United News of Bangladesh

Economist Mahbub Ullah on Wednesday expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s will be participatory and credible ones, saying there is no reason for voter turnout to fall below 60 percent if the overall situation remains stable. “I think the voter turnout in this election will not be less than 60 percent; it may even be higher. Although it is often said that the 87 percent turnout in 2008 was the highest in Bangladesh’s history, that election was controversial. I hope there will be no such criticism about the upcoming election,” he said. Mahbub Ullah was speaking at a discussion on the national election held at city a hotel, organised by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS). He said there is concern in some quarters that the absence of the Awami League from the electoral contest could reduce turnout. However, the large number of people leaving Dhaka to cast their votes suggests that the party’s absence is unlikely to have a negative impact on voter participation, he added. Noting that people across the country are eagerly awaiting a fair election, he said political parties will bear a major responsibility to accept the results once announced. “There are high expectations among the people regarding this election. The next government must ensure that it does not fail to meet those expectations in any way,” he said. Referring to what he described as institutional deterioration during the Awami League’s over one-and-a-half-decade rule, the former Dhaka University economics professor said reviving weakened state institutions, including the economy, judiciary and administration, will be the biggest challenge for the incoming government. He also urged the new government to safeguard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty while pursuing a positive new beginning. Speakers at the programme expressed multifaceted concerns over the country’s economic outlook, saying the next government will face immediate and significant challenges. They stressed the need for prioritising a clear economic action plan. Grameen Bank Chairman Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said prolonged economic mismanagement over the past 17 years has left the economy fragile and distressed. “All parties have announced ambitious pledges in their manifestos. But the first priority should be economic restraint.” Investment Corporation of Bangladesh Chairman Abu Ahmed, however, said that despite mounting economic challenges, the economy could rebound quickly if the new government adopts sound policies. Bangladesh Polls: Electioneering ends as parties leave voters with promises Security analysts at the event underscored the importance of ensuring robust security measures both on election day and in the post-election period. They stressed the need to assess preparedness to address any untoward incidents nationwide, beyond just securing polling centres. Former Additional Inspector General of Police Mazharul Haque said adequate preparation is essential to maintain law and order after the announcement of results. “Even if the situation remains manageable on polling day, a lack of preparation could lead to disorder once results are declared.” Emphasising security in rural areas as well as urban centres, former ambassador M Shahedul Haque said that a form of ‘mafia-style control’ has emerged in villages following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. He said the rising incidents of violence and extortion in rural areas must be addressed to ensure a credible election. Expressing concern over possible post-election reprisals against minorities, Prof Sukomal Barua of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at Dhaka University said minority communities fear potential attacks after the results. He urged the government and law enforcement agencies to prevent any such incidents at all costs. Former Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury and FSDS Chairman Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar also voiced hope for a free, competitive and inclusive election.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday said discipline was maintained at the voting centers during the Gaibandha-5 by-election. He made the remarks while talking to journalists after monitoring the by-election to Gaibandha- 5 through CCTV cameras at Election Commission Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon. Blaming the cold weather for the low voter turnout, he said the EC has nothing to be satisfied or dissatisfied over the low voter turnout as it is their (voters) right to cast vote. Asked whether the CCTV cameras will be used during the 12th parliamentary elections, he said CCTV cameras have important role in holding fair election but no decision has been taken yet in this regard. He appreciated the role of district administration and  police saying that they performed their duties with professionalism. The election was monitored directly from Dhaka through a total of 1,242 CCTV cameras. Read more: Gaibandha-5 by-election on Wednesday The voting was monitored by CCTV cameras from 8 am at the EC control room on the fifth floor of the Election Commission building. Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, Election Commissioners Ahsan Habib Khan, Md. Alamgir, Rashida Sultana and Anisur Rahman monitored the polls. On October 12 last year, the Election Commission (EC) suspended the by-election due to “rampant irregularities” on the election day and later the commission fixed January 4 for holding the polls. Following the death of Gaibandha-5 lawmaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Fazle Rabbi Miah on July 22, 2022, it became a constitutional obligation to hold election for the parliamentary seat by October 20, 2022. Accordingly it was scheduled for October 12. A three-member committee was formed to look into the election irregularities on October 12 last year. Read more: Gaibandha-5 by-polls: Festive mood as voting underway Following the recommendations of the committee, the Election Commission took punitive actions against 133 officials including an additional deputy commissioner, five sub-inspectors and returning officer of the election.

Election Commission Secretary Md Alamgir on Monday said the first phase municipal election was held successfully.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday warned that action will be taken if any violence is carried out in the name of hartal, or people suffer for such activities.

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said longer public holidays, BNP’s publicity against electronic voting machines (EVMs) and their participation in city polls ‘as a movement’ are the main reasons behind  the poor voter turnout in the elections to two Dhaka city corporations.

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda has said the voter turnout in the elections to the two Dhaka city corporations was below 30 percent.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Returning Officer Abul Kashem said on Saturday morning that the number of voters will increase gradually.