Along Pragati Sarani -- the lifeline of eastern Dhaka -- stands the International Buddhist Monastery. During a recent visit, its vice-principal, Buddhananda Mahathero, prayed for national peace.

In their election manifestos, political parties should clearly commit to reforming public administration, leaving no scope for partisan loyalty in the bureaucracy, say former and serving government officials.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin yesterday assured Dhaka-based foreign diplomats that transparency would be ensured at all stages of the February 12 general election and referendum.

The High Court yesterday directed the Election Commission to accept the nomination paper of BNP candidate Md Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan and to allow him to contest the national election for Cumilla-10 constituency.

Jatiya Party chief alleges double standards

As the February 12 elections approach, Bangladesh’s political conversation is growing louder, shaped by party narratives, elite analysis and the arithmetic of power.

The Election Commission yesterday said postal ballots for the national elections and referendum will be counted only if they reach the returning officer by 4:30pm on polling day, February 12.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said that voters must support his party if they want development.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said his party has always stood by the people and, if voted to power, is ready to deliver the change they want.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday said five years would be enough to transform the northern region, asserting that “the region is not poor but has been kept in this condition through deliberate neglect”.

Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, popularly known as Charmonai Pir, has launched an 18-day election tour following his party’s withdrawal from Jamaat-e-Islami’s alliance ahead of the polls.

Shafiqur Rahman says Bangladesh will remain Bangladesh under Jamaat rule

Calls for action from Election Commission

10-party alliance's Cumilla-4 candidate officially launches campaign

Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader’s campaign draws a strong public response

With electioneering officially kicking off yesterday, political parties had a busy day of campaigning across the country.

Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday launched its election campaign, with its ameer warning against the resurgence of fascism and vowing to build a corruption-free country.

In his maiden election rally yesterday, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman alleged that a certain party is trying to deceive voters, particularly women, with “tickets to heaven” in exchange for votes.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim yesterday said his party, if voted to power, will work to build a new Bangladesh free from corruption, misrule, and discrimination.

People will get to enjoy a four-day consecutive holiday from February 11 to 14, following the declaration of February 11 as a general holiday.