Friday, 13 February 2026
The Dhaka News

Voting begins in 13th National Elections 2026

Voting for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections began across the country at 7:30am today, alongside a referendum on the interim government’s reform proposals. From early morning, voters were seen lining up at polling centres to cast their ballots.Election officials and witnesses reported that strict security arrangements are in place at voting centres in Dhaka and other regions. Polling is being conducted in 299 constituencies after the Election Commission (EC) suspended voting in Sherpur-3 due to the death of a candidate.Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said comprehensive preparations had been completed to ensure the election is held in a peaceful, fair and orderly environment. Nearly 900,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed nationwide to prevent violence and maintain security throughout the voting period and afterward.In addition, 2,098 executive magistrates and 657 judicial magistrates have been assigned election duties. These magistrates will remain active for five days starting Tuesday.The contest is largely viewed as a key political showdown between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. The election is also expected to conclude the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.Masud encouraged voters to participate enthusiastically, expressing hope that turnout would increase throughout the day, particularly among young and first-time voters. Another Election Commissioner, Anwarul Islam Sarkar, confirmed that all logistical, administrative and security preparations had been completed. He predicted voter participation could reach around 55 percent.According to EC data, voting is taking place at 42,779 polling centres nationwide, covering 247,482 polling booths. A total of 12,77,11,893 voters are registered across the 299 constituencies, including 6,48,25,361 men, 6,28,85,200 women and 1,232 voters identified as third gender.EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said 50 political parties are participating in the election, with 2,028 candidates contesting seats, including 273 independents. BNP has fielded the largest number of candidates-291- while 83 female candidates are in the race.Approximately 800,000 election officials are working at polling stations in addition to security personnel. This includes 69 returning officers, 598 assistant returning officers, 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers and 4,95,964 polling officers. Around 15,000 additional officials are handling postal voting responsibilities.Election Commissioner retired Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said that advanced monitoring tools, including drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and body-worn cameras, are being used for the first time to strengthen surveillance. Security deployment includes over 9,58,000 personnel drawn from Ansar, police, the armed forces and RAB.Breakdowns from EC sources show 103,000 army members, 8,500 navy personnel, 37,453 Border Guard Bangladesh troops and 3,585 Coast Guard members are on duty. Police personnel number 187,603, while 9,349 RAB members are deployed. The largest contingent - 5,67,868- comes from the Ansar force. Additionally, 1,922 Bangladesh National Cadet Corps members are assisting with maintaining order.Monitoring efforts include 55,454 domestic observers representing 81 local organisations, along with 394 foreign observers. Nearly 200 international journalists have also arrived to cover the elections and referendum.International observer missions include representatives from organisations such as ANFREL, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, ICAPP and the European External Action Service.Observers from 21 countries, including Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Iran, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, South Africa and Nigeria , are present. Additionally, 51 independent observers affiliated with various international civic organisations are monitoring the process. Officials say the combined domestic and international presence reflects a broad effort to ensure transparency and credibility throughout the election process.
16 hrs ago

Court Advises Manjurul Munshi to Exercise Restraint After Allegations of Threatening Voters

Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, who lost his candidacy in the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency due to loan default allegations, was summoned by the election inquiry and judicial committee over accusations of threatening voters. The court advised him to exercise restraint in his public remarks.On Wednesday (February 11) at 3:00 pm, the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee for the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Cumilla-4  presided over by Senior Assistant Judge Tafreema Tabassum of the Civil Court, issued the directive.Judge Tafreema Tabassum told Munshi that multiple complaints had been received against him over phone conversations and urged him, as a senior figure, to remain measured in his statements.Munshi submitted a written explanation and clarified remarks he had made at an election gathering. His legal team included Barrister ABM Hamidul Mezbah, Cumilla Bar General Secretary Khandakar Mizanur Rahman, Advocate Abdul Awal Bhuiyan, and Advocate Amanur Rahman Khan Tariq.On Tuesday night (February 10), the committee instructed Munshi to appear in person with a written statement by Wednesday afternoon in response to allegations that he had threatened voters. The complaint was formally submitted by Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Returning Officer Rakibul Islam.In a press release signed by Munshi on Wednesday, he stated that although his party had expelled him, he would continue to uphold BNP’s ideals for life. He alleged that despite receiving BNP nomination, a group worked to keep him out of the election. Addressing Debidwar residents, he declared support for the Ganadhikar Parishad candidate with the “Truck” symbol, urging voters to ensure victory and strengthen Tarique Zia’s political position.A video circulating on social media shows Munshi allegedly warning voters that if BNP returned to power and they voted for another party, he would not spare them, even threatening destruction of property. Following the incident, BNP announced his expulsion through an official statement.Munshi was originally BNP’s candidate for Cumilla-4, but his candidacy was cancelled by court order over loan default allegations. Afterward, BNP endorsed Ganadhikar Parishad candidate Md. A. Jasim Uddin. Munshi made the controversial remarks during a campaign meeting in Baksar village on the final day of campaigning, sparking widespread debate.In the constituency, the 11-party alliance candidate is Hasnat Abdullah, southern region chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP). BNP has actively campaigned for Jasim Uddin since announcing its support.
11 February 2026

13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum to Be Held Tomorrow

The 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum-2026 will be held tomorrow, Thursday (February 12). Voting will take place simultaneously in 299 parliamentary constituencies across the country from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without interruption.The Election Commission (EC) has cancelled the election in Sherpur-3 constituency following the death of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate. As a result, voting will be conducted in the remaining 299 constituencies.Extensive Security Measures in PlaceElection officials have stated that comprehensive security arrangements have been completed to ensure a peaceful voting process nationwide.Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said that around 9 lakh (900,000) members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across the country. Among them, 103,000 members of the armed forces are on duty. Members of police, BGB, RAB, Ansar and Village Defence Party, Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force are also deployed to maintain law and order.For the first time in a national election, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones, and body-worn cameras are being used for security monitoring, said Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah.Call for Voter ParticipationElection Commissioners have urged voters to come to polling stations in a festive and peaceful atmosphere to exercise their democratic rights. Special emphasis has been placed on encouraging young voters to actively participate in the election.The EC expressed optimism that the law and order situation remains normal and that voting day will also remain peaceful.Voter and Polling Centre InformationA total of 42,779 polling centres have been set up nationwide, with 247,482 polling booths prepared for voting.The total number of voters in 299 constituencies stands at 127,711,893. Among them: Male voters: 64,825,361 Female voters: 62,885,200 Third gender voters: 1,232 The lowest number of voters is in Jhalokathi-1 constituency (228,431), while the highest number is in Gazipur-2 constituency (804,333).Candidates and Political PartiesA total of 50 political parties are participating in this election. There are 2,028 candidates contesting in total. Party-nominated candidates: 1,755 Independent candidates: 273 Female candidates: 83 (63 party-nominated and 20 independent) Among the political parties, BNP has nominated the highest number of candidates — 291. Ten registered political parties have not nominated any candidates in this election.Dhaka-12 constituency has the highest number of candidates (15), while Pirojpur-1 has the lowest (2 candidates).Election Officials and MagistratesNearly 800,000 election officials will perform duties during the election. These include: 69 Returning Officers 598 Assistant Returning Officers 42,779 Presiding Officers 247,482 Assistant Presiding Officers 495,964 Polling Officers Additionally, 2,098 Executive Magistrates and 657 Judicial Magistrates have been appointed to oversee election-related matters.Observers and International PresenceA total of 55,454 observers from 81 domestic organizations will monitor the election. Internationally, 540 foreign observers and journalists from various countries and organizations have arrived in Bangladesh.Among them are representatives from the European Union (223 observers), Commonwealth (25), International Republican Institute (12), Asian Network for Free Elections, and other international bodies. Representatives from different election commissions and institutions have also been invited.Postal VotingFor postal voting through the BD Mobile App, 1,533,684 voters registered, including both overseas (OCV) and in-country (ICPV) voters.* Overseas registered voters: 772,546* In-country registered voters: 761,138As of this morning, 580,665 domestic voters and 481,185 overseas voters have already cast their postal ballots.Transport RestrictionsTo ensure security, certain vehicle movements have been restricted.From midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12, taxi cabs, pickup vans, microbuses, and trucks are prohibited from operating. Motorcycle movement has been restricted from midnight on February 10 to midnight on February 13.
11 February 2026
Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has voiced hope that the ongoing election will be conducted peacefully and fairly, free from violence or undue influence, and that its outcome will be acceptable to all parties.After casting his vote at Monipur High School and College in the capital, Dr Shafiqur Rahman told reporters that his party would respect the election results provided the voting process remains free, impartial, and credible.He emphasized that a fair process is the foundation of democracy, saying that any result emerging from such a system should be accepted by everyone. According to him, mutual acceptance of a transparent outcome reflects the true spirit of democratic practice.Dr Rahman noted that citizens had waited a long time for the opportunity to vote. Expressing gratitude to the Almighty, he said he hopes the election will mark the beginning of a positive new phase for Bangladesh.He also highlighted the enthusiasm among young voters, many of whom are participating in an election for the first time, describing their anticipation as significant.Looking ahead, the Jamaat leader said he hopes the election will lead to the formation of a government that represents the entire population rather than any individual, family, or political group. He expressed optimism about such a possibility and asked for public goodwill.Dr Rahman added that he plans to visit additional polling centers to observe the situation. While minor issues may be overlooked, he stressed that any serious irregularities would be addressed to protect citizens’ voting rights.Calling for unity, he said the country belongs to all its people and should be developed collectively. He also underscored the importance of the media, describing it as a vital pillar of society, and expressed hope that journalists would contribute positively to nation-building.He encouraged voters, both men and women, to participate in the election peacefully, safely, and without fear, saying active civic engagement is essential to strengthening the state. Addressing media coverage, Dr Rahman remarked that the same incident can sometimes be portrayed differently by various outlets. He reiterated his opposition to wrongdoing by anyone, while cautioning against misrepresenting non-criminal matters as crimes, adding that such practices should be avoided.
16 hrs ago
National

National

Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has voiced hope that the ongoing election will be conducted peacefully and fairly, free from violence or undue influence, and that its outcome will be acceptable to all parties.After casting his vote at Monipur High School and College in the capital, Dr Shafiqur Rahman told reporters that his party would respect the election results provided the voting process remains free, impartial, and credible.He emphasized that a fair process is the foundation of democracy, saying that any result emerging from such a system should be accepted by everyone. According to him, mutual acceptance of a transparent outcome reflects the true spirit of democratic practice.Dr Rahman noted that citizens had waited a long time for the opportunity to vote. Expressing gratitude to the Almighty, he said he hopes the election will mark the beginning of a positive new phase for Bangladesh.He also highlighted the enthusiasm among young voters, many of whom are participating in an election for the first time, describing their anticipation as significant.Looking ahead, the Jamaat leader said he hopes the election will lead to the formation of a government that represents the entire population rather than any individual, family, or political group. He expressed optimism about such a possibility and asked for public goodwill.Dr Rahman added that he plans to visit additional polling centers to observe the situation. While minor issues may be overlooked, he stressed that any serious irregularities would be addressed to protect citizens’ voting rights.Calling for unity, he said the country belongs to all its people and should be developed collectively. He also underscored the importance of the media, describing it as a vital pillar of society, and expressed hope that journalists would contribute positively to nation-building.He encouraged voters, both men and women, to participate in the election peacefully, safely, and without fear, saying active civic engagement is essential to strengthening the state. Addressing media coverage, Dr Rahman remarked that the same incident can sometimes be portrayed differently by various outlets. He reiterated his opposition to wrongdoing by anyone, while cautioning against misrepresenting non-criminal matters as crimes, adding that such practices should be avoided.
16 hrs ago
International

International

Top Trump Envoys Visit US Aircraft Carrier as Iran Talks Expected to Continue

Top Trump Envoys Visit US Aircraft Carrier as Iran Talks Expected to Continue

WASHINGTON - Two senior US officials leading negotiations with Iran visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, underscoring Washington’s military presence in the region as diplomatic efforts between the two countries are expected to continue.According to the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM), President Donald Trump’s top Iran negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, toured the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and its strike group. CENTCOM confirmed the visit in a social media statement.Witkoff later said the carrier group is playing a vital role in regional security, describing it as an example of maintaining peace through strength  a message aligned with President Trump’s approach.Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed hope that discussions with the United States would resume soon. He emphasized that Tehran would stand by its key conditions and cautioned against any potential American military action.The comments came after US and Iranian officials held an initial round of indirect talks in Oman on Friday. Araghchi characterized the meeting as a positive beginning, while President Trump also described the discussions as productive.The USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed to the Middle East in January amid heightened tensions, as Washington increased pressure on Iran following Tehran’s crackdown on widespread anti-government protests. Friday’s talks marked the first diplomatic engagement since nuclear negotiations collapsed last year. That breakdown followed Israel’s large-scale bombing campaign against Iran, which escalated into a 12-day conflict. During that period, US aircraft also carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
8 February 2026
Campus

Campus

Seminar on future of supply chain and marketing in AI era held at JKKNIU

Seminar on future of supply chain and marketing in AI era held at JKKNIU

Marketing Department of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) organized a seminar titled "From Data to Decision: The Future of Marketing in the Age of AI" on campus.The event took place at the Nabajug Auditorium of the Central Library at 11:00 am on Monday.The seminar focused on the transformation of the marketing sector in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the significance of data-driven decision-making.Dr Md. Abdul Momen, Chairman of the Marketing Department, presided over the session. Faisal Alam, Lead (Demand and Supply Planning) of the Food and Beverage Division at Nestle Bangladesh PLC, and Kazi Sami Al-Jabir, Demand and Supply Planner at the same organization, attended the event as key speakers.Addressing the students, Faisal Alam said, "In the current world, production and marketing are not the final words. There is no alternative to data analysis to understand consumer behavior and make accurate business decisions. Artificial Intelligence has made this process easier. Students must cultivate a tech-friendly mindset starting now."Kazi Sami Al-Jabir emphasized the coordination between supply chain management and marketing. He provided basic insights into various AI tools, noting, "To survive in the future corporate world, acquiring technological skills alongside textbook knowledge is essential."Among others, Sumona Akter Sumi, Lecturer in the Marketing Department, and students from various departments attended the program.Department Chairman Dr Momen stated that the seminar aimed to introduce students to real-world industry experiences alongside their theoretical classroom education. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session where students sought career advice and insights on modern marketing from the experts.
2 February 2026
Job

Job

No Post Found !
Web Story

Web Story

Election

Election

Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has voiced hope that the ongoing election will be conducted peacefully and fairly, free from violence or undue influence, and that its outcome will be acceptable to all parties.After casting his vote at Monipur High School and College in the capital, Dr Shafiqur Rahman told reporters that his party would respect the election results provided the voting process remains free, impartial, and credible.He emphasized that a fair process is the foundation of democracy, saying that any result emerging from such a system should be accepted by everyone. According to him, mutual acceptance of a transparent outcome reflects the true spirit of democratic practice.Dr Rahman noted that citizens had waited a long time for the opportunity to vote. Expressing gratitude to the Almighty, he said he hopes the election will mark the beginning of a positive new phase for Bangladesh.He also highlighted the enthusiasm among young voters, many of whom are participating in an election for the first time, describing their anticipation as significant.Looking ahead, the Jamaat leader said he hopes the election will lead to the formation of a government that represents the entire population rather than any individual, family, or political group. He expressed optimism about such a possibility and asked for public goodwill.Dr Rahman added that he plans to visit additional polling centers to observe the situation. While minor issues may be overlooked, he stressed that any serious irregularities would be addressed to protect citizens’ voting rights.Calling for unity, he said the country belongs to all its people and should be developed collectively. He also underscored the importance of the media, describing it as a vital pillar of society, and expressed hope that journalists would contribute positively to nation-building.He encouraged voters, both men and women, to participate in the election peacefully, safely, and without fear, saying active civic engagement is essential to strengthening the state. Addressing media coverage, Dr Rahman remarked that the same incident can sometimes be portrayed differently by various outlets. He reiterated his opposition to wrongdoing by anyone, while cautioning against misrepresenting non-criminal matters as crimes, adding that such practices should be avoided.
20 October 2025
Tarique Rahman Seeks Public Support in Upcoming Election to Build a Safer Bangladesh

Tarique Rahman Seeks Public Support in Upcoming Election to Build a Safer Bangladesh

20 October 2025
Cricket

Cricket

Pakistan Sets Three Conditions for Playing India, Including Compensation for Bangladesh

Pakistan Sets Three Conditions for Playing India, Including Compensation for Bangladesh

A new standoff has emerged in international cricket as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has presented three key demands to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an effort to resolve the ongoing disagreement over Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup.Earlier, Bangladesh had requested the ICC to change match venues after India declined to play in the tournament. In response, the ICC removed Bangladesh from the competition, a decision that Pakistan strongly supported and publicly backed Bangladesh.After Bangladesh was excluded, the PCB announced its intention to boycott the match against India in protest, creating a deadlock with the global governing body of cricket. Recent developments, however, suggest there may be a way forward.According to NDTV sources, PCB officials met with ICC representatives in Lahore and submitted three major demands aimed at breaking the impasse. The demands are:1. Enhanced compensation for Bangladesh,2. Assurance of participation fees for Bangladesh despite being removed from the World Cup,3. Granting Bangladesh the right to host future ICC events.Despite warnings from the ICC about possible consequences, Pakistan remained firm in its decision to boycott the India match. Some PCB officials are reportedly in favor of playing, but PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has maintained his previous position.Before finalizing the decision, Naqvi is scheduled to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, today (Monday). How the situation will develop and whether the three demands lead to a resolution remains a key focus for the cricketing world.TDN/
9 February 2026
Nationwide

Nationwide

Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Jamaat Ameer hopes for violence-free and acceptable polls

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has voiced hope that the ongoing election will be conducted peacefully and fairly, free from violence or undue influence, and that its outcome will be acceptable to all parties.After casting his vote at Monipur High School and College in the capital, Dr Shafiqur Rahman told reporters that his party would respect the election results provided the voting process remains free, impartial, and credible.He emphasized that a fair process is the foundation of democracy, saying that any result emerging from such a system should be accepted by everyone. According to him, mutual acceptance of a transparent outcome reflects the true spirit of democratic practice.Dr Rahman noted that citizens had waited a long time for the opportunity to vote. Expressing gratitude to the Almighty, he said he hopes the election will mark the beginning of a positive new phase for Bangladesh.He also highlighted the enthusiasm among young voters, many of whom are participating in an election for the first time, describing their anticipation as significant.Looking ahead, the Jamaat leader said he hopes the election will lead to the formation of a government that represents the entire population rather than any individual, family, or political group. He expressed optimism about such a possibility and asked for public goodwill.Dr Rahman added that he plans to visit additional polling centers to observe the situation. While minor issues may be overlooked, he stressed that any serious irregularities would be addressed to protect citizens’ voting rights.Calling for unity, he said the country belongs to all its people and should be developed collectively. He also underscored the importance of the media, describing it as a vital pillar of society, and expressed hope that journalists would contribute positively to nation-building.He encouraged voters, both men and women, to participate in the election peacefully, safely, and without fear, saying active civic engagement is essential to strengthening the state. Addressing media coverage, Dr Rahman remarked that the same incident can sometimes be portrayed differently by various outlets. He reiterated his opposition to wrongdoing by anyone, while cautioning against misrepresenting non-criminal matters as crimes, adding that such practices should be avoided.
20 October 2025
Economy

Economy

Bumper Maize Harvest Expected in Chandina: Double Profits Through Intercropping

Bumper Maize Harvest Expected in Chandina: Double Profits Through Intercropping

The vast horizons of Chandina’s agricultural fields are currently blanketed in a sea of green, with healthy maize stalks swaying in the breeze as far as the eye can see. This season, the Chandina Upazila of Cumilla is witnessing the potential for a record-breaking maize harvest. Thanks to favorable weather conditions and intensive supervision from the local agricultural office, farmers are filled with optimism. Due to lower production costs and higher profit margins compared to rice or other traditional crops, farmers in this region are increasingly shifting toward large-scale maize cultivation.According to recent data from the Chandina Upazila Agriculture Office, maize has been cultivated on a total of 685 hectares of land this year. Due to the tireless efforts of agricultural officers and field-level training on modern farming techniques, experts anticipate a significantly better yield than in previous years. The Upazila Agriculture Officer has been personally visiting the fields to provide necessary advice and support, which has greatly boosted the farmers' morale.The scene in Mehar village is particularly encouraging, where a hardworking farmer named Babul Mia cultivated maize on 12 decimals of land. Neighbors are impressed by the freshness and rapid growth of his crop. Babul Mia noted that labor and irrigation costs for maize are relatively low, while market prices and demand remain strong. Furthermore, low pest infestation reduces the need for expensive pesticides, which ultimately increases the final profit margin.An even more innovative approach was taken by Ismail Hossain, a farmer from the same village who maximized his land's potential by planting coriander as an intercrop alongside his maize. He shared that this method required no extra fertilizer or special care. Consequently, he was able to harvest and sell the coriander to cover his initial cultivation costs before the maize even matured. He is now looking forward to a pure profit from his healthy maize stalks.This success is creating a positive ripple effect in the local market. Since maize is in high demand as a primary ingredient for poultry and animal feed, wholesalers are already eager to purchase the produce directly from the fields. The expansion of modern agricultural technology and the growing interest in intercropping have opened a new horizon in Chandina’s agricultural economy. Stakeholders believe that with continued government support and efficient marketing systems, maize cultivation will continue to grow, fulfilling the dreams of thousands of farmers currently waiting for their golden harvest.
Md. Osman Gani