Army expects law and order to normalize if election is held

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Bangladesh Army today said the law and order situation will return to normalcy if the planned national election in February is held, paving ways for their return to barracks. “Like the country’s people, Bangladesh Army is expecting a free, fair, impartial and festive election as per government outline,” Army Training and Doctrine Command’s (ARTDOC) general officer commanding Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman told a media briefing at Dhaka Cantonment. He said the army would extend its full assistance for the polls adding the military was now taking election preparedness in the light of the extent of polls roadmap unveiled so far. “We believe the election will solidify the country’s stability, normalize the law and order and then the army could go back cantonments,” Rahman said. The army is now deployed in the field in aid to civil power. Rahman said a free, fair, and acceptable election is essential for the overall peace, stability, and progress of the country. “The army is ready to provide maximum cooperation and fulfill its responsibilities in achieving that goal,” he assured. Rahman also revealed that 90,000 to 100,000 soldiers will be deployed nationwide during the upcoming elections — a figure significantly higher than in any previous election period. He said some vested groups were spreading false and fabricated propaganda to question the army’s integrity. “I want to assure the countrymen that every member of the army is loyal and trustworthy to the army chief and the army’s senior leadership. Our army members are more united than ever before, and our sense of brotherhood is stronger,” he said. “So we say to everyone- let’s leave behind the propaganda on social media and move forward together,” he said, adding that the army has duly fulfilled its responsibilities and will continue to do so in the future. He continued that the Bangladesh Army remains firm, professional, and committed to national service despite facing challenges during continuous field deployment over the past 15 months. He expressed hope that an acceptable national election will soon allow the army to return to its regular training and modernization activities. “In peacetime, the main responsibility of the army is to prepare for war. We always say- ‘We train as we fight,’ meaning we train the way we fight”, he said.

TIB calls for revisions to draft Police Commission Ordinance 2025

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the government to comprehensively revise the draft Police Commission Ordinance, 2025, finalized by the interim government, to ensure the genuine independence and effectiveness of the long-awaited Independent Police Commission. Based on a clause-by-clause review of the draft obtained from reliable sources, TIB has identified several issues that pose serious risks to the commission’s independence and functionality, along with relevant recommendations for reform, according to a press release on Wednesday. The organization warned that if left unaddressed, the ordinance could pave the way for government control over the commission and turn it into a workplace for former bureaucrats and police officials. Although the draft has not been officially published by the government, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, referring to the version obtained from credible sources, pointed out risks regarding the composition of the selection committee and the commission, recruitment, and financial independence. He said: “The proposed inclusion of one retired bureaucrat and two police officials among the seven members of the commission risks transforming the body into a center that rewards past loyalty and brings it under the control of the government’s executive branch.” He added: “In line with international best practices, the provision allowing former or current bureaucrats and police officers to serve as members must be abolished. Instead, the commission should be composed of impartial experts in law, justice, law enforcement, human rights, and good governance, including university teachers and researchers.” Iftekharuzzaman also said: “To safeguard the commission’s independence and effectiveness, the provision requiring government approval for staff recruitment must be abolished, and full authority over recruitment should be vested in the commission.” “Furthermore, appointments on deputation should be made only based on the commission’s recommendation and approval, which must not exceed ten percent of total positions. If the government proposes the deputation of any public official and the commission disagrees, the commission’s decision should prevail,” he added. Emphasizing the need to appoint individuals who have set a precedent of neutrality, human rights protection, honesty, and integrity in their professional lives, the TIB executive director said: “The provision allowing a retired police officer to serve as the member-secretary of the commission must be repealed, and the authority to recruit all staff, including the secretary, should rest entirely with the commission through an open and competitive process.” He added: “The ordinance should also stipulate that the secretary’s rank and salary will be equivalent to that of a government secretary. In addition to serving as the commission’s chief executive officer, the secretary should, by virtue of office, act as a non-voting member of the commission — a clause that would be logical to include.” He also said: “Furthermore, the ordinance must clearly specify how a citizen with proven experience in human rights protection and the promotion of good governance will be included as a member of the selection committee. TIB also calls for incorporating a provision requiring the public disclosure of the final list of all candidates recommended by the selection committee.” It is essential to include a clause granting the commission the authority to make necessary recommendations and provide guidance to the government for the formulation or amendment of laws, rules, and policies related to police operations, as well as security, intelligence, and surveillance agencies, in order to clarify professional standards and the scope of work and ensure human rights and sensitivity. The statement further recommended including a clause requiring the government, within six months of the commission’s establishment, to prepare and enact a modern Police Act—drawing on the positive elements of the long-shelved draft Police Ordinance 2007—to replace the colonial-era law. To ensure financial independence and transparency, TIB demanded the inclusion of a clause stipulating that “the government shall ensure allocation of the budget requested by the commission, and the commission shall publish its annual audited expenditure report on its website within seven working days of submission.”

ACC sues Joy, Putul, 6 others over CRI scam

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) today filed a case against eight individuals, including Centre for Research and Information (CRI) chairman Sajeeb Wazed Joy and vice-chairperson Saima Wazed Putul, for alleged tax evasion, embezzlement of state funds, and money laundering linked to implementing political agendas. ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain disclosed the development during a regular press briefing here. Others named in the case include Radwan Mujib Siddiq, a trustee of CRI and son of Sheikh Rehana; former State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, also a trustee board member; CRI Executive Director Sabbir Bin Shams; National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Rowshan Ara Akhter; former NBR chairman Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiya and former Finance Minister ANH Mustafa Kamal. According to the ACC, the accused allegedly misused provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance-1984 to grant CRI tax exemptions despite the organisation not being registered with the Department of Social Services. The commission said CRI, claiming to be a non-profit working for public welfare, unlawfully received tax benefits, resulting in financial losses to the government. The inquiry also found that the accused pressured and lobbied various institutions to obtain grants, with CRI reportedly receiving Tk 45.35 crore from 23 companies. Between the 2013-2014 and 2023-2024 fiscal years, the organisation reportedly earned Tk 100.31 crore, with a shortfall of Tk 15.68 crore after deducting legitimate expenditures. The ACC further stated that CRI conducted suspicious financial transactions totaling Tk 439.07 crore through 25 bank accounts, of which Tk 247.85 crore was deposited and Tk 191.21 crore withdrawn. Non-payment of Tk 36.52 lakh in income tax was also noted as a violation of section 11(B) of part-B of schedule-6 of the Income Tax Ordinance-1984. The commission added that the transfer, conversion, and misappropriation of these funds constituted money laundering under the Money Laundering Prevention Act-2012. The case was filed under section 409/109 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, section 5(2) of the Corruption Prevention Act-1947, and sub-sections two and three of section 4 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act-2012.

‘July warriors’ inclusion in media to bring qualitative change’

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam has said if the July warriors and participants in the mass uprising join the media network, then it would bring about a qualitative change in this profession. Mahfuj made this remark today while addressing the closing and certificate distribution ceremony of the “Investigative Journalism Training for July Warriors” at the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMCO) in the capital, said a press release. Calling upon the participants of the July mass uprising to join the media, the Information Adviser said it is essential for the July warriors to engage in the media for the sake of the nation. He added that to bring about a positive transformation in the media, the July warriors must accept the challenge. Mahfuj Alam stated that, “Still now, there are people from the Awami League who are in the media. They may not be visible in open eye, but most of the people in the second or third layers of the media are followers of the Awami League. They are trying in various ways to destabilize the country.” Highlighting the initiatives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for the July warriors, he said that under the ministry’s supervision, the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMCO) and the Bangladesh Cinema and Television Institute (BCTI) are providing training for July warriors and members of the families of the martyrs of the mass uprising. By December, at least 300 July warriors and members of martyrs’ families will receive training in journalism and film studies. The Adviser expressed the hope that the next elected government would continue this training initiative out of moral responsibility. He also urged the July warriors, members of the martyred families, and participants in the mass uprising to join the ongoing journalism and film-related training programs implemented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Addressing the July warriors, he said, “In spirit, thought, and motivation, you are July warriors. But, in your professional life, the ‘July warrior’ identity must not overshadow your creative work. Your professional role should be in favour of truth, Bangladesh, and its sovereignty.” He also called on them to apply the knowledge gained through training in their professional fields. The event was presided over by NIMCO Director General Nur Md. Mahbubul Haque. NIMCO Deputy Directors Mohammad Abu Sadek and Sumona Parveen also spoke at the event. Training participants Aminul Islam Imon and Soheli Tamanna shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the Information Adviser for organizing the timely and relevant training program. The event was conducted by Institute Assistant Director Tanzim Tamanna. At the end of the program, certificates were awarded to some 16 July warriors who completed the training. Officials of the National Institute of Mass Communication were also present.

BNP names 237 election candidates, including Khaleda, Tarique

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has released a list of probable candidates for 237 constituencies to contest the upcoming 11th parliamentary election, out of the 300 seats in the National Parliament. Candidates for the remaining 63 seats have not yet been announced, as the party has reserved those constituencies for its alliance partners. At a press conference held on Monday evening at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir unveiled the list. Earlier at 12:30pm, a meeting of the BNP’s National Standing Committee was held at the same venue to finalize the list of candidates. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the meeting virtually from London and presided over the session. After a continuous three-and-a-half-hour meeting, Mirza Fakhrul briefed the media regarding the finalized list. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will contest from Feni-1, Bogra-7, and Dinajpur-3 constituencies. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will contest from Thakurgaon-1. However, the list does not include the names of several senior party leaders, including Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Rumeen Farhana. Apart from party leaders, the BNP also announced the name of Sanjida Tuli, coordinator of the organization Mayer Daak—a platform for families of victims of enforced disappearance—as a candidate from Dhaka-14. Before unveiling the list, Mirza Fakhrul told reporters: “Today we are announcing the names of probable candidates for 237 constituencies. After this, we will hold discussions with our alliance partners who participated in the movement with us, and finalize candidates for the remaining seats. Some of the announced constituencies may also be revised. We want to make it clear that this is our list of probable candidates.” Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami had announced its candidate list four months earlier. Subsequently, Islamic Movement Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Ganatantrik Mancha, AB Party, LDP, and most recently the Labour Party, have all released their respective lists of candidates. Photo: Dhaka Tribune At the press conference, BNP Standing Committee members Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and AZM Zahid Hossain, along with several organizational and joint secretaries, were present. Who are the BNP candidates? RANGPUR DIVISION Panchagarh-1: Barrister Mohammad Naushad; Panchagarh-2: Farhad Hossain Azad; Thakurgaon-1: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir; Thakurgaon-2: (To be decided); Thakurgaon-3: Mohammad Zahidur Rahman Zahid; Dinajpur-1: Mohammad Manjurul Islam; Dinajpur-2: Mohammad Sadiq Riaz; Dinajpur-3: Begum Khaleda Zia; Dinajpur-4: Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman Mia; Dinajpur-5: (On hold); Dinajpur-6: Professor AZM Zahid Hossain; Nilphamari-1: (On hold); Nilphamari-2: HM Mohammad Saifullah Rubel; Nilphamari-3: (On hold); Nilphamari-4: Mohammad Abdul Gafur Sarkar; Lalmonirhat-1: Mohammad Hasan Rajib Pradhan; Lalmonirhat-2: (On hold); Lalmonirhat-3: Asadul Habib Dulu. Rangpur-1: Mokarram Hossain Sujon; Rangpur-2: Mohammad Ali Sarkar; Rangpur-3: Shamsuzzaman Shamu; Rangpur-4: Mohammad Emdadul Haque Bhorsa; Rangpur-5: Mohammad Golam Rabbani; Rangpur-6: Mohammad Saiful Islam; Kurigram-1: Saiful Islam Rana; Kurigram-2: Mohammad Sohel Hossain; Kurigram-3: Tajul Islam; Kurigram-4: Mohammad Azizur Rahman; Gaibandha-1: Khandaker Ziaul Islam; Gaibandha-2: Anisuzzaman Khan Babu; Gaibandha-3: Professor Dr. Mohammad Mainul Hasan Sadiq; Gaibandha-4: Mohammad Shamim Kaiser; Gaibandha-5: Mohammad Faruk Alam Sarkar. RAJSHAHI DIVISION Joypurhat-1: Mohammad Masud Rana Pradhan; Joypurhat-2: Abdul Bari; Bogra-1: Kazi Rafiqul Islam; Bogra-3: Abdul Mohit Talukder; Bogra-4: Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain; Bogra-5: Mohammad Golam Mohammad Siraj; Bogra-6: Tarique Rahman; Bogra-7: Begum Khaleda Zia; Chapainawabganj-1: Mohammad Shahjahan Mia; Chapainawabganj-2: Mohammad Aminul Islam; Chapainawabganj-3: Mohammad Harunur Rashid. Naogaon-1: Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman; Naogaon-2: Mohammad Shamsuzzoh Khan; Naogaon-3: Mohammad Fazle Huda Babul; Naogaon-4: Ikramul Bari Tipu; Naogaon-5: (On hold); Naogaon-6: Mohammad Sheikh Mohammad Rezaul Islam; Rajshahi-1: Mohammad Sharif Uddin; Rajshahi-2: Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Minu; Rajshahi-3: Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon; Rajshahi-4: DMD Ziaur Rahman; Rajshahi-5: Professor Nazrul Islam; Rajshahi-6: Abu Sayeed Chand. Natore-1: Farzana Sharmin; Natore-2: Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu; Natore-3: (On hold); Natore-4: Mahmud Abdul Aziz; Sirajganj-1: (On hold); Sirajganj-2: Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku; Sirajganj-3: VP Ainul Haque; Sirajganj-4: M. Akbar Ali; Sirajganj-5: Mohammad Amirul Islam Khan; Sirajganj-6: MA Muhit; Pabna-1: (On hold); Pabna-2: AKM Selim Reza Habib; Pabna-3: Mohammad Hasan Zafir Tuhin; Pabna-4: Habibur Rahman Habib; Pabna-5: Mohammad Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas. KHULNA DIVISION Meherpur-1: Masud Arun; Meherpur-2: Mohammad Amzad Hossain; Kushtia-1: Reza Ahmad; Kushtia-2: Ragib Rauf Chowdhury; Kushtia-3: Mohammad Zakir Hossain Sarkar; Kushtia-4: Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi; Chuadanga-1: Mohammad Sharifuzzaman; Chuadanga-2: Mahmud Hasan Khan; Jhenaidah-1: (On hold); Jhenaidah-2: (On hold); Jhenaidah-3: Mohammad Mehedi Hasan; Jhenaidah-4: (To be announced); Jashore-1: Mohammad Mafidul Hasan Tripti; Jashore-2: Mohammad Sabira Sultana; Jashore-3: Anindya Islam Amit; Jashore-4: TS Aiyub; Jashore-5: (On hold); Jashore-6: Kazi Raonakul Islam; Magura-1: Mohammad Monowar Hossain; Magura-2: Nitai Roy Chowdhury; Narail-1: Bishwas Jahangir Alam; Narail-2: (On hold). Bagerhat-1: (On hold); Bagerhat-2: (On hold); Bagerhat-3: (On hold); Khulna-1: (On hold); Khulna-2: Nazrul Islam Manju; Khulna-3: Rakibul Islam Bakul; Khulna-4: Azizul Bari Helal; Khulna-5: Mohammad Ali Asgar; Khulna-6: Monirul Hasan Bappi; Satkhira-1: Habibul Islam Habib; Satkhira-2: Abdur Rauf; Satkhira-3: Kazi Alauddin; Satkhira-4: Mohammad Moniruzzaman. BARISAL DIVISION Barguna-1: Mohammad Nazrul Islam Molla; Barguna-2: Nurul Islam Moni; Patuakhali-1: Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury; Patuakhali-2: (On hold); Patuakhali-3: (On hold); Patuakhali-4: ABM Mosharraf Hossain; Bhola-1: Golam Nabi Alamgir; Bhola-2: Mohammad Hafiz Ibrahim; Bhola-3: Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram; Bhola-4: Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayon; Barisal-1: Zahir Uddin Swapan; Barisal-2: Sardar Saifuddin Ahmed Santu; Barisal-3: (To be decided); Barisal-4: Mohammad Rajib Hasan; Barisal-5: Mohammad Mujibur Rahman Sarwar; Barisal-6: Abul Hossain Khan; Jhalokathi-1: (To be decided); Jhalokathi-2: Ishrat Sultana Elen Bhutto; Pirojpur-1: (To be decided); Pirojpur-2: Ahmed Sohel Manzur; Pirojpur-3: Mohammad Ruhul Amin Dulal DHAKA AND MYMENSINGH DIVISIONS Tangail-1: Fakir Mahbub Alam Swapan; Tangail-2: Abdus Salam Pintu; Tangail-3: ASM Obaidul Haque Nasir; Tangail-4: Mohammad Lutfar Rahman Matin; Tangail-5: (On hold); Tangail-6: Rabiul Awal Lablu; Tangail-7: Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqi; Tangail-8: Ahmed Azam Khan; Jamalpur-1: M. Rashiduzzaman Millat; Jamalpur-2: Sultan Mahmud Babu; Jamalpur-3: Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Babul; Jamalpur-4: Mohammad Faridul Kabir Talukder Shamim; Jamalpur-5: Mohammad Wares Ali Mamun; Sherpur-1: Sansila Zebrin; Sherpur-2: Mohammad Fahim Chowdhury; Sherpur-3: Mohammad Mahmudul Haque Rubel. Mymensingh-1: Syed Imran Saleh; Mymensingh-2: Motahar Hossain Talukder; Mymensingh-3: M. Iqbal Hossain; Mymensingh-4: (On hold); Mymensingh-5: Mohammad Zakir Hossain; Mymensingh-6: Mohammad Akhtarul Alam; Mymensingh-7: Dr. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman; Mymensingh-8: Lutfullah El Majed; Mymensingh-9: Yasser Khan Chowdhury; Mymensingh-10: (On hold); Mymensingh-11: Fakhruddin Ahmed; Netrakona-1: Barrister Kaiser Kamal; Netrakona-2: Mohammad Anwarul Haque; Netrakona-3: Rafiqul Islam Hilali; Netrakona-4: Mohadduza Babor; Netrakona-5: Abu Taher Talukder; Kishoreganj-1: (On hold); Kishoreganj-2: Advocate Mohammad Jalal Uddin; Kishoreganj-3: Dr. Osman Faruk; Kishoreganj-4: Mohammad Fazlur Rahman; Kishoreganj-5: (On hold); Kishoreganj-6: Mohammad Shariful Alam` Manikganj-1: (On hold); Manikganj-2: Mainul Islam Khan; Manikganj-3: Afroza Khan Rita; Munshiganj-1: Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah; Munshiganj-2: Mizanur Rahman Sinha; Munshiganj-3: (On hold); Dhaka-1: Khandaker Abu Ashfaq; Dhaka-2: Amanullah Aman; Dhaka-3: Gayeshwar Chandra Roy; Dhaka-4: Tanvir Ahmed Robin; Dhaka-5: Nabiullah Nabi; Dhaka-6: Ishraq Hossain; Dhaka-7: (On hold); Dhaka-8: Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed; Dhaka-9: (On hold); Dhaka-10: (On hold); Dhaka-11: MA Kaiyum; Dhaka-12: Saiful Alam Nirab; Dhaka-13: (On hold); Dhaka-14: Sajida Islam Tuli; Dhaka-15: Shafiqul Islam Khan; Dhaka-16: Aminul Haque; Dhaka-17: (On hold); Dhaka-18: (On hold); Dhaka-19: Dr. Dewan Mohammad Salauddin; Dhaka-20: (On hold). Gazipur-1: (On hold); Gazipur-2: Manzurul Karim Rony; Gazipur-3: Professor Dr. SM Rafiqul Islam Bacchu; Gazipur-4: Shah Riazul Hannan; Gazipur-5: Fazlul Haque Milon; Narsingdi-1: Khayrul Kabir Khokon; Narsingdi-2: Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan; Narsingdi-3: (On hold); Narsingdi-4: Sardar Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain; Narsingdi-5: Engineer Mohammad Ashrafuddin Bakul; Narayanganj-1: Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu; Narayanganj-2: Nazrul Islam Azad; Narayanganj-3: Mohammad Azharul Islam Mannan; Narayanganj-4: (On hold); Narayanganj-5: Mohammad Masuduzzaman. Rajbari-1: Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam; Rajbari-2: (On hold); Faridpur-1: (On hold); Faridpur-2: Shama Obaid Islam; Faridpur-3: Nayab Yusuf Ahmed; Faridpur-4: Shahidul Islam Babul; Gopalganj-1: Mohammad Selimuzzaman Molla; Gopalganj-2: Dr. KM Babor Ali; Gopalganj-3: SM Jilani; Madaripur-1: Kamal Zaman Molla; Madaripur-2: (On hold); Madaripur-3: Anisur Rahman; Shariatpur-1: Syed Ahmed Aslam; Shariatpur-2: Shafiqul Rahman Kiran; Shariatpur-3: Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu. SYLHET DIVISION Sunamganj-1: Anisul Haque; Sunamganj-2: (To be announced); Sunamganj-3: Mohammad Kaiser Ahmed; Sunamganj-4: (To be announced); Sunamganj-5: Kalimuddin Milon; Sylhet-1: Khandaker Abdul Muktadir Chowdhury; Sylhet-2: Mosammat Tahsina Rushdir; Sylhet-3: Mohammad Abdul Malek; Sylhet-4: (To be announced); Sylhet-5: (To be announced); Sylhet-6: Imran Ahmed Chowdhury; Moulvibazar-1: Nasiruddin Ahmed Mithu; Moulvibazar-2: Shawkat Hossain Shaku; Moulvibazar-3: Naser Rahman; Moulvibazar-4: Mohammad Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury; Habiganj-1: (To be announced); Habiganj-2: Abu Monsur Shakhawat Hasan Jibon; Habiganj-3: Alhaj Mohammad GK Gaus; Habiganj-4: SM Faisal. CHITTAGONG DIVISION Brahmanbaria-1: M. Hannan; Brahmanbaria-2: (To be announced); Brahmanbaria-3: Khaled Hossain Mahbub; Brahmanbaria-4: Mushfiqur Rahman; Brahmanbaria-5: Mohammad Abdul Mannan; Brahmanbaria-6: (To be announced); Comilla-1: Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain; Comilla-2: (To be announced); Comilla-3: Kazi Shah Moazzem Hossain Kaykobad; Comilla-4: Manjurul Islam Munshi; Comilla-5: Mohammad Jasim Uddin; Comilla-6: Mohammad Monirul Haque Chowdhury; Comilla-7: (To be announced); Comilla-8: Zakaria Taher; Comilla-9: Mohammad Abul Kalam; Comilla-10: Mohammad Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan; Comilla-11: Mohammad Kamrul Huda; Chandpur-1: ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon; Chandpur-2: Mohammad Jalal Uddin; Chandpur-3: Sheikh Farid Hossain; Chandpur-4: Mohammad Harun Rashid; Chandpur-5: Mohammad Mominul Haque. Feni-1: Begum Khaleda Zia; Feni-2: Zainal Abedin; Feni-3: Abdul Awal Mintoo; Noakhali-1: Barrister S. Mahbub Uddin; Noakhali-2: Zainal Abdin Faruk; Noakhali-3: Mohammad Barkat Ullah Bulbul; Noakhali-4: Mohammad Shahjahan; Noakhali-5: Mohammad Fakhrul Islam; Noakhali-6: Mahmudur Rahman Shamim; Lakshmipur-1: (To be announced); Lakshmipur-2: Mohammad Abul Khayer Bhuiyan; Lakshmipur-3: Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie; Lakshmipur-4: (To be announced). Chittagong-1: Nurul Amin; Chittagong-2: Sarwar Alamgir; Chittagong-3: (To be announced); Chittagong-4: Kazi Salauddin; Chittagong-5: Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin; Chittagong-6: (To be announced); Chittagong-7: Ummam Kader Chowdhury; Chittagong-8: Ershad Ullah Chittagong-9: (On hold) Chittagong-10: Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury Chittagong-11: (To be announced) Chittagong-12: Mohammad Enamul Haque Chittagong-13: Sarwar Jamal Nizam Chittagong-14: (To be announced) Chittagong-15: (To be announced) Chittagong-16: Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury Pappa Cox`s Bazar-1: Salauddin Ahmed Cox`s Bazar-2: (To be announced) Cox`s Bazar-3: Lutfur Rahman Kajol Cox`s Bazar-4: Shahjahan Chowdhury Khagrachhari: Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan Rangamati: Dipen Dewan Bandarban: Saching Prue.

Law and order very good, election will be fair: Home adviser

Home and Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has expressed optimism that the upcoming national election will be held peacefully and smoothly, citing the country’s highly satisfactory law and order situation. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after inaugurating the foundation stone of a dormitory building in Sirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj around 3pm on Monday. “The current law and order situation is very satisfactory. The administration and law enforcement agencies are working in close coordination. If this situation continues, the election can be conducted very smoothly,” the adviser said. The dormitory building is being constructed under the implementation of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, with overall supervision by the upazila administration.

Testimonies near completion in 3 plot scam cases against Hasina, 46 others

Testimonies in three cases against 47 individuals, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul, over alleged irregularities in the allocation of Rajuk plots, are nearing completion, with 79 witnesses having testified so far. A total of three witnesses testified in two of the three cases at Dhaka Special Judge Court-5. At the end of Monday`s proceedings, Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun adjourned the hearing till Thursday. Of the three cases, the Investigation Officer (IO) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya testified in the case against 12, including Sheikh Hasina. The ACC official was later cross-examined by the defence. The cross-examination, however, has not been concluded on Monday. The IO and ACC Assistant Director, SM Rashedul Hasan, and Rajuk official Tanjillur Rahman testified in the case against 17, including Sheikh Hasina and Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Later, the IO was cross-examined by the defence. The cross examination was not concluded in this case either. Meanwhile, testimony in another case against 18, including Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed Putul, was not held on Monday. "The testimonies in these three cases are nearing the end as the defence is cross-examining the IOs of the two cases against Sheikh Hasina and Joy. Date has also been fixed for recording the deposition of the IO in the case against Sheikh Hasina and Putul. As per the law, with the completion of testimony and cross-examination of the IO, recording depositions the witnesses comes to an end," ACC public prosecutor Delwar Jahan Rumi told BSS. Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 on July 31 framed charges in these three cases and issued arrest warrants against the accused. On the same day, the Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 framed charges in the other three identical cases filed in this connection. Earlier on July 20, Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib forwarded the matters to the trial courts, noting the accused failed to appear despite court orders. On July 1, the court had ordered a gazette notification summoning 100 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana and Sajeeb Wazed Joy. The ACC lodged the six cases between January 12 and 14, 2025, and filed charge sheets on March 10. According to the case details, on January 14, ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin filed a case against eight people, including Sheikh Hasina, over a 10-katha Purbachal plot. Later, a charge sheet was submitted against 12. On the same day, ACC Assistant Director SM Rashedul Hasan filed another case against 15, including Hasina and Joy; the charge sheet was named 17. On January 13, Salahuddin filed another case against 15, including Hasina, Rehana, Radwan Mujib, Tulip Siddiq, and Azmina Siddique, the charge sheet named 17. Another case filed that day accused 16, including Hasina, Tulip, and Azmina, the charge sheet named 18. Yet another case was filed against Radwan Mujib and 15 others; the charge sheet was numbered 18. On January 12, ACC Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya filed a case against 16, including Hasina and Saima Wazed Putul; the charge sheet named 18.

Embassy: 120 Bangladeshis deported from Italy in 2025

A total of 120 Bangladeshis have been sent back from Italy so far this year as part of the country’s measures to combat illegal immigration, according to the Italian Embassy in Dhaka. In a statement on Monday, the embassy said Italian authorities on October 31 repatriated four Bangladeshis who had no legal permission to stay in Italy. Two of them had entered the country by sea from Libya just a month earlier. The embassy said entering Italy through traffickers, intermediaries, or without valid visas is illegal, warning that those caught will be deported immediately. In recent weeks alone, Italian authorities have returned 17 Bangladeshis, some of whom had arrived in the country as recently as September. The embassy said the operation was conducted in full respect of human rights and in cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex. Quoting Italian and European law, the embassy further noted that those deported will be barred from entering Italy and other European Union countries for at least three years.

Live Now

E-Paper

Bangladesh

Army expects law and order to normalize if election is held

TIB calls for revisions to draft Police Commission Ordinance 2025

‘July warriors’ inclusion in media to bring qualitative change’

ACC sues Joy, Putul, 6 others over CRI scam

Worldwide

US treasury secretary signals deal with China on rare earths, soybeans

Russian envoy slams ’attempts’ to disrupt dialogue with US

US warship arrives in Trinidad and Tobago, near Venezuela

Reception for Dance Artist Khangembam Khoni

Business

Appoint July uprising injured to make police people-friendly: Commission

Bangladesh receives $7b remittance in 3 months

JB auctions properties of S Alam group to recover outstanding loans

Islami Bank holds board meeting

Nationwide

Noakhali Municipality 120 km roads bad pitiable condition

Two army officials made ambassadors

EC directs settlement of NID correction applications within 45 days

Students demand advisers from Rangpur and Rajshahi, threaten shutdown

Opinion

Patent Work of Researcher Md Ashraful Alam Redefines the Future of U.S. Healthcare Infrastructure

US Elections: When American dream turns nightmare

US in the Middle East

Latest News
Most Popular

All News

Politics

Proportional electoral system not possible in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka The proportional electoral system, which has come in the spotlight amid discussions of constitutional reform, is not possible in the context of Bangladesh, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said today (13 November). Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Thakurgaon`s Kalibari, he said, "We have rejected this electoral system. This system is not possible in the context of the country." Bangladesh currently uses the First Past the Post, or FPTP, system, where the candidate with the highest votes in an electoral constituency wins. The other system is the Proportional Representation system, where there are no constituency-based candidates. Voters cast their votes for party symbols, and the number of seats a party receives in parliament is determined in proportion to the percentage of votes it secures. At the conference, Fakrhul also urged for patience and unity among the people following AL`s "successful attempts to create divisions". "We want a united nation by removing this division. In a democratic society there can be different opinions. But there must be unity on the basic issues of Bangladesh`s independence — sovereignty, democracy, human rights. "As a nation, we must not be intolerant. It is not possible to remove the garbage of 17 years in 17 days or even 17 months. So, this government should be given time." Fakhrul said, "We have verified that the people want an impartial election with the participation of all. We think that all kinds of reforms are necessary to make this election fair. So we have been saying that elections should be held within a reasonable time. And this roadmap should be given to the government." On the issue of reforms, he said the government would not have to do most of those. "It will be done by a parliament which has been elected." At the conference, Fakhrul also warned that India`s continuous campaign against Bangladesh can pose a great danger. "Now a trend has started on social media. Some are trying to destroy the achievements of Bangladesh. We have to be careful as we cannot meet another disaster right now. There is danger over our heads as the mastermind of fascism is staying in India," he said. After the fall of the Awami League administration, several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have called for the introduction of the PR system in the national parliamentary elections.