Bangladesh
Govt likely to hold national election, referendum simultaneously
The interim government is leaning toward holding the upcoming national election and the referendum on the “July Charter” on the same day, following a lack of consensus among political parties over the timing of the vote, according to government sources.
While parties like the BNP have supported holding both the national election and the referendum simultaneously, Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP insist the referendum should be held beforehand. As no consensus was reached during Wednesday’s meeting, the National Consensus Commission has delegated the authority to set the date to the government.
Sources say the government is prioritizing a joint election-referendum plan considering administrative convenience, financial savings, and national stability. The Election Commission (EC) has reportedly given informal approval, noting that simultaneous voting would significantly reduce costs and logistical challenges.
Experts, however, caution that holding two votes on the same day will increase pressure on the EC and require extensive voter awareness campaigns to avoid confusion.
The Consensus Commission held separate meetings with Jamaat and NCP leaders on Saturday, both of whom reiterated their preference for an earlier referendum. Later that day, the commission’s members met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, where a preliminary decision was made to hold both votes together.
The signing ceremony of the July Charter is scheduled for Friday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, after which the government is expected to officially announce the date for the referendum.
Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has reiterated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held in February. He made the assurance on Wednesday (October 15) during an emergency meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political party representatives at the State Guest House Jamuna.
“This is not just talk — the election will be held in February, and it will be festive,” Dr. Yunus said during the meeting.
The meeting focused on the implementation process of the July Charter, a policy document developed through extensive dialogue among political parties.
Thanking party representatives, Dr. Yunus said, “The July Charter is the outcome of your long discussions. It has become part of history.” He announced that copies of the Charter would be distributed to all political parties and vowed to preserve and promote it while he remains in office.
The Chief Adviser urged political parties to apply the Charter’s principles in their political practice and daily governance.
Earlier, the Commission had distributed the final version of the July National Charter 2025 to all political parties, though recommendations on how to implement the proposed reforms are yet to be finalized.
Following the July 2025 mass uprising, the interim government was formed and established six separate reform commissions — on the constitution, electoral system, public administration, anti-corruption, police, and judiciary. The National Consensus Commission continues to consult political parties based on these commissions’ recommendations.
Crime and Justice
Woman Attempts Suicide by Setting Herself on Fire in Jhenaidah, Husband Also Burned
A woman in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila attempted suicide by setting herself on fire, leaving both her and her husband severely injured. The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday (14 October) in Charbakhurbar village.
Police and local sources said the woman, identified as 24-year-old Mahima Khatun, poured kerosene on herself before setting it ablaze. Her husband, Ashik Mia—son of Alok Mia—sustained burns while trying to save her.
The couple was rescued by locals and taken to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex. Later, due to their critical condition, they were transferred to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Dr. Shahnewaz, Medical Officer at Shailkupa Health Complex, said, “Both the husband and wife suffered burns on about 50 percent of their bodies. Their condition is critical.”
At least one person was killed and ten others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a roadside ditch in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district on Wednesday morning.
The accident occurred around 11:30 a.m. at Purbo Sadordi area on the Faridpur-Barishal highway when a Dhaka-bound “Euro Line” bus lost control while attempting to overtake a “Shyamoli Paribahan” bus, police said.
The deceased was identified as Shamsunnahar Begum (41), wife of Nazrul Islam from Kachua village, Uzirpur upazila of Barishal.
Rescue teams from the fire service, highway police, and local residents rushed to the scene and took the injured to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Bhanga Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Rokibuzzaman said that during an overtaking attempt, the Euro Line bus was hit by the Shyamoli Paribahan bus, causing it to veer off the road. “Both buses have been recovered, and the Shyamoli Paribahan bus has been seized,” the OC added.
Traffic on both sides of the highway remained halted for a while following the incident but later resumed normally.
-
campus19 hours agoAfter 36 Years, CU Students Vote in Long-Awaited Central Union Election
-
EDUCATION18 hours agoHSC and Equivalent Exam Results to Be Published on October 16
-
International1 day agoJordan’s King Abdullah warns: “Without a Palestinian state, the Middle East will collapse”
-
Crime and Justice2 days agoLand dispute turns deadly in Chuadanga: One killed, three injured
-
International2 days agoIsrael kills three Palestinians accused of crossing Gaza ceasefire line