Hasib-Murad | Daily Observer

Election marks reset of alliances, regional power, leadership

Hasib Murad

The 13th National Parliamentary Election has delivered one of the most consequential political realignments in nearly two decades, returning the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power, elevating Jamaat-e-Islami as a decisive regional force, and pushing several long-established parties into steep decline.With results declared in 297 constituencies, BNP and its allies secured roughly a two-thirds majority ...

All set for 13th JS election today

Hasib Murad

After a long wait, Bangladesh is holding the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and a nationwide referendum today, Thursday, amid rising expectations as well as heightened tension. Millions of voters have the opportunity to elect a new government and take part in a key state decision, with contests reported in many parliamentary constituencies.The Election Commission (EC) ...

Nation goes to polls tomorrow to give mandate to an elected govt

Fear of free, fair election exists in the absence of inclusive polls

Hasib Murad

Nation goes to polls tomorrow to give mandate to an elected govt

The nation is set for a historic day as the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and July Charter referendum take place tomorrow, concluding months of intense political activity since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Campaigning officially ended early Tuesday, capping a period marked by heated debates, disputes over candidacies, and ...

Rivalry intensifies in Dhaka-8 as Abbas, Patwari go head-to-head

Hasib Murad

The contest in Dhaka-8 has become one of the most closely watched races in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, shaping up as a high-voltage political showdown. BNP veteran Mirza Abbas faces first-time candidate Nasir Uddin Patwari of the National Citizens Party (NCP), allied with Jamaat-e-Islami, drawing nationwide attention.Abbas, a former minister and ex-mayor of undivided ...

Govt officials continue 'Yes' campaign for referendum violating EC's no

Hasib Murad

As the referendum is approaching, the government has rolled out a nationwide public awareness campaign, according to officials of the Ministry of Public Administration, several district administrations and returning officers.From the outset the government promoted "Yes." voting. However, last week the Election Commission (EC) imposed restrictions barring those engaged in public service from carrying out ...

Dhaka-13 braces for tight contest as 2 front-runners dominate race

Hasib Murad

Campaigning in Dhaka-13 has gathered pace ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, with the constituency witnessing an energetic and highly competitive race. Although eight candidates remain in the contest, political observers widely view the election as a straight fight between BNP-backed Bobby Hajjaj and Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance candidate Mamunul Haque.Bobby Hajjaj is contesting with the ...

Women In 13th National Election

50pc of voters, only 3.5pc in race

Hasib Murad

Of the 51 political parties contesting the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, 30 have not nominated a single woman, exposing a deep gender gap in electoral politics. Even major parties that frequently champion women's empowerment at public forums have failed to field any female candidates.Overall, women account for only about 3.5 percent of total candidates in the ...

23 dual-citizen candidates cleared to race amid expert warnings

Hasib Murad

The Election Commission (EC) has cleared 23 candidates who renounced their foreign citizenship to contest the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, while three dual-national candidates were disqualified. The approvals follow appeal hearings held on January 18.Among the candidates who gave up foreign nationality, 15 renounced British citizenship, three gave up US nationality, two renounced Canadian citizenship, ...

Heavyweights lock horns as final candidate list out

Big names, big battles as campaign starts today

Hasib Murad

Heavyweights lock horns as final candidate list out

The deadline for the withdrawal of candidature for the 13th National Parliamentary Election expired on Tuesday, making it increasingly clear who will remain in the final race. On Wednesday, the Election Commission (EC) published the final list of candidates and officially announced the allocation of electoral symbols.Even before the publication of the final list, the ...

HC now last hope for rejected candidates

Hasib Murad

The High Court has now become the final avenue for candidates seeking to regain their candidacy under election law, as last-minute court orders restoring nominations are not uncommon in Bangladesh's electoral history.With only 22 days remaining before the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the referendum, the Election Commission (EC) has completed the most critical and ...