135 Journalists Call for Immediate Suspension of One-Sided Parliamentary Election

A group of 135 journalists working across national and international media outlets has expressed serious concern over the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary election in Bangladesh, saying it risks being one-sided due to the absence of major political parties, including the Awami League. They warned that the results may not be fully accepted domestically or internationally.

In a statement sent to the media on Thursday, the journalists—including senior, veteran, and prominent young reporters—described the February 12 election as contrary to democratic principles. They criticized the interim government for failing to ensure a neutral electoral process and warned that holding the election under the current conditions could push the country further toward political instability.

The journalists urged the authorities to organize a new election with the participation of all political parties. Timour Faruk Tushar, a US-based journalist, signed the statement on behalf of the 135 signatories.

The statement noted that several major political parties, including the Awami League, have been effectively barred from participating. Consequently, the party’s electoral symbol, the “boat,” will not appear on this year’s ballot paper. The journalists emphasized that excluding a symbol preferred by roughly half of the electorate renders the election incomplete and unacceptable, likely triggering political and social crises.

They further warned that holding the election without broad participation could waste public funds and exacerbate national instability, while deepening social and ethnic divisions.

The journalists also raised concerns over the impartiality of the interim government, pointing out evidence of administrative bias in favor of government-backed parties. They said the Election Commission itself lacks independence, claiming appointments appear to follow the interests of specific political groups rather than reflecting the views of all parties.

Signatories stated that conducting the election under the present circumstances would deepen uncertainty instead of consolidating democracy. They issued two main demands:

1. Immediately suspend the current one-sided electoral process.
2. Ensure full participation of all political parties and organize a new, credible election.

The journalists emphasized that only through national unity, dialogue, and inclusive participation can a truly democratic election be held—one that advances political stability and national progress.

Signatories:

1. Molla Jalal, Former President, Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union
2. Syed Bodrul Ahsan, Senior Journalist
3. Farida Yasmin, Former President, National Press Club
4. Manjurul Islam, Senior Journalist
5. Saban Mahmud, Former Secretary General, Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union
6. Abu Zafar Surjo, Former President, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
7. Sohel Haidar Chowdhury, President, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
8. Mohidul Islam Raju, Former General Secretary, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity
9. Syed Borhan Kabir, Editor-in-Chief, Bangla Insider
10. Sajjad Hossain Sabuj, Former Press Minister, Washington DC
11. Ashraf Ali, Joint General Secretary, National Press Club
12. Pulak Ghatak, Former Joint Secretary General, Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union
13. Aktar Hossain, General Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
14. Sharif Shahab Uddin, Former Editor, Bangladesh Post
15. Pronab Sarkar, President, Agartala Press Club
16. Riaz Haider Chowdhury, President, Chattogram Journalists’ Union
17. Ibtisam Nasim Mou, Senior Journalist
18. Rashedul Islam Biplob, President, Journalists’ Union Kushtia
19. Saiduzzaman Samrat, President, Khulna Journalists’ Union
20. J M Rouf, President, Bogura Journalists’ Union
21. Ataur Rahman, President, Gazipur Journalists’ Union
22. Fazlul Bari, Senior Journalist, Sydney, Australia
23. Dastgir Jahangir, US-based Journalist
24. Masuda Bhatti, Senior Journalist
25. Manik Lal Ghosh, Former Vice President, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
26. Khairul Alam, Former Joint General Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
27. Timour Faruk Tushar, Editor, Bengal News24.com
28. Sheikh Jamal, Former Editor, Daily Mukhpatra & Organizational Secretary, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity
29. Amjad Hossain Mintu, General Secretary, Bogura Journalists’ Union
30. Ashekun Nabi Chowdhury, Former Press Minister, London
31. Saiful Islam Dulal, Canada-based Journalist
32. Khandakar Ismail, Canada-based Journalist
33. Falguni Dutta, Senior Journalist, Ekushey TV
34. Sanjid Ahmed, Canada-based Journalist
35. Shamima Akter, Former President, L Reporters Forum
36. Apel Mahmud, Senior Journalist, TBN24
37. Mohammad Shamim, US-based Journalist
38. Ruhul Amin Tuhin, Senior Journalist
39. Kabi Rezaul Karim, Former Finance Secretary, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity
40. Golam Mujtaba Dhrubo, Organizational Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
41. Zakir Hossain Imon, Former President, Dhaka Sub-Editor Council
42. A K M Obaidur Rahman, Former General Secretary, Dhaka Sub-Editor Council
43. Siddikur Rahman, Former General Secretary, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters’ Forum
44. Sajeda Parveen, Former Vice President, BSRF
45. Taufiq Maruf, Senior Journalist
46. Zahirul Haq Tuku, Senior Journalist
47. Syed Anas Pasha, Senior Journalist
48. S M Abul Hossain, Senior Journalist
49. Mahbub Hasan, Senior Journalist
50. Sirajuzzaman, Canada-based Senior Journalist
51. Bani Yasmin Hasi, Editor, Bibarta24.net
52. Asadur Rahman, Law Editor, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
53. Soheli Chowdhury, Treasurer, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
54. Jannatul Ferdous Chowdhury, Office Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
55. Sumi Khan, Former Women’s Affairs Secretary, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity
56. Shahidul Haq Jibon, General Secretary, Television Camera Journalists Association
57. Shamima Akter, Former President, L Reporters Forum
58. Hira Talukdar, Former Vice President, L Reporters Forum
59. Syed Nur-e-Alam, Senior Journalist, New Live in Azerbaijan
60. Sabira Islam, Senior Journalist
61. Rafiqul Islam Pintu, Senior Journalist
62. Kamrul Islam Badal, Senior Journalist, Chattogram
63. Hamid Mohammad Jasim, Secretary, Independent Journalists’ Association
64. Shahidul Hasan Khokon, Freelance Journalist
65. Rezaul Karim Reza, Former Sports & Cultural Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
66. Raju Hamid, Former Publicity & Publications Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
67. F M Shaheen, Editor-in-Chief, Jagoron TV
68. Halima Akter, Former Executive Member, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
69. Farzana Shova, Senior Journalist, Ekushey TV
70. Hakikul Islam Khokon, President, American Press Club of Bangladeshi Origin
71. Sajeda Haq, Executive Member, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
72. Zobayer Chowdhury, Former Welfare Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
73. Mohammad Mamun Sheikh, Publicity & Publications Secretary, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
74. Imran Hasan Tutul, Former Joint General Secretary, Jashore Journalists’ Union
75. Pradip Kumar Chowdhury, Senior Journalist
76. Shafiul Haq, Former President, Bangladesh Journalists’ Association
77. Hosne Ara Momta Islam, Special Correspondent, Channel i
78. Junaid Shahriar, Senior Journalist
79. Mainul Islam, Senior Journalist
80. Mushfiqur Rahman, Senior Journalist
81. Dr. Pradip Roy, Editor, ATN Bangla, Melbourne, Australia
82. Shotdal Talukdar, Reporter, ATN Bangla, Sydney, Australia
83. Surjit Biswas Sumon, Reporter, ATN Bangla, Darwin, Australia
84. Jharna Moni, Former Women’s Affairs Secretary, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity
85. Nawshad Jamil, Poet & Journalist
86. Azahar Mahmud, Senior Journalist
87. Shafiqul Alam Milan, Former Organizational Secretary, Bangladesh Film Journalists’ Association
88. Shahid Rana, Organizational Secretary, Dhaka Sub-Editor Council
89. Anwar Hossain, Former Executive Member, Dhaka Journalists’ Union
90. Shaheen Hasnat, Senior Journalist
91. Ishrafil Hawlader, Editor, eBangla.press
92. Sheikh Kalimulllah Nayon, Senior Journalist
93. Majedul Islam Papel, Former Senior Reporter, BTV
94. Kamrul Islam, Senior Journalist
95. Asaduzzaman Azam, Executive Editor, Deshpokh
96. Waresu Nabi Khandakar, Senior Journalist
97. Rubel Hasan, Senior Video Journalist, Jamuna Television
98. Ramjan Ali, Senior Journalist
99. Rehima Akter, Senior Journalist
100. Enamul Haque Moni, Senior Journalist
101. Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Senior Reporter, Daily Ajker Business Bangladesh
102. Md. Riaz Hossain, General Secretary, Bangladesh Press Club, Italy
103. Imranul Azim Chowdhury, Senior Journalist
104. Gazi Shah Riaz, Former Vice President, Barishal Reporters’ Unity
105. Ishrafil Shaheen, General Secretary, Television Producers Association
106. Utpal Das, Senior Journalist
107. Asaduzzaman Asad, Former General Secretary, Thakurgaon Reporters’ Unity
108. Wahidur Rahman Rubel, Organizational Secretary, Cox’s Bazar Reporters’ Unity
109. Gazi Tushar Ahmed, Senior Journalist
110. Sofiur Rahman, Senior Journalist
111. Haidar Hossain, Editor, Muksudpur Sangbad
112. S K Reza Parvez, Former Chief Reporter, Risingbd.com
113. Ahidul Islam, Senior Journalist
114. Nazmul Hasan Raj, Senior Journalist, Voice of Sydney
115. S M Kamruzzaman Sagar, Senior Journalist
116. Mizanur Rahman Apu, Senior Journalist
117. Shamir Mahmud, UK-based Journalist & Former General Secretary, Sylhet District Press Club
118. Hamid Mohammad, UK-based Poet & Writer
119. Md. Sajidur Rahman, Former President, UK Reporters’ Unity
120. Juel Raj, Editor, BricklaneNews.com
121. Professor Apu Alam, Editor & Publisher, Prabash Bangla (France)
122. Debesh Barua, President, France Bangla Press Club
123. Sohel Mazumdar Shipon, Editor & Publisher, Deshpriyo News (Italy)
124. Khaled Golam Kibria, Advisory Editor, Deshpriyo News (France)
125. Comrade Khondkar, Former General Secretary, Bangladesh Press Club, Italy
126. Salah Uddin, Editor, Spain Bangla News 24
127. Motiar Chowdhury, UK-based Journalist
128. Sujat Monsur, Writer & Journalist
129. Mohammad Maqis Monsur, Chairman, UK BD TV
130. Towhid Fitrar Hossain, Writer & Columnist
131. Azizul Ambia, Daily Joy Bangla
132. Hasanat Kamal, Editor, iNews
133. Md. Suez Mia, CEO, Voice of Tower Hamlets, UK
134. Kamrul I Russell, Reporter, Channel S, UK
135. Saju Laskar, Chief Reporter, Doel TV, Canada