[🇧🇩] Forming Election Commission/Conducting Elections

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Why AL will be liable for election-related Violence — explained by foreign adviser

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain has explained his earlier remark that if any violence or terrorist activities occur surrounding the election, the responsibility will fall on the Awami League. Responding to a question on the matter, without naming the Awami League directly, he said that if...

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Why AL will be liable for election-related Violence — explained by foreign adviser

Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 28 Jan 2026, 21: 50

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry on Wednesday afternoon. Prothom Alo

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain has explained his earlier remark that if any violence or terrorist activities occur surrounding the election, the responsibility will fall on the Awami League.

Responding to a question on the matter, without naming the Awami League directly, he said that if disorder breaks out in the upcoming election, it is likely to be caused by those who are not participating in the polls or are unable to do so.

The foreign adviser answered various questions from journalists at the foreign ministry on Wednesday afternoon.

A reporter asked whether the government was certain that violence would take place during the election.

In reply, Touhid Hossain said, “No, we are not certain of that at all. But there is concern that any kind of sabotage attempt could occur. Officials from the home ministry can explain the day-to-day developments in more detail. However, we believe that if any danger or such conflict arises, it would not normally be expected to come from those who are taking part in the election. Everyone who is participating in the election is showing sufficient restraint in their activities. Therefore, if any disorder happens, it is likely to be caused by those who are not participating or are unable to participate. That is why this statement is being made.”

It may be noted that the Government of Bangladesh expressed surprise and deep anger after fugitive Sheikh Hasina, convicted of crimes against humanity, was given the opportunity to speak at a public event in New Delhi, the capital of India, on 25 January.

In a statement issued by the foreign ministry that day, it was said that her speech incited violence with the aim of overthrowing the government of Bangladesh and disrupting the upcoming national election, posing a threat to the country’s democratic transition and security.

Referring to the recent provocative statements by the Awami League leadership, the ministry’s statement said that these actions proved why the interim government had been compelled to ban the party’s activities. It also stated that responsibility for any violence or terrorist acts committed before or on election day would fall on the organisation concerned.​

 

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Home Adviser asks officials to uphold integrity, professionalism in election duties

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Thursday asked election officials and members of law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, efficiency and professionalism. “Government officials are not members of any political party. They are s

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Home Adviser asks officials to uphold integrity, professionalism in election duties

UNB
Published :
Jan 29, 2026 23:20
Updated :
Jan 29, 2026 23:20

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Thursday asked election officials and members of law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, efficiency and professionalism.

“Government officials are not members of any political party. They are salaried employees of the state, paid by taxpayers’ money. Any form of partiality or biased conduct towards a political party will not be accepted,” he said.

The adviser made the remarks while speaking at a law and order coordination meeting at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium at Rajarbagh in the capital in the afternoon.

The meeting was organised by the Home Ministry and the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s Office to ensure the smooth conduct of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

If evidence is found that anyone has worked in favour of a candidate or pursued a partisan agenda, the government will take departmental and strict legal action without any leniency, he warned.

He also instructed officials and law enforcers to strictly avoid accepting money or any other benefits from candidates or their representatives, stressing that even accepting food would be unacceptable.

Jahangir Alam said the democratic future of the country would be determined through the national election, cautioning that a flawed or non-transparent election could push the nation into uncertainty.

“The role, conduct and responsibility of officials and law enforcement personnel are extremely important. I am hopeful that with collective efforts, we will be able to set a benchmark in the upcoming election that will be appreciated not only at home but also internationally,” he added.

They said no one should be allowed to violate the law, and anyone involved in illegal activities must be brought under legal action.

He urged all concerned to thoroughly understand and follow the Representation of the People Order (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025, circulars issued by the Home Ministry, and directives of the Election Commission.

“Neutrality must be reflected in words, actions, conduct, announcements and implementation,” he said.

The adviser also instructed senior officials to regularly brief their subordinate officers and staff on election conduct and preparations, suggesting that meetings could be held daily at district and metropolitan levels to review preparations, challenges, ongoing activities, upcoming plans, dos and don’ts, and compliance with the code of conduct.

Deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, upazila nirbahi officers, regional, district and upazila election officers, officers-in-charge of police stations from across Dhaka Division, as well as additional police commissioners, joint police commissioners, deputy police commissioners and OCs of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Commonwealth, EU to deploy large observer missions for upcoming polls

The Commonwealth and the European Union (EU) are among the leading international organisations set to deploy large teams of election observers for Bangladesh's upcoming general election and the referendum, scheduled for 12 February. The Chief Adviser's Press Wing said this today, Thursday...

en.prothomalo.com

Commonwealth, EU to deploy large observer missions for upcoming polls

BSS
Published: 29 Jan 2026, 20: 06

The Commonwealth and the European Union (EU) are among the leading international organisations set to deploy large teams of election observers for Bangladesh's upcoming general election and the referendum, scheduled for 12 February.

The Chief Adviser's Press Wing said this today, Thursday referring to messages received in Dhaka.

Former President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo will lead the 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group, Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey announced in London earlier this month.

President Akufo-Addo will be joined by experts from across the Commonwealth with professional backgrounds in politics, law, media, gender, and election administration.


The Observer Group will be supported by a secretariat team led by Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser of the Electoral Support Section.

In a statement issued on 21 January, the Commonwealth said the Observer Group's mandate is to independently assess whether the electoral process and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner.

"The group will report on the conduct of the electoral process in line with the standards to which Bangladesh has committed itself, including its national laws," the statement said.

The Commonwealth Observer Group includes Jeffrey Salim Waheed, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives; David John Francis, former Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone; Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi, former senator of Malaysia, as well as representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Fiji, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Zambia.

The Commonwealth announcement followed confirmation from the European Union that around 200 observers from the 27 EU member states, along with Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, would join the EU's Election Observation Mission (EOM) in Bangladesh.

The EU EOM will be led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament from Latvia.

It will include at least seven other Members of the European Parliament-Lukas Mandl (Austria), Lor nt Vincze (Romania), Tom s Zdechovsky (Czechia), Leire Paj¡n (Spain), Serban Dimitrie Sturdza (Romania), Michael McNamara (Ireland), and Catarina Vieira (Netherlands)-who will visit Bangladesh between 10 February and 14 February.

The EU EOM began its activities with the arrival of a core team on 29 December. The core team comprises 11 analysts, supported by logistical and security experts, and is assessing all stages of the electoral process, including legal, political, electoral, and media aspects.

In addition, 56 long-term observers were deployed on 17 January across all administrative divisions.

They are monitoring electoral developments in their respective areas and reporting to the core team in Dhaka. Shortly before the election day, they will be joined by 90 short-term observers.

On the election day, the mission will be further reinforced by observers from diplomatic missions accredited in Bangladesh and Members of the European Parliament, who will observe voting, counting, and the tabulation of results.

The EU said its observers would strictly adhere to the international code of conduct for election observation, maintaining neutrality and impartiality and refraining from any interference in the electoral process.

Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator, who is supporting the coordination of election observer visits on behalf of the interim government, said confirmations from international organisations and countries were increasing daily.


"We feel really encouraged to see the growing interest from election observers from countries and organisations, which reflects their confidence in the Interim Government and the Bangladesh Election Commission to hold a free and fair election," she said.

Nearly 2,000 candidates, including representatives from more than 50 political parties and independents, are contesting 300 parliamentary seats. The election will be held simultaneously with a referendum on the July reform charter.​