Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Slams Upcoming Bangladesh Elections, Questions Legitimacy of Interim Government

As Bangladesh moves forward with its national elections, the country’s political landscape remains deeply contested. In an exclusive interview published by The Pioneer, the former Prime Minister delivered a strong and comprehensive critique of the current electoral process, describing it as fundamentally lacking democratic legitimacy and warning of long-term consequences for the nation’s constitutional order.

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.”

No Election Atmosphere in the Hills Competition and Participation Fade in the Absence of Regional Parties

While other districts of the country are witnessing campaign activities, posters, banners, and rallies centered around the National Parliamentary Election, the picture in the three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban is completely different. There is no electoral heat here, nor any indication of strong competition.

14 Years Since the Sagar–Runi Murder: No Progress Even Under the Interim Government

Fourteen years have passed since the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi. They were killed on the night of February 11, 2012, at their residence in West Rajabazar, Dhaka. Despite the passage of a long time, it has not been possible to identify the motive behind this high-profile double murder or the real perpetrators. The date for submitting the investigation report has been deferred 124 times so far. The case is currently being investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).

Deception in the Name of Tariff Concessions Bangladesh Must Purchase U.S. Agricultural Products Worth 42 Thousand Crore Taka Annually

Discussions have begun in the country regarding the recently signed reciprocal tariff-related trade agreement with the United States. Under the agreement, garments made from U.S. cotton will receive duty-free access to the U.S. market. At the same time, the reciprocal tariff imposed on Bangladesh has been reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent. However, in return, Bangladesh will have to purchase agricultural products worth 42 thousand crore taka annually. In other words, in the name of tariff concessions, a new pressure has actually been created on Bangladesh.

77% of People Unaware of What the July Charter Contains: Survey

Reforms are being carried out based on the much-discussed July National Charter. The charter will be implemented if the upcoming referendum is won. However, most people do not know what the July Charter contains. This figure stands at 77.2 percent. In contrast, 37.2 percent of people said they know what is included in the July Charter. Even within this group, disparities exist. These findings emerged from the pre-election public perception survey conducted by the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) and Youth for Policy.

Dhaka University Teachers: Election Not Acceptable Without All Parties

Ahead of the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, the Dhaka University teachers’ organization ‘Blue Group’ has stated that no election or referendum will be acceptable to the nation without the participation of all political parties. The organization expressed this concern and demand in a press release on Monday, February 9, 2026.

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.

No Real Improvement in Bangladesh’s Corruption Ranking Due to Reform Inaction: TIB

Bangladesh ranks 13th among the world’s most corrupt countries. With a score of 24 out of 100, Bangladesh stands at 13th position among 182 countries. In terms of overall ranking, Bangladesh is placed 150th. Last year, Bangladesh was ranked 14th.