DHAKA: Millions of young Bangladeshis will vote for the first time on Thursday in a landmark election to determine the country&#39;s leadership following a 2024 student-led uprising that ended former prime minister Sheikh Hasina&#39;s autocratic rule. Young people aged from 18 to 37 make up 44% of the country&#39;s 129 million voters, many who say they never voted during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladeshs-pm-hopeful-rahman-warns-of-huge-challenges-ahead" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hasina&#39;s</a>15-year iron-fisted tenure. Elections under the ousted prime minister&#39;s rule were marred by allegations of widespread rigging and bans on opposition parties. Faijullah Wasif, 33, a university official preparing to cast his first ballot, said he did not vote while Hasina was in power because he felt it would not make a difference. &quot;It was mainly because of fear and anxiety that I didn&#39;t go,&quot; he said. &quot;I did not even feel interested.&quot; The demographic bulge of younger voters has forced parties to recalibrate their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladesh-poll-rivals-rally-on-final-day-of-campaign" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">campaigns</a>and messages. The digital battleground has become central to the campaign and parties have invested heavily in online outreach, from Facebook videos to TikTok reels. <h2 style="line-height: 2;">&lsquo;I am very excited&rsquo;&nbsp;</h2>This election, Hasina&#39;s former ruling Awami League has been barred.<div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-_5mS1UQHPM" title="Bangladeshis excited over first post-Hasina polls" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div>Instead, the parties once crushed under her rule are running -- the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies, and a coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami. Ashfah Binte Latif, 21, a student at Dhaka University, said her parents had told her stories of past elections, pre-Hasina, when polling day was celebrated like a festival. &quot;Now that we have managed to change the system, I am very excited,&quot; she said.&nbsp;The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by the student leaders who spearheaded the uprising, have allied with Jamaat-e-Islami. Latif said she expected more from the young student leaders, but she is still eager for change. &quot;We expected young people to lead us -- and in many ways, they did,&quot; she said. &quot;If they fail, it&#39;s a failure for all of the young.&quot; The spark that ignited the 2024 unrest started on university campuses by students opposed to a quota system in the civil service, which they said excluded them from jobs. <h2 style="line-height: 2;">&#39;Fresh faces&#39;&nbsp;</h2>A year and a half later, Bangladesh&#39;s economy remains fragile, and graduates still struggle to land their first job. Election expert Md Abdul Alim, a former member of Bangladesh&#39;s election reform commission, said he expected a strong youth turnout. &quot;These young voters will carry this sense of deprivation with them to the polls, and they will vote,&quot; he said. Of around 2,000 candidates vying for the 350 seats -- some 1,400 standing for the first time -- more than 600 are aged 44 or below, according to statistics from the electoral commission. &lsquo;Dissenting voices&rsquo;Wasif, the university official, believes the fresh faces will benefit Bangladesh. &quot;Our trust in young people is very strong, and our hopes are high,&quot; Wasif said. &quot;Since young people brought about this change, I believe that it is through them that Bangladesh&#39;s political culture will undergo a radical transformation.&quot; Latif hopes it will usher in a more democratic leadership. &quot;A government that won&rsquo;t see dissenting voices as enemies, but will respect them,&quot; Latif said.

Bangladesh

Young people aged from 18 to 37 make up 44% of the country's 129 million voters, many who say they never voted during Hasina's 15-year iron-fisted tenure; demographic bulge of younger voters has forced parties to recalibrate their campaigns.

Younger Bangladesh voters primed for first post-Hasina election

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) Ivars Ijabs on Friday said the European Union wants Bangladesh&rsquo;s upcoming national election to be free, fair, and peaceful, according to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) News. He made the remarks at a briefing at the Sylhet Press Club, attended by Press Club President Muktabis Un Nur and EU-EOM Press Officer Eberhard Laue. Ijabs said the EU-EOM will observe the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladesh-army-chief-calls-for-neutrality-ahead-of-2026-general-election" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Feb. 12 election</a> in line with the principles of independence, impartiality, and non-interference, but will not certify the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladesh-election-commission-says-poll-preparations-complete" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">election </a>results.&nbsp;Around 200 observers&nbsp;He said around 200 observers are involved in the mission, including long-term observers deployed across all 64 districts, as well as analysts, diplomats and a delegation from the European Parliament. The chief observer said the mission will assess the participation of women, young people, and vulnerable groups in the electoral process, as well as the role of traditional and social media in helping voters make informed choices. The EU-EOM began its work in late Dec. 2025 and is the first full-scale European Union election observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008.

Says around 200 observers are involved in the mission, including long-term observers deployed across all 64 districts, as well as analysts, diplomats and a delegation from the European Parliament.

EU seeks free, fair, peaceful Bangladesh election: Chief observer

<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;" id="isPasted">ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed the country&rsquo;s Armed Forces to carry out their duties with professionalism, neutrality and coordination among institutions to ensure participatory, fear-free, and fair national elections in February, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported on Monday.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The instruction was given during a views exchange meeting with senior Armed Forces officials on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/g-2" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Referendum-2026</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, held at the Helmet Auditorium of the Army Headquarters in Dhaka.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">Upon his arrival, Professor Yunus was received by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Armed Forces Division Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, the report said.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the outset of the meeting, the chief adviser highlighted what he described as the &ldquo;glorious and responsible role&rdquo; played by the Armed Forces in meeting national needs and expressed his &ldquo;sincere thanks and gratitude&rdquo; for their role in maintaining law and order with patience and professionalism over a prolonged period. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elections 2026 <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The meeting focused on key and contemporary issues related to the conduct of the elections, with detailed discussions held on ensuring a secure and orderly environment during the <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/76-women-candidates-to-contest-in-bangladeshs-february-polls" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">electoral process</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the report said. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force attended the views exchange meeting, along with invited guests and members of the media, BSS reported.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bangladesh is preparing to hold its 13th parliamentary election alongside a national referendum in 2026, a process that authorities have said will emphasize transparency, inclusiveness and public confidence in democratic institutions, according to previous official statements cited by BSS.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today speaking at a meeting with senior officials of the Armed Forces over the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum-2026 at the Helmet Auditorium of the Army Headquarters in Dhaka (BSS)

Instructs the country’s Armed Forces to carry out their duties with professionalism, neutrality and coordination among institutions to ensure participatory, fear-free, and fair national elections in February, according to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

Bangladesh chief adviser urges armed forces to ensure fair February elections 

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Bangladesh&rsquo;s Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday, according to a statement issued by Pakistan&#39;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2015303147699544112&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=7738163e8d0072b0f9ea00fd951e8a8bfb0a274a&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The two officials reviewed Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors.&nbsp;They also exchanged views on current regional and international developments and emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to advance shared interests and promote regional peace and prosperity, the statement said.

Foreign Affairs

Pakistan FM and Bangladesh foreign adviser 'reviewed Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors,’ Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X. 

Pakistan, Bangladesh reaffirm commitment to strengthening ties across multiple sectors 

ISLAMABAD: A total of 305 Bangladeshi candidates have withdrawn their nominations for the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) or National Parliamentary elections, leaving 1,967 contenders in the race, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladeshi-election-commissioner-warns-of-legal-action-over-postal-ballot-irregularities" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Election Commission</a> (EC) Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer, Md Ruhul Amin Mallick, said the remaining candidates, comprising both party nominees and independents, will contest in 298 constituencies, excluding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2. Initially, EC officials said, 2,585 nomination papers were submitted for 300 seats.&nbsp; The deadline for withdrawal of candidatures expired at 5 pm on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Voting on Feb. 12Following EC regulations, election symbols will be allotted today, Jan. 21, and the list of candidates will be published simultaneously. Campaigning for the 13th JS elections will begin tomorrow, Jan. 22, and continue until 48 hours before polling day.&nbsp; Voting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, and will take place without interruption.&nbsp; Balloting will be conducted using transparent ballot boxes and printed ballot papers.&nbsp;Election schedule&nbsp;Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/eu-to-deploy-large-election-observation-mission-to-bangladesh-state-media" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">election schedule</a> in his address to the nation on Dec. 11, 2025.&nbsp; The last date for submission of nomination papers was Dec. 29.&nbsp;Election symbols&nbsp;According to an earlier EC circular, the allocation of election symbols and publication of candidate lists are to occur immediately after the withdrawal deadline.&nbsp; With 305 candidates stepping down, the remaining 1,967 hopefuls now prepare for the campaign trail. Mallick reiterated that the 1,967 candidates will contest across the constituencies, highlighting both party-affiliated and independent contenders.&nbsp; With voting just over three weeks away, all preparations are underway to ensure a transparent and uninterrupted election process.

With 305 candidates withdrawing, the remaining 1,967 hopefuls now prepare for the campaign trail; Voting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Over 1,900 candidates to contest Bangladesh polls 

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retired) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Thursday warned that anyone attempting irregularities or fraud in voting through postal ballots, introduced for the first time for expatriate Bangladeshis, will face strict legal action, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) News reported. He said those involved in such offences would have their National Identity Cards (NIDs) blocked, face criminal cases, and, if necessary, be deported from the concerned countries. Electoral integrityThe election commissioner made the remarks while briefing journalists at Nirbachan Bhaban (Election Commission of Bangladesh ) in the capital&#39;s Agargaon following a virtual meeting with Bangladesh&#39;s ambassadors and heads of missions stationed abroad, BSS reported. Sanaullah said, &quot;We have categorically made it clear to everyone that electoral integrity must not be compromised under any circumstances. If anyone is found engaging in unethical practices over postal ballots to serve vested interests, there will be zero tolerance.&quot; Fresh election schedule&nbsp;The Election Commission (EC) has announced a fresh election schedule for Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, following directives from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, BSS reported on Friday. A gazette notification signed by EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday night disclosed the matter, saying the revised schedule was fixed by cancelling the relevant portion of the previously issued gazette dated Dec. 11, 2025 in compliance with an order of the Appellate Division passed on Jan. 15. According to the new schedule, Jan. 18 has been fixed as the last date for submission of nomination papers to the returning or assistant returning officers, while scrutiny of the submitted nomination papers will be held on Jan. 19. Polling on Feb. 12&nbsp;Aggrieved candidates may file appeals against the decisions of the returning officers from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, while disposal of the appeals will be completed on Jan. 25. Jan. 26 has been set as the last date for withdrawal of candidature, and election symbols will be allotted among the candidates on Jan. 27. The EC Secretariat said polling in the two constituencies will be held on Feb. 12 from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm continuously through ballot papers.&nbsp; Voters will cast their votes using transparent ballot boxes, the BSS reported.

Says, 'We have categorically made it clear to everyone that electoral integrity must not be compromised under any circumstances. If anyone is found engaging in unethical practices over postal ballots to serve vested interests, there will be zero tolerance.'

Bangladeshi election commissioner warns of legal action over postal ballot irregularities 

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh is intensifying preparations for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad or general election, scheduled for Feb. 12, with the Election Commission (EC), police, and expatriate voting systems taking key measures to ensure a smooth electoral process, according to reports by state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).&nbsp;According to the EC, a total of 13,07,095 voters have registered to cast postal ballots ahead of the national elections and an accompanying referendum.&nbsp;&lsquo;Postal Vote BD&rsquo;Registration is being done via the &ldquo;Postal Vote BD&rdquo; app for expatriates, election officials, polling staff, and government employees residing outside their constituencies.&nbsp;Of the registered voters, 11,22,287 are men, and 1,84,806 are women.&nbsp;Among expatriates, Saudi Arabia has the largest number of registrants at 223,609, followed by Malaysia (76,660), Qatar (73,468), Oman (51,163), and Kuwait (33,607).&nbsp;In-country postal votes account for 5,84,347 registrations, with Cumilla, Dhaka, and Chattogram recording the highest district numbers.&nbsp;At the constituency level, Feni-3 leads with 15,164 registrations, followed by Chattogram-15 (12,740) and Noakhali-1 (12,612).&nbsp;Over 0.5m postal ballots dispatchedOver the past two weeks, 581,689 postal ballots have been dispatched to expatriate voters in 75 countries, including 187,443 ballots to Saudi Arabia, 66,577 to Malaysia, and 64,700 to Qatar.&nbsp;The EC has extended the registration deadline until Jan. 5, allowing expatriates, government employees, election staff, and legally detained voters to participate.&nbsp;Nomination papers for Dhaka constituencies&nbsp;Meanwhile, the EC has initially approved 119 and cancelled 54 nomination papers for candidates contesting 13 Dhaka constituencies.&nbsp;Most disqualifications were due to mismatched signatures, loan defaults, or missing affidavits, while party-backed candidates&rsquo; nominations were rejected for missing signatures from authorized officials.&nbsp;Aggrieved candidates can appeal between Jan. 5 and 9.&nbsp;Security and law-and-order preparations are a major focus ahead of the polls. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali said maintaining peace over the next 40 days is critical for a fair election.&nbsp;Extensive officer reshuffling has been carried out to ensure operational neutrality, while high-threat candidates, including election commissioners, have been provided with security personnel.&nbsp;The commissioner added that ongoing investigations, such as the killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, are under review, with video evidence being examined.

With postal ballots being dispatched to expatriates worldwide, nomination scrutiny ongoing, and security measures being taken, Bangladesh is steadily gearing up for a nationwide vote.

Articles tagged with "Elections in Bangladesh"