National election
How much will rumours influence this election
The much-discussed 13th national parliamentary election is set to be held on February 12. As the election draws closer, political tension and violence are rising, accompanied by a rapid spread of rumours and disinformation. Alongside street politics, the virtual world has turned into a battlefield of an “information war”. Fake news on social media, AI-generated deepfake videos and fabricated photo cards have created a dangerous reality that can influence voter decisions. This raises a critical question: how much impact can rumours have on the upcoming election
13th National Parliamentary Election: Feni District
In Feni district, the electoral strength of the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has traditionally been almost equal. This pattern is reflected in the results of all national parliamentary elections held in the country, except for the last three. However, in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the absence of the Awami League has significantly altered the electoral dynamics in Feni. This time, the main contest is expected to take place primarily between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Below is an overview of the three parliamentary constituencies in Feni district.
13th National Parliamentary Election: Chandpur District
In Chandpur district, the electoral strength of the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has traditionally been almost evenly balanced. This pattern is evident in the results of past elections considered competitive (excluding the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024). However, in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the absence of the Awami League has reshaped the electoral calculations, prompting voters to reassess the political landscape. Below is an overview of the election contests in Chandpur’s five constituencies.
Representatives from 16 countries to observe election
A total of 57 observers from 16 countries are set to monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum on the July reform charter scheduled for February 12.
CEC urges observers to perform duties impartially
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has urged domestic election observation organisations to act impartially and professionally to ensure a free and credible election. He said the role of observers is crucial for ensuring transparency in the election process.
Administrative reform essential before Proportional Representation can be effective
Sweden holds elections under the Proportional Representation (PR) system. In this system, parliamentary seats are distributed according to the proportion of votes cast. As a result, no single party can monopolise power; coalition-building becomes essential for governance.
Lack of consensus may derail reform efforts
The interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser, took office during a crisis moment. However, it received strong support from students, the general public, and major political parties. The expectations from this government were high, which made fulfilling them inherently challenging. Although some inefficiency and weakness were evident in the administration, the primary reason the interim government was unable to meet these expectations was the widespread corruption, mismanagement, and the tendency of the previous government to cripple key state institutions
Kamala-Trump poll race and the future of Bangladesh politics
Trump fired off a post on the recent situation in Bangladesh on the X handle on October 31. In this post, he condemned the 'brutal violence' on religious minorities in Bangladesh. He also commented that a chaotic situation is prevailing in Bangladesh at present. The most important comment is 'It would have never happened on my watch'. The literal meaning of Trump's statement is that if he had the power of the United States, such an incident would not have happened in Bangladesh. Through this speech, Trump clarified the direct role of the United States in the recent politics in Bangladesh. This statement of the former US president about the political situation in Bangladesh carries a different meaning.
Can Rishi Sunak secure another term as UK prime minister?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced an early general election at least six months before the end of the current government's term in Britain. After much speculation, on May 22nd, from 10 Downing Street, the announcement was made that the national election would be held on July 4th. But why is Rishi Sunak suddenly calling for an early election? Many had hoped the national election would be held in the fall as scheduled, allowing Prime Minister Sunak to remain in office for two years and providing him with a significant opportunity for economic progress. However, that expectation remains unfulfilled. It is clear that the decision was hanging by a thread.