More than 225 of the 265 Jatiyo Party candidates have pulled out of Sunday’s race, terming the election “one-sided and staged”, a top JP leader said.

Awami League nominated four former secretaries to contest the January 7 national polls with its “boat” symbol.

Amnesty International has urged Bangladesh to ensure that all arrests are made following international human rights law and standards.

Awami League candidates in eight constituencies of Chattogram are facing tough competition as the ruling party’s men are also contesting as independent candidates in these seats.

The main challenge for the Election Commission will be to hold a peaceful, acceptable election with high voter turnout as campaigning ended with violations of the electoral code of conduct, violence and little festivity.

Security has been beefed up across the country ahead of the January 7 polls, as opposition parties, including BNP,  have called for a 48-hour hartal boycotting the elections.

He is not in the election race, and yet he has emerged as an “X-factor” in the polls to three parliamentary constituencies in Gazipur.

BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan yesterday said the government can’t force people to vote in the January 7 national polls since there are no laws in the country regarding this.

At least five schools that are designated polling centres and 10 election camps came under arson attack between Thursday night and yesterday morning in six districts.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said the result of the January 7 national election will determine who the opposition in parliament will be.

BNP is facing numerous obstacles, including harassment from law enforcers, while trying to carry out political activities in Rajshahi, alleged party leaders.

The University Teachers’ Network rejected the upcoming election, calling it questionable and suggesting it could lead the country down a dark path.

All necessary preparations have been completed for holding the national polls in 21 constituencies of six districts under Barishal division.

At least three Awami League candidates in Khulna, contesting the upcoming national polls with the “boat” symbol, are facing hurdles to win support of the party grassroots.

At least eight out of 21 constituencies in Barishal division are unlikely to witness any significant contest in the January 7 polls, causing the voters of these constituencies to lose interest in exercising their franchise on the voting day.

Awami League candidates in four of the six constituencies of Sylhet district are likely to face tough contests from their opponents in the upcoming national polls slated for January 7.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday said he believes the system of foreigners monitoring elections ought to be discontinued.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said the foreign election monitoring system should be stopped

A six-member BNP delegation held a virtual meeting with the Commonwealth election observer group this evening, two days before the upcoming 12th parliamentary polls

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today said Bangladesh expects Sunday's general election to be held in a peaceful manner