BNP Alliance Takes Early Lead in 13th Parliamentary Polls; Key Wins in Bogura-6 and Dhaka-15
As counting continues in the 13th National Parliament election, unofficial results from 164 constituencies indicate a strong lead for the BNP-led alliance. According to the latest available figures, the BNP alliance has secured 125 seats, while the Jamaat-led alliance has won 38 seats. One seat has gone to an independent candidate. Final official confirmation from the Election Commission is still pending.
Sheikh Hasina Thanks the Nation for Boycotting the Vote, Demands Participatory and Free Elections
Describing the 13th National Parliament election as a “well-planned farce” and a “fraudulent arrangement,” former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has demanded the immediate cancellation of the election and the arrangement of a new vote under a neutral caretaker government. She made these remarks in a written statement after the voting held on Thursday.
Attempt to Snatch Ballot Papers After Crude Bomb Explosion, Voting Suspended
An attempt to carry out an attack was made by detonating crude bombs at the field of the Alinagar School and College polling center in Bhola Sadar upazila. As a result, voting at that center has been temporarily suspended.
Special Preparations in Hospitals Nationwide, Including the Capital, Amid Fears of Election-Related Violence
Special preparations have been taken at government and private hospitals across the country centering on today’s National Parliament election. In light of the 10-point directive issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), emergency measures have been strengthened at healthcare institutions nationwide, including in the capital.
Ballot Paper Without the Boat Symbol After 30 Years
One of the country’s oldest political parties, the Awami League, boycotted the election twice; and this time, due to the suspension of its registration, it did not get the opportunity to contest at all. As a result, the boat symbol is not even on the postal ballot.
ASK Reports Surge in Political Violence and Journalist Harassment Ahead of Elections
Incidents of political violence and harassment of journalists have been rising ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections scheduled for tomorrow, according to the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
14 Years Since the Sagar–Runi Murder: No Progress Even Under the Interim Government
Fourteen years have passed since the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi. They were killed on the night of February 11, 2012, at their residence in West Rajabazar, Dhaka. Despite the passage of a long time, it has not been possible to identify the motive behind this high-profile double murder or the real perpetrators. The date for submitting the investigation report has been deferred 124 times so far. The case is currently being investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).
Bangladesh Must Purchase U.S. Agricultural Products Worth 42 Thousand Crore Taka Annually
Discussions have begun in the country regarding the recently signed reciprocal tariff-related trade agreement with the United States. Under the agreement, garments made from U.S. cotton will receive duty-free access to the U.S. market. At the same time, the reciprocal tariff imposed on Bangladesh has been reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent. However, in return, Bangladesh will have to purchase agricultural products worth 42 thousand crore taka annually. In other words, in the name of tariff concessions, a new pressure has actually been created on Bangladesh.
Editors’ Council Expresses Alarm Over Army’s Entry Into Media Office
The Editors’ Council has voiced serious concern over recent incidents of intimidation and harassment targeting journalists and media organisations, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to press freedom and the democratic process ahead of the upcoming national elections.
77% of People Unaware of What the July Charter Contains: Survey
Reforms are being carried out based on the much-discussed July National Charter. The charter will be implemented if the upcoming referendum is won. However, most people do not know what the July Charter contains. This figure stands at 77.2 percent. In contrast, 37.2 percent of people said they know what is included in the July Charter. Even within this group, disparities exist. These findings emerged from the pre-election public perception survey conducted by the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) and Youth for Policy.