Millionaires Dominate the Ballot: 45% Overall, 83% in BNP
The asset profiles of candidates in the 13th National Parliamentary Election indicate a deep structural crisis in Bangladesh’s electoral politics. According to an analysis by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), the number of millionaire candidates in this election has reached 891, the highest in the country’s history.
Nearly Two Thousand Candidates to Contest 13th National Polls
A total of 1,967 candidates will be contesting the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election in 298 constituencies, following the conclusion of the nomination withdrawal period on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission (EC).
Sajeeb Wazed Joy Calls Awami League-Free Election a ‘Staged Drama’ in Al Jazeera Interview
In an interview with Al Jazeera journalist Srinivasan Jain in Washington DC, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, shared his views on Bangladesh’s current political crisis, the July–August 2024 mass uprising, the role of the Awami League, the party’s ban, election boycotts, allegations of violence, and claims of corruption.
Islamic Movement Bangladesh Quits Jamaat-Led Bloc, Citing Ideological Differences
Islamic Movement Bangladesh has announced that it will contest independently in 268 constituencies, ultimately deciding not to join the Jamaat-e-Islami–led electoral alliance.
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.
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.