Violence Against Women, Children, and Minorities Rising in Bangladesh Ahead of Election
Ahead of the upcoming national election scheduled for 12 February, violence against women, girls, and religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh has increased at an alarming rate, according to the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW).
An Election Cannot Be Called Democratic Without All Parties
Four British Members of Parliament have called for Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election to be inclusive. They said that no election can be described as “democratic” if all political parties do not participate.
EU Observer Chief: A Participatory Election Means Inclusion of All
The head of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission, Dr. Ivars Ijabs, has said, “A participatory election means the participation of everyone.” However, clarifying that holding or observing a referendum is outside the EU’s mandate, he made it clear that the EU will remain limited to observing parliamentary elections only.
Rule Issued Over JP, NDF Election Participation
The High Court has issued a rule asking the concerned parties to explain why the candidacies of candidates from the Jatiya Party (GM Quader), a faction of the Jatiya Party led by Anisul Islam Mahmud, and the National Democratic Front (NDF) led by JP Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju should not be declared illegal in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Voting Suspended in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 Constituencies
Due to a court order related to boundary complications, the Election Commission has directed the suspension of voting in two constituencies of Pabna.
Where Are Women in the Election Battle? Have Parties Honored Their Commitments?
As part of the interim government’s initiative for state reform to bring the country back to a democratic path, it was stated that in the 13th parliamentary election, political parties would nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the existing 300 parliamentary constituencies. Have the parties complied with this commitment?
TIB Calls for Cancellation of ‘Discriminatory’ Decision to Bear Foreign Observers’ Expenses
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has demanded the cancellation of the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to bear the accommodation and food expenses of foreign observers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The organization stated that the decision is imprudent, discriminatory, and creates a conflict of interest, which goes against the principles of impartial election observation.
Jamaat-e-Islami Warns of Risk of “Rigged Election” Ahead of February 12 Polls
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, has alleged that the government and law enforcement agencies have been “leaning towards a particular political party” for some time. He believes this has created concern that the February 12 election may turn into a “rigged election.”
Awami League Introduces “No Boat, No Vote” Slogan After Sheikh Hasina Orders Election Boycott
Voters of the Awami League will not go to polling booths in Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary election. Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has instructed party leaders to explain to activists and supporters so that they do not go to polling stations on election day.
High Court Petition Challenges Validity of Bangladesh’s National Election and Referendum Schedule
On the same day, a writ petition was filed in the High Court challenging the validity of the schedule for the national parliament elections and the referendum.