Parliament today witnessed heated debates on a large number of chairman and members getting elected unopposed in the ongoing Union Parshad polls, and the hike in prices of diesel and kerosene.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was readmitted to Evercare Hospital yesterday for follow-up treatment, nearly a week after she was discharged from the same hospital.

Renewing the demand for holding the next national election under a non-party government, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain said there was a possibility to revive Jatiya Oikyafront, an electoral alliance with BNP, to force the government to meet their demand.

The parliament will go into its 15th session this afternoon.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that Tarique Rahman has been conspiring against Bangladesh while her government has taken the country, confronting all the plots, to a position that is drawing recognition and honour from the world.

Renewing the demand for holding the next national election under a non-party government, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain said there is a possibility to revive Jatiya Oikyafront, an electoral alliance with BNP, to force the government to meet their demand.

Police today obstructed a BNP rally in Manikganj, protesting the price hike of daily necessities, fuel, and fertilizers, and bus fares.

BNP standing committee has demanded that the government lower prices of diesel, kerosene and LPG, considering public sufferings.

Ruling Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said democracy is yet to get an institutional shape in Bangladesh.

The Election Commission has completely failed to maintain law and order situation in the ongoing Union Parishad elections, said Jatiya Party Chairman and deputy leader of the opposition GM Quader yesterday.

Shaheed Noor Hossain Day, a red-letter day in restoration of democracy in Bangladesh, is being observed today with due solemnity.

At least five people were injured -- one critically -- in a clash between supporters of Awami League nominated chairman candidate and rebel candidate of Vaina union parishad election in Pabna’s Sujanagar upazila last night.

The BNP yesterday alleged that the government “pickpocketed” the people twice, first by raising diesel and kerosene prices and then by hiking bus fares.

BNP today announced a two-day demonstration programme in protest against the recent hike in diesel and kerosene prices.

At least 10 people were injured -- three hit by bullets -- in a gunfight between supporters of Awami League and rebel chairman candidates of Manikhaat union parishad election, in Pabna’s Sujanagar upazila, last night.

At least two persons were killed and over a dozen were injured in a clash over rivalry in the upcoming union parishad election at Gangni upazila in Meherpur district this morning.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed concern as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is fighting a battle for its "existence" as a political party.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned home yesterday after a 26-day stay in the capital’s Evercare hospital.

BNP yesterday alleged that the government has created a “dreadful” situation in the country by “obliterating democracy”.

A parliamentary body yesterday asked the home ministry to request the education ministry to take measures to ensure that no betel leaf, cigarette, or related shops are set up in front of or at school and college gates.