leadership would usher in an era of unparalleled peace, explosive economic growth, and abundant foreign investment. This past year and a half allowed that idealised image to be scrutinised leading to a more nuanced and realistic public assessment, dispelling the notion of a singular, messianic alternative. Similarly, the public's once-fervent enthusiasm for certain student leaders, seen as pure-hearted and symbolising hope, has been tempered. Their direct and indirect involvement in power dynamics during this period revealed that they, too, are not immune to the corrupting influence of authority or the temptation of authoritarian behaviour, often displaying a surprising lack of deep political wisdom. The delay granted the nation time for this necessary disillusionment.


Furthermore, the extended period acted as a relentless unmasking agent for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The actions of some of its leaders—targeting cultural institutions and independent media outlets—over these months clarified its fundamental opposition to progressive ideals, indigenous culture, and women's freedom for the educated and conscious class, cutting through previous ambiguities. For the BNP, this was not a swift return to power but a gruelling "time test," oscillating between proximity to and distance from authority. This protracted process may have instilled a necessary moment of reckoning, a forced contemplation of public accountability that might shape any future governance. It also gave the public an invaluable, prolonged study of the incumbent administration and the state machinery.

Within the government itself, the delay humbled certain narratives. Advisers who hailed from prominent NGO backgrounds, once prolific critics of state incapacity and lack of transparency from the outside, found their grand, idealistic rhetoric colliding with the immense complexities of actually running a country. Their once-loud proclamations were inevitably moderated by the weight of executive responsibility. Moreover, the widespread hope that, if enough time were given to this administration, it would implement transformative structural reforms to make Bangladesh a model of accountability remains far-fetched. The public can now move beyond the illusion that this administration held a unique key to systemic perfection. Finally, the very functionality of the state over this contentious period challenged the persistent narrative of great dependence on a single foreign ally, proving the nation's operational resilience.


While the political waiting has been arduous, it has functioned as an unscheduled but intense national tutorial. It has stripped away layers of political fantasy, forcing a clearer, if more demanding, view of the actors and dynamics at play. There is undoubtedly more to observe as the story unfolds. But this interval has provided a sobering education, ensuring that the next chapter begins not with wistful illusions, but with eyes more open to the intricate and often unforgiving realities of power and governance.

Md Firoj Alam is a development consultant.​

 

[Saif]

Is the commission doing the necessary for a free and fair election?

Less than a month and a half remains until our long-awaited elections. The day after the schedule was announced, Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, fell victim to an assassination. He was a potential candidate for a constituency in the capital, Dhaka. His killers have still not been...

en.prothomalo.com

Is the commission doing the necessary for a free and fair election?

Subail Bin Alam
Published: 03 Jan 2026, 18: 05

Less than a month and a half remains until our long-awaited elections. The day after the schedule was announced, Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, fell victim to an assassination. He was a potential candidate for a constituency in the capital, Dhaka. His killers have still not been apprehended. Inqilab Moncho has been vocal in demanding justice for his murder. This incident has raised concerns among many about how a peaceful election can take place under such fragile law and order.

This election is particularly significant because it will serve simultaneously as a national election and a referendum.

Once the schedule is announced, everything falls under the authority of the election commission. Meanwhile, the weakened Awami League has already announced its intention to obstruct the election, and some of its members are even threatening civil war. Has the commission made preparations to address these challenges?

According to Articles 118 and 119 of the constitution, the election commission is an independent body. Its responsibility is to conduct elections. Under the Election Commission Act of 2022, the commission has the authority to maintain its own secretariat and formulate rules and regulations.


According to the Chief Election Commissioner Act–2022, the election commission has the authority to formulate and enforce a code of electoral conduct; yet, despite having this legal power, the pressing question today is why the commission’s presence on the ground remains so weak.

The election commission has already published the final voter list. It has registered two new political parties and launched a mobile app to enable expatriates to vote.

This government has been most unsuccessful in controlling law and order. While attempts are made to compare the law-and-order situation under this government with that of the previous 'fascist' government using various data, such comparisons are largely absurd. Who provides this data? We have already seen plenty of fabricated data during the previous government’s tenure.

Even with sufficient time, this government has relied on individuals who benefited from and were involved in corruption under the previous government, rather than replacing them. The result—whenever given the opportunity, they will inevitably act with the support of fascist elements.
Since August 2024, the level of mob violence and criminal activity has increased. The Human Rights Watch report (January 2025) called for reforms in the security sector, yet no tangible progress has been seen.

After the election schedule is announced, security threats peak. All candidates across the country must move through crowds, and attacks become easiest under such circumstances.

The Awami League has historically set a precedent of seizing polling stations, exerting influence, and facilitating vote rigging. It is observed that many individuals who previously occupied polling centres or assisted in electoral irregularities on behalf of the Awami League may this time work for one party or another. This concern cannot be dismissed outright. As a result, the election commission must reassure the public with firm commitment that polling station security will be ensured and electoral misconduct prevented.
According to data from the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in the electoral year 2018, at least 450 people were killed and more than 25,000 were injured due to political violence—demonstrating the vast gap between paper-based security plans and ground realities.

During the 2018 national elections, nearly 600,000 security personnel were deployed, including police, BGB, Ansar, and the army. From January to November 2024, the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reported over a hundred election-related incidents of violence.

Since 5 August, thousands of firearms looted from the police have not been recovered. Most of the weapons used by Awami League leaders and activists during the July mass uprising remain unrecovered. Many of these perpetrators are still at large; some have even secured bail easily from the courts. This has weakened the morale of law enforcement in curbing crime.

Meanwhile, the home ministry has made a deeply concerning decision: it is issuing new arms licences. This appears to be an invitation for everyone to take the law into their own hands to cover up the government’s weaknesses. Can so many new weapons be controlled?

The US Embassy has issued a warning for its citizens in Bangladesh, noting that as the election date approaches, political rallies and protests may become more frequent and intense. In such a situation, Americans should take the warning seriously. It should also be remembered that peaceful protests can quickly turn into clashes and violence.

In today’s AI era, fact-checking is essential. Deepfake and misinformation campaigns have already begun. Some examples have emerged that are confusing ordinary voters.

During the 2016 US election, Facebook admitted that over 120 million users were exposed to politically false information. In Bangladesh’s current sensitive environment, the impact of such digital attacks could be even more severe.

Currently, eight private-sector fact-checking organisations operate in Bangladesh. The government does have the capability. In 2023, the DMP Cyber Crime Unit and the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) launched a 'Misinformation Control Room', which also includes the election commission. Yet, despite this capacity, it is unclear why the commission has not formed a joint government–private task force.
False campaigns from both inside and outside the country can disrupt peace. If the country becomes even more unstable than it is now, it is doubtful whether the election commission will be able to maintain control.

Since 2018, civil society has demanded CCTV coverage at all polling stations. Sadly, even in 2026, this has not been fully implemented. Recently (December 2025), the commission instructed that existing CCTV in schools be kept operational and requested coverage where cameras are not present, at least on voting day. However, the commission has not taken responsibility for installing new CCTV systems at all polling stations.

A UK Home Office survey found that CCTV reduces crime by 20–30 per cent. Yet, polling stations in Bangladesh remain outside even this minimal security measure.

If polling stations are equipped with CCTV, no one would dare attempt to seize control of a centre. Responsible officials would also be able to perform their duties impartially.

The Awami League has historically set a precedent of seizing polling stations, exerting influence, and facilitating vote rigging. It is observed that many individuals who previously occupied polling centres or assisted in electoral irregularities on behalf of the Awami League may this time work for one party or another. This concern cannot be dismissed outright. As a result, the election commission must reassure the public with firm commitment that polling station security will be ensured and electoral misconduct prevented.


The year 2026 is crucial for our economy. On 24 November 2026, Bangladesh will graduate from the status of a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing nation. If we do not have a stable government before then, the entire country will suffer the consequences.

The threat of fraudulent voting is particularly significant in this election due to the inclusion of expatriate votes. Nearly 400,000 expatriates have registered, and this number is expected to grow. If an expatriate registers for postal voting, will their vote be excluded from the domestic list? While NID verification is being conducted to prevent duplicate voting, implementing this within such a short time frame is challenging for the commission. The result—one person may be able to cast two votes. Some may also fail to vote in their area of residence due to relocation. If this information falls into the hands of a political party, it could easily arrange fraudulent votes.

Since voting will take place in two rounds on the same day, the total number of ballots will exceed 240 million. Bangladesh has never conducted such a massive simultaneous vote. If it takes an average of two minutes for a voter to cast ballots in both rounds, realistically, far more time will be required to process over 240 million ballots. Simply adding one extra hour will not solve this issue. Therefore, more careful planning and decision-making regarding timing is essential.

History shows that governments formed through controversial elections face international criticism. The immediate impact is felt in investment, foreign aid, and economic stability. The election commission could consider seeking strategic and technical assistance from the United Nations or other international donors, based on its capacity and needs.
If the legitimacy of this election is questioned, it will pose a challenge for the elected government in establishing good governance in the country.

The year 2026 is crucial for our economy. On 24 November 2026, Bangladesh will graduate from the status of a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing nation. If we do not have a stable government before then, the entire country will suffer the consequences.

#Subail Bin Alam is a writer on sustainable development. He is a member of the Citizen Coalition and the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN).​

 

[Saif]

Disallowed parties’ absence won’t affect inclusivity: BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party election steering committee chair Nazrul Islam Khan on Sunday said that the political parties banned or restricted under existing laws due to public outrage lack the legal right to contest elections.

www.newagebd.net

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

Disallowed parties’ absence won’t affect inclusivity: BNP

Staff Correspondent 05 January, 2026, 00:53

Bangladesh Nationalist Party election steering committee chair Nazrul Islam Khan on Sunday said that the political parties banned or restricted under existing laws due to public outrage lack the legal right to contest elections.

He went on to add that their absence would not affect the participatory character of the polls.


Speaking to reporters after the steering committee’s first meeting at the party’s Gulshan office, he said that the BNP’s demand for a quick election was not driven by the pursuit of power, but by the broader goal of fully restoring democracy through a free and fair vote, allowing citizens to freely express their will at the ballot box.

Nazrul Islam described the Jatiya Sangsad elections, slated for February 12, as the culmination of the BNP’s long-standing movement.

The JS polls have been aimed at giving citizens the long-denied chance to vote for their chosen candidates and the opportunity to elect a government that would prioritise their welfare, he further said.

Nazrul said that those parties facing no legal restrictions which had chosen not to take part in the polls were exercising their own decision, which also would not compromise the inclusivity of the polls.

The BNP on Thursday announced the formation of a 41-member election steering committee for its upcoming polls campaign, with party standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan as the chair and senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as the member secretary of the committee.

Nazrul Islam said that the steering committee meeting focused on finalising its operational structure ahead of the polls.

He explained that members of the committee would primarily serve as team leaders on specific issues and would head relevant sub-committees, which had been asked to submit their proposals for their membership within two days.

The meeting also discussed key election-related tasks, including coordinating with candidates, ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair vote, and motivating voters to attend polling centres on time to cast their ballots for the BNP candidates and the party symbol.


These responsibilities would be managed by the respective sub-committees, Nazrul said.

Responding to questions about reports that a political party was going house-to-house collecting voter identification cards, Nazrul said while door-to-door campaigning was acceptable, the collection of personal documents raised suspicions of potential evil intentions.

He urged the government to take necessary action to investigate and address the matter.​

 

[Saif]

National election: 295 appeals filed against nomination decisions

A total of 131 appeals have been filed with the Election Commission (EC) on the third day against the order of the Returning Officer to accept and cancel nomination papers in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. A total of 295 appeals have been filed till the last three days, EC officia

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

National election: 295 appeals filed against nomination decisions

BSS
Published :
Jan 07, 2026 20:52
Updated :
Jan 07, 2026 20:52

A total of 131 appeals have been filed with the Election Commission (EC) on the third day against the order of the Returning Officer to accept and cancel nomination papers in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election.

A total of 295 appeals have been filed till the last three days, EC officials said.

The appeals were filed at 10 regional booths at the appeal filing center at the Agargaon Election Commission building in the capital, EC officials said.

The EC officials said 131 appeals were filed on Wednesday. Of these, 11 were filed in Khulna region, 15 in Rajshahi region, nine in Rangpur region, 10 in Chattogram region, 19 in Cumilla region, 31 in Dhaka region, 16 in Mymensingh region, nine in Barisal region and seven appeals were filed from districts in Faridpur region.

Earlier, on Tuesday, 122 appeals were filed with the EC on the second day against the order of acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers by the Returning Officer.

On the first day, 41 appeals were filed against the order of cancellation of nomination papers and one appeal against the acceptance of nomination papers.

On the last day of selection on January 4, the returning officers or assistant returning officers declared the nomination papers of 1,842 candidates valid and nomination papers of 723 candidates cancelled out of 2,568 nomination papers in 300 constituencies.

An EC notice regarding the filing, hearing and settlement of appeals against the cancellation and acceptance of nominations said “A candidate or bank or financial institution or any government service provider aggrieved by the order of the Returning Officer against the cancellation and acceptance of nomination papers may file an appeal in the form of a memorandum with the Election Commission within five days of the selection of the nomination papers.”

Any aggrieved candidate, any bank or financial institution, any government service provider, or any person authorized in writing by the candidate may file an appeal with the EC from January 5 to January 9, by 5 PM.

The hearing of the appeals filed with the Election Commission is likely to be held between January 10 and 18 at the auditorium (basement-2) of the Election Building. The full commission will conduct the hearing.

Hearings on appeals from one to 70 will begin at 10 am on January 10. Hearings on appeals from 71 to 140 will be held on January 11, appeals from 141 to 210 on January 12, appeals from 211 to 280 on January 13, appeals from 281 to 350 on January 14, appeals from 351 to 420 on January 15, appeals from 421 to 490 on January 16, appeals from 491 to 560 on January 17, and the remaining appeals will be heard on January 18.

After hearing the applications, the appeal results will be displayed on the monitor, a PDF copy of the verdict and the appeal decision will be sent to the email accounts of the relevant parties including the Returning Officer and publish on the Election Commission website.

In addition, a copy of the appeal verdict will be distributed through the designated officer from the reception desk of the Election Building as per the schedule.
​

 

[Saif]

EU to send 200 observers during national election

The delegation will include members of the European Parliament and will stay in Bangladesh throughout the election period.

en.prothomalo.com

EU to send 200 observers during national election

BSS Dhaka
Published: 08 Jan 2026, 20: 50

Member of the European Parliament and Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission Ivars Ijab to reporters after a meeting with CEC AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban at Agargaon, Dhaka on 8 January 2026. BSS

Member of the European Parliament and Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission Ivars Ijab has said a 200-member EU delegation will observe Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election.

He said this to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban at Agargaon in Dhaka on Thursday.


Ijab said EU long-term observers are working in Bangladesh since the end of December while short-term observers will join with advanced team on 12 February.

The delegation will include members of the European Parliament and will stay in Bangladesh throughout the election period.

He noted that holding a referendum alongside the parliamentary election poses a challenge for the Election Commission.

“The Commission has informed us that the parliamentary elections and the referendum are being held simultaneously, which is a challenge for them. However, we hope that the Commission will be able to manage the matter properly,” he said.

Ijab emphasized that the EU mission would observe the electoral process impartially.

“We are here to help. We will observe the election process completely impartially, because Bangladesh is a very important partner of the European Union,” he added.

Describing the polls as significant, he said the election would be historic in the context of the 2024 popular uprising and expressed hope that the parliament formed under the interim government would play a decisive role in shaping the country’s future.​

 

[Saif]

Comprehensive security preparations underway ahead of next general election

As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th national election, scheduled for February 12 next, the interim government has intensified security measures to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible polls. Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury reaffirmed the government’s co

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Comprehensive security preparations underway ahead of next general election

BSS
Published :
Jan 09, 2026 19:25
Updated :
Jan 09, 2026 19:25

As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th national election, scheduled for February 12 next, the interim government has intensified security measures to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible polls.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintain peace and public order throughout the election period, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies have been placed on heightened vigilance to prevent any disruption of the electoral process.

He noted that strict measures will be enforced during political programmes and campaign activities, with authorities empowered to enter any location, including polling centres, to pre-empt potential violence or sabotage.

“We are firmly committed to keeping the law and order situation stable and undisrupted,” he said.

In addition to domestic coordination, high-level security planning has included risk-based deployment strategies, whereby law enforcement personnel will be assigned to polling centres based on assessed risk levels.

The Home Adviser highlighted that border security and monitoring of provocative content on social media are key parts of the overall security effort.

Jahangir urged political parties and the public alike to stay alert against potential sabotage agents and assist law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.

He further asserted that there is no inherent security risk for the public and that all citizens will be protected during the election period.

The government’s security strategy reflects a broader push for a free, fair and festive election environment, with authorities coordinating closely with the Election Commission and military leadership to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

As part of the preparation to ensure foolproof security ahead of the election, the government has planned to deploy law enforcement agencies across the country for seven days surrounding the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum, aiming to ensure law and order and facilitate a free, fair, impartial, peaceful and festive election.

According to a Home Ministry circular issued on Jan 6, the deployment will begin on February 8, four days before the polls, and will remain in force until February 14.

The circular states that to conduct the 13th National Parliament Election in a free, fair, peaceful and impartial manner, police, BGB, Ansar and VDP, and the Coast Guard will be deployed to maintain peace and order, while members of the armed forces will be deployed under the “In aid to civil power” provision to assist the local civil administration.

The election will involve approximately 127.5 million voters, with polling to be held at around 260,000 booths in nearly 43,000 polling stations across 300 constituencies.

In total, more than 800,000 personnel from various forces will be deputed for election duties.

Of them, about 550,000 members of the Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) will be assigned to polling stations.

In addition, around 150,000 police personnel, one lakh members of the armed forces and 35,000 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Coast Guard will also assist in ensuring security.

According to the circular, specific security arrangements have been outlined for different categories of polling stations and regions.

Outside metropolitan areas, each general polling station will be guarded by two armed police personnel and three Ansar members, including one armed section commander. Each important polling station will have three armed police personnel and three Ansar members, including one armed section commander.

In metropolitan areas, every general polling station will be provided with three armed police personnel and three Ansar members, including one armed section commander, while each important polling station will have four armed police personnel and three Ansar members, including one armed section commander.

In the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and other remote areas, security arrangements will include two armed police personnel and three Ansar members, including one armed section commander, at each general polling station. Each important polling station in these areas will have three armed police personnel and three Ansar members, including one armed section commander.

Additionally, every presiding officer at polling stations in the CHT and remote areas will be provided with one armed Ansar member for personal security.

Apart from these deployments, every polling station across the country will be assigned with 10 Ansar personnel, comprising four women and six men, equipped with sticks to assist in maintaining order.

The enforcement plan will be implemented in line with decisions taken at coordination meetings between the Election Commission (EC) and law enforcing agencies.

The EC held two such meetings with senior officials—one before and another after the announcement of the election schedule on December 11.

Following those meetings, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular detailing the comprehensive security deployment plan.

The government has decided to deploy law enforcement forces in two phases ahead of the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum on February 12.

Under this plan, all activities—from polling station-based security to mobile and striking force management—will be coordinated under the Returning Officer.

According to the circular, law enforcement forces will be deployed in two phases. Personnel deployed in the first phase will remain in place, while the second phase will be vote-centric, with members of law enforcing agencies remaining on duty for a total of seven days from February 8 to February 14.

The armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard, RAB, Police, Armed Police Battalion (APBN) and Ansar Battalion will operate as mobile and striking forces to maintain peace and order in the electoral areas.

BGB, RAB, APBN and Ansar Battalion will function on a district, upazila and police station basis, while the Coast Guard will be responsible for coastal areas.

All forces will report to the Returning Officer concerned and perform their duties according to his instructions and advice. If necessary, mobile and striking teams may be reorganized.

The circular also announced the formation of a law and order coordination cell to ensure coordination among the police, Ansar VDP, armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard and RAB. Each law enforcement agency will have one representative in this coordination cell.

Additionally, a special team will be formed under the emergency service number 999 to provide round-the-clock service during the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum.

This team will be connected to the Law and Order Coordination Cell and will forward election-related complaints or information directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the relevant area-based coordination cell for prompt action.

In coordination with the Law and Order Coordination Cells at district and upazila levels, the armed forces, BGB, Coast Guard and RAB will be deployed at polling centres alongside police and Ansar VDP, taking into account security sensitivity.

To further ensure a fair election, joint forces will conduct area-based operations and checkpoint operations in coordination with the Law and Order Coordination Cells formed at district and upazila levels throughout the election period.​

 

[Saif]

Next election to determine nation’s fate for next 50 years: Fouzul Kabir Khan

The forthcoming election will determine the country’s destiny for the next 50 years, not merely the next five, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Road Transport, Bridges and Railways said on Friday. “This is because the...

en.prothomalo.com

Next election to determine nation’s fate for next 50 years: Fouzul Kabir Khan

Correspondent Dinajpur
Published: 09 Jan 2026, 19: 50

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Road Transport, Bridges and Railways addresses an event held at Gor-e-Shahid Boro Maidan in Dinajpur on 9 January 2026 to raise public awareness about the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) election and the referendum Prothom Alo

The forthcoming election will determine the country’s destiny for the next 50 years, not merely the next five, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Road Transport, Bridges and Railways said on Friday.

“This is because the election will also involve a referendum,” he remarked.

He made the remarks on Friday morning at an event held at Gor-e-Shahid Boro Maidan in Dinajpur to raise public awareness about the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) election and the referendum.


“This election is not like any conventional election. All previous elections were held under political governments. This election is being conducted under an interim government. We do not belong to any political party. We are a government for everyone. As a government, we will not take sides for or against anyone. With the collective efforts of all of you, a credible election will be held, and those who are truly deserving will be elected as public representatives,” Fouzul Kabir Khan stated.

Referring to the referendum, the adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said, “There are four questions in the referendum. We have presented all four as a single package. If you want reform in the country, vote ‘Yes’. If you do not want reform, vote ‘No’. If ‘Yes’ wins, various reforms will be implemented.”

Describing the people as the most powerful force, Fouzul Kabir Khan said, “The day to demonstrate the power of the people is 12 February. The July uprising took place because people were unable to vote. Those whom the people wanted to elect were not allowed to be elected. The February election will be entirely different. Whoever you wish to elect, regardless of their party, religion, race or community, we want to see that person declared the winner. To ensure that people can vote freely and without hindrance, instructions have been given to the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police.”

Others who addressed the event included Abdul Jalil, deputy director of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Dinajpur deputy commissioner Rafiqul Islam; and additional deputy commissioner (general) Riaz Uddin.

Among those present were Rezanur Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources Corporation; Abdul Jalil, director general of the department of mass communication; Enamul Ahsan, deputy commissioner of Rangpur, and others.​