Palashbari Awami League President Lipon Dies in Custody After Re-Arrest at Jail Gate
Palashbari Upazila Awami League President and former vice principal Shamikul Islam Sarkar Lipon died after falling critically ill inside Gaibandha District Jail late Sunday night, authorities confirmed. He had been in custody for a prolonged period in connection with a case filed with Gaibandha Sadar Police Station.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy Open to Dialogue, Calls Bangladesh Election a Sham
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy has described Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election as a “sham,” yet emphasized that the door to dialogue remains open in the greater national interest. In an interview with British broadcaster ITV, he said he is prepared to engage with any political force even if Tarique Rahman assumes the office of Prime Minister.
There Were No Voters at the Polling Centers, But Votes Were on the Counting Tables
Sheikh Hasina has termed the national election held on 12 February a “planned fraudulent farce” and demanded the cancellation of the results in an official statement. She alleged that although voter presence at polling centers was low, the number of votes increased abnormally at the counting tables.
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.
Washington Briefing: Election Without Awami League Questioned
At a U.S. congressional briefing, some participants expressed the view that the election set to take place in Bangladesh without the Awami League will be regarded as “questionable.”
Rice Trader, Jubo League Leader Hacked to Death in Trishal Shop
A rice trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh. After killing him, the assailants left the body inside the shop and closed the shutter before fleeing. He was also the President of Hariram Union Ward No. 6 Jubo League of Trishal upazila.
More than 21 political parties are not participating in the election
Ahead of the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, although the Election Commission (EC) is claiming that the vote will be “participatory” and “competitive,” the ground reality is conveying a very different message. Of the 60 registered political parties, at least 21 are not participating in the election as political parties; moreover, due to the banning of activities and suspension of registration, the country’s largest party, the Awami League, is also outside the electoral process.
Election Process Violates Constitution: 707 Lawyers Call for Boycott
A total of 707 lawyers of the Supreme Court have called for a boycott of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election, describing it as directly unconstitutional and an illegal political event. In their words, this is not an election, but rather a staged drama designed to forcibly legitimize the government, where the people’s voting rights have been deliberately buried.
Police Cover Mouth of Former MP Tuhin as She Attempts to Speak
Former Member of Parliament (MP) Sabina Akhter Tuhin, who is currently in jail, was brought to court. After the hearing, she was being taken to the court lock-up. While being taken, the former MP wanted to speak to journalists present in the court premises. At that moment, a female police officer on duty covered her mouth.
Sheikh Hasina Slams February 12 Polls as “Mockery of Democracy,” Warns of Minority Persecution
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised the February 12 elections in Bangladesh, warning that the polls, being held under an unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, threaten the country’s democratic foundations and endanger minorities.