79.46% MPs in 13th Parliament Are Millionaires; Major Parties Lead in Spending Limit Violations
The 13th National Parliament has effectively been formed with a dominance of wealthy representatives, according to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). The organisation’s observations show that 79.46 percent of the newly elected Members of Parliament are millionaires, amounting to 236 individuals. Among them, 13 are worth over one hundred crore taka. This calculation is based on the declared current value of movable and immovable assets.
21.4% Ballot Fraud Detected; Questions Remain Over Inclusiveness of Awami League-Free Election
Although the recently held 13th National Parliamentary Election was described as “acceptable in terms of fairness and competitiveness,” the question of how “inclusive” the election was, given the exclusion of the Awami League, may become more pronounced, said Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
‘7 Killed, 350 Injured’ in Post-Election Violence Across the Country
Since the announcement of the 13th Parliamentary election results, the Human Rights and Culture Foundation (MSF) has reported incidents of violence in at least 26 districts across Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Incoming Government Must Safeguard Press Freedom, CPJ Says
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Bangladesh’s incoming government to uphold constitutional guarantees of press freedom and take immediate measures to protect journalists.
Dragged and Burned: Bangladesh Garment Worker Lynched, Shocking the World
A BBC report has detailed the brutal killing of 28-year-old garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched and burned by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on 18 December after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad.
Participation of disabled and minority voters was limited
Although the overall process surrounding the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum remained largely peaceful, four civil society organisations have expressed concern over various limitations faced by marginalised communities in exercising their voting rights and the rise in post-election violence. Representatives of the organisations presented their preliminary observations at a joint press conference held at The Westin Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Rights Group ASK Seeks Restraint Amid Post-Poll Unrest
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) on Sunday expressed deep concern over incidents of violence, deaths, and attacks on political opponents following the national election and referendum, calling on political parties to exercise restraint and urging the relevant authorities to ensure accountability.
Experts divided over legality of MPs’ second oath
Legal experts have expressed sharply differing opinions on whether lawmakers can legally take a second oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council in addition to their parliamentary oath.
Can Bangladesh Forge Better Relations with India Under Tarique Rahman’s Leadership?
After winning a landslide victory in Thursday’s general election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman has drawn a measuredly warm response from New Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 60‑year‑old BNP leader on his party’s historic triumph and reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive neighbor. He also expressed his hope to work closely to strengthen multifaceted ties between the two countries.
MPs’ Oath at 10 AM, Cabinet Ministers’ Oath at 4 PM on Tuesday
The oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of parliament (MPs) will be held on Tuesday (February 17) at 10:00 AM at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building in the capital. On the same day, at 4:00 PM, the oath-taking of cabinet members will take place at the same venue, according to Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.