THE suicide of Gajendra Singh last Wednesday at a political rally in New Delhi organised by Aam Aadmi Party casts a shadow over India's democracy and development.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says that the just concluded elections to Chittagong and Dhaka cities were conducted in a free and fair fashion.

Just four hours into the start of voting, BNP’s boycott over irregularities, vote rigging and intimidation of BNP-backed candidates and their workers made the city corporation elections irrelevant.

With the withdrawal of all three BNP backed mayoral candidates from the Dhaka city north, south and Chittagong city corporation elections by noon, the national politics is back to square one.

Tabith Awal, BNP-based mayoral candidate for DNCC, submits written complaint to the presiding officer of Tejgaon College saying that his polling agents were barred from entering the polling centre.

Voting begins in Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations this morning amid fear of violence. Starting from 8:00am, the voting will continue till 4:00pm without any break in between.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia says the pro-government people raised several attacks to kill her during city corporation electioneering, but she was “saved by the grace of Allah”.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia lambasts the Election Commission for its changed course of action regarding deployment of army during the city corporation elections.

BNP voices for army deployment at every polling centres during the city corporations polls to ensure free and fair voting.

Sans any unusual activity anywhere in the country, it was difficult to realise that a hartal sponsored by the BNP-led 20-party alliance is underway.

United States reiterates its stand against violence surrounding the city corporation elections to Dhaka and Chittagong.

Denying Awami League’s involvement, prime minister’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy says the attack on BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s motorcade was done by “angry public.”

Dhaka city is in a festive mood. Festoons and streamers deck the roads and alleys. Mayoral candidates are on whirlpool campaigning. Commissioner candidates are bringing out support processions. It all matches what democracy should look like, except what happened yesterday.

BNP apologises to the country’s women over sexual assault on some women by rowdy men during Pahela Baishakh celebrations on Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University campuses.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia starts campaign for her party-backed mayoral candidate Tabith Awal in the Dhaka North City Corporation elections.

A Ukrainian journalist known for his pro-Russian views has been shot dead in the capital Kiev.

We can thank Khaleda Zia and her party BNP for at least one thing that they have contributed to Bangladesh politics: They have made hartal redundant for this country.

A platform of professionals which is supporting the BNP-backed candidates in the upcoming Dhaka city elections has set a 17-point priority list.

High Court gives split verdict on bail plea of BNP-endorsed Dhaka mayor candidate Mirza Abbas in two criminal cases. The chief justice will now appoint another bench for the bail hearing.

High Court defers verdict on a petition seeking its order on the government to locate and produce “missing” BNP leader Salahuddin to next Monday.