501 Engineers Question Interim Government’s Legitimacy, Call for Election Boycott
A total of 501 engineers, based both in Bangladesh and abroad and identifying themselves as believers in the ideals of the Great Liberation War, have rejected the upcoming national election, describing it as a “sham vote,” and have called for its boycott.
Washington Post: Rising Attacks on Hindu Minorities in Bangladesh Ahead of Election
As the national election draws closer, attacks, killings, and vandalism of places of worship targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh have increased at an alarming rate, according to a report by the U.S. newspaper The Washington Post. The report states that political instability, polarization, the resurgence of Islamist groups, and a culture of impunity are deepening fear and uncertainty among minority communities.
Allocation of 140 Crore in Short Time: Risk of Corruption under the Name of Referendum?
For campaign activities related to the referendum to be held alongside the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, an allocation of BDT 138.57 crore has been given to six ministries Culture, Religious Affairs, Information, Local Government, Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs. Questions have arisen as to how, through which programs, and in what manner the ministries will be able to spend such a large amount of money just 16 days before the election.
Political Violence Intensifies Ahead of Bangladesh Election: 11 Killed, 616 Injured
Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) says that incidents of political violence increased alarmingly in January, reaching a severe level. In just one month, at least 11 people were killed and 616 injured in 75 clashes across the country, directly calling into question the environment for a free and fair election.
Jamaat Wants to Push Bangladesh Toward the Path of Afghanistan: Mirza Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General and Sheaf of Paddy symbol candidate for the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has said that Jamaat-e-Islami wants to push Bangladesh backward and turn it into a state like Afghanistan. He said that Jamaat is standing in the way of women’s equal rights and the vision of building a modern Bangladesh.
Extremist Influence, Foreign Pressure Threaten Bangladesh’s Democracy: Sajeeb Wazed Joy
Speaking at a book launch in Kolkata, Sajeeb Wazed Joy warned that Bangladesh is facing extremist influence and foreign pressure, saying the upcoming election will not be free or fair and could push the country into deeper instability.
Over 90% of Post-August Violence Linked to BNP–Jamaat Forces
A recent study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) reveals that the vast majority of violence incidents that occurred after 5 August were linked to activists and leaders of the main opposition political party. The research, covering the 17-month period from August 2024 to December 2025, found that 91.7% of all documented violent incidents were associated with opposition party members.
Lowest Number of Female Candidates in a Decade and a Half
In Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, women remain severely underrepresented, with only 65 female candidates around 3.5 percent contesting despite women making up nearly half of the electorate, highlighting persistent gender bias within political party nominations and the absence of enforceable legal safeguards.
Sheikh Hasina Seen Healthy and Confident
A delegation of the UK Awami League recently met with former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. The five-member delegation, which traveled from London, held a nearly five-hour-long meeting with Sheikh Hasina on January 21. They returned to the United Kingdom on January 26 after completing their visit.
Sheikh Hasina Comments on Bangladesh’s Upcoming Election While in Exile
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently residing abroad, has expressed her concerns over Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election, highlighting the exclusion of her political party from the electoral process.