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

Candidates for the 12th parliamentary elections have put up a large number of laminated and polythene-coated posters in many areas across the six constituencies of Khulna, posing an environmental threat.

The 12th parliamentary polls are not going to be inclusive and peaceful in accordance with the South Asian standards, says former cabinet secretary Ali Imam Mazumder.

With the country going to polls tomorrow, at least 86,000 inmates in 68 jails across the country also got a chance to exercise their franchise through postal ballots this time.

The fate of at least 18 cabinet members hangs in the balance as they are facing strong challenges from “Awami League independents” in tomorrow’s polls.

In Rajshahi, Awami League candidates face tough battles with independents in five out of six constituencies, with the focal point being Rajshahi-2 (city) and Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha) and Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara) due to intra-party rivalry and pre-polls violence.

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.

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