Politics
Bangladesh Election Set for February Amid Doubts and Debates
The upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election has become a dominant topic of discussion across Bangladesh, from political circles to tea stalls. Despite concerns raised by some parties about the timing, the interim government has confirmed that the polls will be held in the first half of February.
Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus recently stated at the United Nations that while many people want to see the current government remain in power longer, some international quarters are allegedly spending money to delay the election. His remarks sparked fresh debate, but political parties say they remain committed to the electoral process.
BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said his party trusts the Chief Adviser’s earlier promise made in London. He accused certain parties of attempting to stall the election by announcing candidates while simultaneously pushing programs to delay it.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing for February. The party’s Assistant Secretary General, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, emphasized that “there can be no solution without the legal basis of the July Charter.”
Adding to the momentum, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman recently declared in London that the national election will be held before Ramadan. Earlier, on August 5, marking the anniversary of the mass uprising, the Chief Adviser reiterated that the polls would indeed take place in the first half of February.
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.
Closing arguments in the July-August atrocities case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others began on Sunday (October 12) at the International Crimes Tribunal-1. The prosecution’s argument session is being broadcast live.
A total of 54 witnesses have testified in the case, including investigation officer Md. Alamgir. He stated that over the past 15 years, the government led by Sheikh Hasina allegedly sought to maintain power through enforced disappearances, killings, torture, and repression of political opposition.
According to the investigation, during the July-August protests, killings occurred at 438 locations across 41 districts, while lethal weapons were used in more than 50 districts. Official data indicates that law enforcement fired approximately 305,000 rounds of ammunition to suppress the movement.
Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim said that the presentation of arguments marks the final stage of the war crimes trial. Once completed, the case will be kept awaiting verdict.
A controversy has erupted in Rangpur’s Pirganj constituency after National Citizen Party (NCP) nomination-seeker Takiya Jahan Chowdhury put up posters seeking votes under the “Shapla” (water lily) symbol — before the Election Commission (EC) officially allocated party symbols.
Posters across Pirganj upazila feature her photo and the message: “Takiya Jahan Chowdhury, NCP candidate for Rangpur-6 (Pirganj), seeks your support and prayers under the Shapla mark.”
Takiya Jahan defended the move, saying, “The posters were printed before any dispute over the election symbol arose. They were put up by mistake.”
The NCP has reportedly been in discussions with the Election Commission regarding its preferred symbol, as the dispute over official allocation remains unresolved.
Party sources said Takiya Jahan is not a formal member but has been actively participating in political programs since the fall of the Awami League government during the mass uprising on August 5.
NCP Joint Chief Organizer (North) Asadullah Al Galib said, “She is a supporter, not yet a member. Many are promoting themselves as potential candidates. People already associate the NCP with the Shapla symbol, so it’s hard to restrict such campaigns.”
Takiya Jahan had previously contested the 12th national elections from the same constituency as an independent candidate.
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