United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday dismissed allegations of manipulation over voter turnout percentages released during the balloting process, saying such variations are natural as results from thousands of polling centres arrive at different times. "There were debates over the voter turnout percentage in the past (elections) as well. Please don’t question it now,” he said at a post-election briefing at 10pm on Thursday night. The CEC, however, didn’t release the overall voter turnout percentage at the briefing.  Addressing concerns raised over changes in reported vote percentages, he said questions often emerge immediately after results start coming in, with some people pointing out that the turnout or counting percentage stood at 8 percent at one point and rose to 20 percent a few hours later. Explaining the procedure, the CEC said results from more than 42,000 polling centres are received gradually and added cumulatively as they arrive at the Election Commission. “When results come from such a large number of centres at different times, there will naturally be variations in the overall percentage,” he said, adding that this does not indicate any irregularity. The CEC categorically denied any manipulation or hidden motive behind the changing figures. “There is no game of manipulation here and no other intention,” he said. “We are simply doing addition and calculation and announcing the cumulative results accordingly.” He also clarified that the Election Commission itself is not issuing any independent or unilateral results. “We do not want to give any ‘official’ result of our own,” the CEC said. According to him, the only results considered in the counting process are those sent directly from the field by the returning officers, duly signed and authenticated by them. “The results that the returning officers send from the field with their signatures are the ones we include in our calculation,” he said, stressing that the process is entirely transparent and based on official documentation from the grassroots level. The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussion and scrutiny over the pace and pattern of result updates as vote counting continues across the country. Earlier in the afternoon, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said some 47.91 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots by 2pm at 36,031 out of 42,651 polling centres across the country. He said the commission has yet to receive turnout data from 6,620 centres, he told reporters at the EC secretariat in the afternoon. The referendum and the 13th parliamentary election were held simultaneously from 7:30am to 4:30pm on Thursday in a festive and peaceful atmosphere in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday said the referendum and 13th parliamentary election held on Thursday (February 12) could be considered very good by any standard in the history of the country’s elections. “If you judge it by any standard in the history of this country and its electoral history, it can be considered a very good election,” he said at a post-election briefing at 10:00pm on Thursday night at the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. The CEC said his commission had successfully delivered to the nation a quite neutral and credible election in line with its commitment. “We have all been able to deliver to the nation the election with collective efforts. We are grateful to the Almighty. We believe that our efforts and works have been a success,” he said. Nasir Uddin said they had promised to present the nation a fully neutral and credible election amid a festive environment. “We believe that we’ve been able to do so,” he said. The referendum and the 13th parliamentary election were held on Thursday in a festive and peaceful atmosphere in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday said Bangladesh has set out on the path of democracy and expressed hope that the ‘train of democracy’ will reach its destination. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after casting his vote at Eskaton Garden High School polling centre in the capital. The CEC said public confidence in the Election Commission is already being restored through the current polls. “If trust has not returned, so many people would not have come to the polling centres.” Referring to past elections, he said, “You have seen previous elections where even stray dogs were seen at polling centres. Today, there are no dogs in sight, there are only voters and voters everywhere.” CEC Nasir Uddin reaffirms commitment to peaceful, credible elections Nasir Uddin said around 17 lakh people including nearly 950,000 law enforcement personnel and about 800,000 polling officials have been engaged in conducting the election. “Bringing 17 lakh people together in a coordinated way  is an enormous task. Just imagine how challenging it is,” he said. He said all personnel were given election-oriented training before deployment. This is perhaps one of the largest coordination efforts undertaken in the country, he added. The CEC said the Commission has overcome all challenges so far with the cooperation of stakeholders and remains prepared to tackle any further challenges. CEC urges cooperation for peaceful, credible election “We are neither for nor against anyone. We have only tried to create a peaceful and fair electoral environment. I believe we have succeeded,” he said. Nasir Uddin also said the country must move past the history of staged elections, ballot box snatching and centre occupation. We must forget those chapters, he added He mentioned that 254 million ballot papers were printed and distributed across the country, calling it a gigantic task.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission is committed to holding a free, fair and inclusive election, addressing the challenges of misinformation and ensuring the participation of women and minorities. "We are addressing challenges such as misinformation while prioritising the participation and safety of women, minorities and communities in remote areas," he said. Support through the BALLOT project is vital to strengthening their capacity for both national and future local government elections, said the CEC. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the High Commission for Canada in Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Bangladesh Election Commission to support free, fair and inclusive elections through the Bangladesh Advancement for Credible, Inclusive and Transparent Elections (BALLOT) project for the Electoral Cycle 2025–2027. The agreement was signed by Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh in presence of the Chief Election Commissioner. 20 remote polling centres in Rangamati to receive election materials by helicopters Under the partnership, Canada has approved CAD 2 million to support the BALLOT project in assisting electoral institutions and stakeholders across the electoral cycle. This support is delivered through a multi‑donor pool fund alongside Australia, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. With national elections scheduled for February 12, the initiative comes at a pivotal moment. Bangladesh’s election administration is one of the largest in the world, spanning more than 40,000 polling centres across 495 upazilas and serving a population of roughly 168 million people. The BALLOT project is designed to help ensure that electoral processes are trusted, inclusive and operationally strong. The project focuses on three core areas including strengthening the institutional and operational capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC); enabling a more inclusive and transparent electoral environment; and laying the foundations for long-term electoral sustainability and reform. It combines immediate technical and operational support with longer-term capacity development and institutional strengthening through 2027. Ajit Singh highlighted that the partnership underscores Canada’s commitment to democratic institutions and accountable governance.  Prof Yunus happy over polls preparations, says next ‘week very crucial’ “Our contribution to the BALLOT project reflects Canada’s broader engagement in supporting peaceful electoral transitions, and meaningful civic participation across Bangladesh, including youth, minorities, women and girls and indigenous communities,” Ajit Singh said. Stefan Liller said strengthening electoral systems is central to public confidence and democratic governance.  “Canada joins BALLOT, the collective support of the United Nations system to Bangladesh’s electoral process, thereby demonstrating their strong commitment to the country's democratic development.” The project aligns with Bangladesh’s governance reform priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Progress and results will be monitored under UNDP programming standards, with regular public reporting and outreach.

The High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking why punitive action should not be taken against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M  Nasir Uddin for failing to comply with a court order. The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan issued the rule following a contempt petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Eunus Ali Akond. Advocate Eunus Ali, representing the petitioner, told the court that on August 27 last year, the High Court had directed the CEC to dispose of a petition submitted by a Krishak Sramik Janata Party ,political party, for registration. Court bars disconnection of utility services to under-construction buildings However, the order was not implemented even after a long delay, he said. He added that due to non-compliance with the court’s directive a contempt of court petition was filed against the CEC, leading to the issuance of the rule.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem on Tuesday said the Election Commission (EC) has shown a positive stance regarding the student council elections of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) and Begum Rokeya University. Shadik Kayem disclosed the change in the Commission’s position while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. The development comes a day after the Commission issued a directive suspending all organisational elections ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. Speaking to reporters, Shadik Kayem said the Election Commission assured them that it would take appropriate measures to ensure the student council elections are held in due time. "The Election Commission has assured us that they will take appropriate measures,” he said. Referring to the EC’s directive issued on Monday to suspend all organisational elections until February 12, he said they had already held talks with university authorities and the government. Shadik Kayem pointed out that the SUST student council election is scheduled for January 20, while the national parliamentary election will be held on February 12. “Stopping a student council election three weeks earlier on security grounds cannot be a logical decision. Student community will not accept such an undemocratic decision,” he said. The Begum Rokeya University student council election is scheduled to be held on January 21. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission directed authorities not to allow elections of any organisation or association, including professional bodies, before the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next. Protest erupts at SUST over EC's low bar, puts holds any elections ahead of national polls The directive, issued through a letter sent to returning officers, stated that the restriction would apply to elections of professional organisations, educational institutions, transport owners’ and workers’ associations, journalists’ associations, traders’ bodies, cooperative societies, trade unions and all other organisations. The Commission said the decision was taken to keep the parliamentary election and referendum process completely free from any form of influence.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday said the 13th parliamentary election will not be a “stage-managed” one like previous polls. “Unlike before, there will be no staged election this time. A level playing field will be ensured for everyone,” he said. CEC Nasir urges voters to vote fearlessly The CEC made the remarks after inspecting 10 booths set up at the Election Commission premises in the city’s Agargaon area to receive appeal petitions from aggrieved aspirants challenging the decisions of returning officers. He said the Election Commission believes in justice and fairness. “Everyone will receive fair treatment,” the CEC added. A total of around 300 appeal petitions were filed against decisions on nomination papers during the first three days until Wednesday. The Commission will continue receiving appeals until Friday (January 9). The appeals will be heard and disposed of between January 10 and 18. Earlier, returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid and rejected 723 others across the country’s 300 constituencies during the scrutiny conducted from December 30 to January 4. On December 12, the Election Commission announced the schedule for holding the 13th national parliamentary election alongside the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order on February 12, 2026. The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is January 20. Election campaigning will begin on January 22 and continue until 48 hours before polling, which starts at 7:30am on February 10. Army, navy, air force chiefs to meet CEC Nasir Sunday  

Reassuring stakeholders about the integrity of the upcoming polls, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission is prepared to ensure a free and fair election, citing an improved and supportive electoral environment. “The election environment is good. We believe we will be able to conduct a free and fair election,” the CEC told reporters after inspecting 10 booths installed on the premises of the Election Commission in the city's Agargaon area. The booths have been set up to receive appeals from aggrieved aspirants against the decisions of returning officers. A five-day scrutiny process of the nomination papers ended on Sunday ahead of the 13th parliamentary election scheduled to be held on February 12 next. During the scrutiny, the returning officers declared a total of 1842 nomination papers valid, while rejected 723 other nomination papers in the country's 300 constituencies. Now the aggrieved aspirants can file appeal petitions with the Election Commission from Monday to January 9, challenging the decisions of the returning officers over acceptance or rejection of the nomination papers.  The Commission will hear and dispose of the petitions from January 10 to 18. Law and order to improve ahead of election, hopes CEC Nasir The Election Commission on December 12 last declared the schedule to arrange the 13th national election and the referendum on July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. The last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the national election. The reaction from the party came shortly after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the election timetable in a televised address in the evening. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, the party’s central media and publicity wing chief, came up with the reaction at a press conference held at Jamaat’s Moghbazar central office. Zubair, who is also the party’s Assistant Secretary General, said the long-awaited announcement had eased concerns about whether the election would be held. “There were uncertainties over the polls, but the announcement of the schedule has reassured us,” he told reporters. Calling on the Election Commission to ensure a fair electoral process, Zubair said establishing a level-playing field for all political parties must now be the Commission’s top priority. “Without this, there is no scope for making the election meaningful.” Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said ensuring a level playing field is essential for a credible election. He urged the Election Commission to take tough measures to recover illegal weapons, arrest armed criminals and improve law and order. He expressed dissatisfaction over previous electoral processes, saying, “In the past, although assurances were given ahead of elections, fairness could not be ensured. We hope this trend will change in the upcoming polls.” Zubair said Jamaat will fully cooperate with the Commission to help ensure a festive and peaceful election environment that reflects the expectations of the August-5 ‘revolution’. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Zubair called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to give legal recognition to the July Charter. Jamaat-e-Islami, along with seven other allied parties, will continue programmes aimed at securing a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum, he said, adding that the alliance of eight protesting parties would extend all cooperation to the EC to conduct the national election and referendum smoothly. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central executive council member Mobarak Hossain and Dhaka North Ameer Selim Uddin were present at the briefing. According to the schedule announced by the CEC, voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The balloting will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break. Meanwhile, BNP welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

The Election Commission (EC) is likely to declare the national election schedule soon, as it sent a letter to Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to record the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). EC Senior Secretary Akther Ahmed said the letter requested arrangements for the recording, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the speech will be broadcast on the same day. Traditionally, the EC announces the schedule before every general election through a national address aired on BTV, or Bangladesh Betar, with the recording and the declaration taking place on the same day. Time running out for election schedule announcement: Jamaat “The election schedule will be announced any day this week,” Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah told reporters on Sunday. “By this week, we mean the second week of December, from December 8 to 15.” The 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Reform Charter) will be held simultaneously on a single day in early February 2026. White ballot papers will be used for the national election, while pink papers will be used for the referendum. Meanwhile, some 12.76 crore voters are registered to cast their votes across 42,761 polling stations in the country’s 300 constituencies. Read more: CEC Nasir, Election Commissioners in Jamuna for meeting with CA