Participation of disabled and minority voters was limited
Although the overall process surrounding the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum remained largely peaceful, four civil society organisations have expressed concern over various limitations faced by marginalised communities in exercising their voting rights and the rise in post-election violence. Representatives of the organisations presented their preliminary observations at a joint press conference held at The Westin Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Rights Group ASK Seeks Restraint Amid Post-Poll Unrest
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) on Sunday expressed deep concern over incidents of violence, deaths, and attacks on political opponents following the national election and referendum, calling on political parties to exercise restraint and urging the relevant authorities to ensure accountability.
Experts divided over legality of MPs’ second oath
Legal experts have expressed sharply differing opinions on whether lawmakers can legally take a second oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council in addition to their parliamentary oath.
Can Bangladesh Forge Better Relations with India Under Tarique Rahman’s Leadership?
After winning a landslide victory in Thursday’s general election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman has drawn a measuredly warm response from New Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 60‑year‑old BNP leader on his party’s historic triumph and reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive neighbor. He also expressed his hope to work closely to strengthen multifaceted ties between the two countries.
MPs’ Oath at 10 AM, Cabinet Ministers’ Oath at 4 PM on Tuesday
The oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of parliament (MPs) will be held on Tuesday (February 17) at 10:00 AM at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building in the capital. On the same day, at 4:00 PM, the oath-taking of cabinet members will take place at the same venue, according to Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.
Long-Standing Tradition Changes: Cabinet Oath-Taking at South Plaza of Parliament
A new chapter in the country’s political history is set to begin next Tuesday (February 17). Breaking with tradition, the cabinet oath-taking ceremony will be held in the South Plaza of the National Parliament, under the open sky. On the same day in the morning, newly elected members of parliament will also take their oaths at the same location.
Palashbari Awami League President Lipon Dies in Custody After Re-Arrest at Jail Gate
Palashbari Upazila Awami League President and former vice principal Shamikul Islam Sarkar Lipon died after falling critically ill inside Gaibandha District Jail late Sunday night, authorities confirmed. He had been in custody for a prolonged period in connection with a case filed with Gaibandha Sadar Police Station.
At least 3 killed nationwide, over 200 injured, vandalism and looting reported across the country
The BNP and Jamaat have been involved in post-election violence surrounding the 13th National Parliamentary Election, with clashes, attacks, vandalism, and looting reported in various districts across the country. At least three people have been killed and more than two hundred injured.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy Open to Dialogue, Calls Bangladesh Election a Sham
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy has described Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election as a “sham,” yet emphasized that the door to dialogue remains open in the greater national interest. In an interview with British broadcaster ITV, he said he is prepared to engage with any political force even if Tarique Rahman assumes the office of Prime Minister.
11-Party Alliance Alleges Manipulation of Election Results
In the 13th National Parliament election, Shafiqul Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that even though the voting process was “fair,” the results were manipulated through “irregularities and rigging.” He made these claims during a press conference held on Friday night at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, organized on behalf of the 11-party electoral alliance.