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Sheikh Hasina Alleges “Industrial-Scale Electoral Fraud” in February 12 Election.Dhaka, February 12: Former Prime Minist...
13/02/2026

Sheikh Hasina Alleges “Industrial-Scale Electoral Fraud” in February 12 Election.

Dhaka, February 12: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sharply criticized the February 12 national election and accompanying referendum, calling them a “planned electoral farce” and an “industrial-scale administrative manipulation of numbers.” In a detailed statement, she alleged that the polls were neither reflective of public opinion nor conducted in a transparent and credible manner, and warned that the process would be remembered as a dark chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic history.

According to official figures, Bangladesh has 127,711,793 registered voters. Polling began at 7:30 a.m. and concluded at 4:30 p.m. The Election Commission (EC) announced in its first briefing that by 11:00 a.m.—after three and a half hours—14.96% of votes had been cast, amounting to 19,105,684 ballots. This indicates an average of roughly 90,979 votes per minute during that period.

However, by 12:00 noon, the EC reported total turnout had surged to 32.88%, implying that 17.92%—or 22,880,350 votes—were cast within a single hour. That translates to approximately 381,339 votes per minute, more than four times the earlier rate. With 32,789 polling centers nationwide, the figure would mean an average of 11.63 votes per minute per center—about one vote every 5.16 seconds—an efficiency Hasina described as practically impossible under standard voting procedures.
By 2:00 p.m., turnout was reported at 47.91%, indicating that 15.03% (19,194,883 votes) were cast between noon and 2:00 p.m., or around 159,958 votes per minute. Finally, at 4:30 p.m., the EC announced overall turnout at 59.44%, suggesting that 11.53% (14,722,770 votes) were cast in the last two and a half hours—approximately 98,152 votes per minute.

Hasina argued that the sharp spike in turnout between 11:00 a.m. and noon was statistically abnormal and inconsistent with Bangladesh’s historical voting patterns, where early morning hours typically see the highest participation rates. She further claimed that media reports and eyewitness accounts from various districts described largely empty polling stations and inactive booths.

Citing additional data, she noted that of approximately 86,000 incarcerated voters, only about 5,000 (3%) reportedly cast ballots, and that among an estimated 15 million overseas voters, only around 500,000 (7%) participated. In light of these figures, she questioned the plausibility of an overall turnout approaching 60%, calling the claim “not only unrealistic but laughable.”

The former prime minister also accused authorities of using state resources to promote the “Yes” vote in the referendum. She criticized the ballot design, which allegedly placed a tick mark beside “Yes” and a cross beside “No,” arguing that such visual cues could influence voter psychology. She further alleged that many result sheets bore only the signatures of presiding officers, lacking those of polling agents, raising concerns about transparency.
Another issue raised in her statement was the delay in publishing detailed referendum results. While constituency-level parliamentary results were reportedly announced over an 18-hour period, referendum results were released approximately five hours later, a delay she said fueled public suspicion over the integrity of data processing.

Hasina’s statement also detailed alleged irregularities before and during election day, including reports of ballot papers being stamped the night before voting, presiding officers signing result sheets in advance, voters being told their ballots had already been cast, and groups allegedly stamping ballots inside polling booths. She cited incidents of clashes, crude bomb explosions, ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and coercion at several polling stations. She also referenced pre-election violence on February 11 involving clashes between BNP and Jamaat activists, as well as reports of illegal arms recovery and vote-buying.

According to Hasina, the Awami League was barred from participating in the election, a move she described as unlawful. She emphasized that, unlike previous instances when opposition parties boycotted elections and allegedly resorted to violence, her party called for a peaceful boycott and refrained from obstructing the voting process. She claimed that low voter turnout reflected public response to that call, and that turnout figures were subsequently inflated to legitimize what she described as a one-sided election.
In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina called for the annulment of the February 12 election and referendum, the resignation of the current administration, the release of political detainees and withdrawal of what she termed “false cases” against professionals and activists, the lifting of restrictions on Awami League activities, and the organization of fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government. She warned that controversial electoral outcomes cannot ensure political stability and that public distrust would deepen unless corrective measures are taken.

01/01/2026

Mob Violence and Human Rights Abuses Intensify in 2025

Mob violence has increased sharply in 2025 compared to 2024, raising serious concerns about law and order and human rights in the country. According to data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), at least 197 people were killed in mob violence between January and December 2025. In comparison, at least 128 people were killed by mob violence in 2024.
During the period of the interim government, a total of at least 293 people have lost their lives to mob violence. These deaths reflect a deep failure of the state to protect its citizens. In the past, people died in so-called “crossfire”; today, they continue to die due to mob attacks and the collapse of effective law enforcement.
Extrajudicial killings have also not stopped. According to ASK, in 2025 at least 38 people were victims of extrajudicial killings carried out in the name of alleged “gunfights” or “crossfire.”
In addition, at least 107 people died in prisons across the country in 2025, raising further questions about custodial safety and accountability.
Political violence has also remained widespread. From January to December 2025, at least 401 incidents of political violence were recorded. These incidents left approximately 4,744 people injured and 102 people dead.
At the end of the day, it is human lives that are being lost. The question remains: where does this cycle of human rights violations and mob violence end? How many more lives must be lost before society awakens? And when will the rule of law finally be established in this country?
It must be remembered that no amount of power, politics, or ideology can replace a single human life. That is why all religions strictly prohibit killing. The Qur’an states:
“Whoever kills a person unjustly, it is as though he has killed all of mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all of mankind” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32).
With folded hands, there is an urgent appeal to the state and to every citizen of the country: let us raise our voices against all forms of mob violence, killings, and brutality. Let us save the country and its people. May Allah grant us conscience and humanity—because without these, there is no other way to protect human life or the nation itself.

01/01/2026

On the first day of January, the Awami League government would place free textbooks into the hands of students.
The happiness of holding brand-new books was pure and unforgettable.
That day was a festival — especially for little children, their eyes shining with dreams and hope.
Today, that beautiful book festival has been taken away from them. ⁉️😭

30/12/2025

Controversy Grows Over Handling of Seriously Ill Khaleda Zia at State Event.

On Armed Forces Day, people associated with the Yunus government allegedly tried to force seriously ill Khaleda Zia out of her wheelchair and make her walk somewhere.
When she said she was unable to walk, at one point she sat down on the ground beside the wheelchair. 😭😭😭
Strangely, no footage of what happened afterward can be found on YouTube.
Had there not been such political pressure to compel a sick person to go to Sena Kunja, she might have been in better health today—even the possibility of becoming prime minister for a fourth time, or the country’s first female president, could have remained open.
In this context, the Yunus government cannot absolve itself of responsibility for Khaleda Zia’s death.
Deep condolences and respect on the passing of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. 😭😭

26/12/2025

Bangladesh is on the brink of destruction today due to the raise of extremism. 😭😭
At James's concert in Faridpur, a violent mob attack took place. The urban minstrel James narrowly ascaped with his life..

Minority Lives Under Siege in Bangladesh as Brutal Mob Killing Exposes Deep Human Rights CrisisMymensingh / Dhaka:A horr...
20/12/2025

Minority Lives Under Siege in Bangladesh as Brutal Mob Killing Exposes Deep Human Rights Crisis

Mymensingh / Dhaka:
A horrifying mob killing in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district has once again laid bare the fragile state of human rights and the growing insecurity faced by religious minorities in the country.

The victim, Dipu Chandra Das, a young Hindu garment worker, was lynched in public after being falsely accused of blasphemy. Witnesses allege that after being beaten to death, his body was hung from a tree and set on fire in broad daylight—an act that has shocked rights advocates and raised serious questions about the collapse of law, justice, and accountability.

Human rights organizations warn that Dipu’s killing is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

A Climate of Fear and Targeted Violence

According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, at least 2,442 incidents of violence against minorities were recorded between August 2024 and July 2025. These include assaults, forced displacement, destruction of homes, and the vandalism of more than 150 temples.

Rights groups argue that such attacks reflect not spontaneous unrest, but a sustained environment of fear where minority communities remain especially vulnerable to false accusations, mob violence, and selective justice.

How a False Accusation Turned Deadly

Multiple co-workers from the garment factory where Dipu Chandra Das worked have stated that he never made any religious comments, either online or offline.

According to these accounts, Dipu had recently earned a supervisor position through merit, while three other employees failed to secure the same post despite allegedly attempting to obtain it through financial transactions. Out of resentment, they are accused of creating a fake Facebook account in Dipu’s name, spreading fabricated claims that he had insulted Islam and the Prophet.

Without verifying the authenticity of the allegations, an enraged mob allegedly attacked Dipu.

Adding to the credibility of these claims, colleagues stated that Dipu did not own or use a smartphone, relying instead on a basic button phone—making it highly unlikely that he could have operated a Facebook account. A female co-worker from the same factory has publicly described the events, corroborating the claim that the blasphemy accusation was entirely fabricated.

Human rights defenders say the case exemplifies how false religious allegations, workplace rivalry, and unchecked mob mentality can become lethal—particularly for minorities with limited social protection.

Shrinking Minority Presence

The demographic shift in Bangladesh further underscores these concerns. In 1951, Hindus constituted approximately 22 percent of the population. Today, that figure has reportedly declined to below 8 percent.

Activists argue that this steep decline is not merely the result of economic migration, but reflects decades of insecurity, discrimination, and targeted violence that have forced minority families to leave.

International Reaction and Moral Appeals

The killing has drawn international attention, including reactions from Indian political leaders. In a widely shared Facebook post, Indian leader Pawan Kalyan referenced the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War, reminding readers that nearly 3,900 Indian soldiers lost their lives so that Bangladesh could emerge as a nation grounded in dignity and freedom.

He described the present situation as a betrayal of that legacy and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian citizens. He also called on the United Nations and the international community to break what he termed “selective silence” on minority persecution.

Calls for Accountability

Rights groups and civil society activists stress that justice in the Dipu Chandra Das case will be a critical test of Bangladesh’s commitment to the rule of law. They argue that without swift, transparent investigations and meaningful punishment for perpetrators, mob violence will continue to thrive in an atmosphere of impunity.

“The issue is no longer just communal violence,” said one rights advocate. “It is the systematic erosion of human rights and the normalization of public brutality.”

As Bangladesh confronts mounting scrutiny, Dipu Chandra Das’s death stands as a grim reminder that minority safety is not a marginal issue—it is a fundamental measure of a nation’s humanity.

19/12/2025

Allegations of “Political Sacrifice” Spark Heated Debate in Bangladesh

Dhaka: A growing wave of commentary on social media has ignited intense debate over a series of high-profile killings and violent incidents in Bangladesh, with some commentators alleging that multiple deaths were deliberately “sacrificed” to sustain anti-government and anti-India political narratives.

According to these claims, individuals such as Hadi, Saiful, Abrar Fahad, and Abu Sayeed were not random victims but were instead used as political symbols amid internal factional conflicts and declining public support for certain opposition narratives. The allegations suggest that public outrage was strategically mobilized to keep political movements alive at a time when, critics argue, their messaging was losing traction.

Claims Surrounding Hadi Case

Commentators allege that Hadi’s shooting and subsequent transfer to Singapore for medical treatment were used to demonstrate that the interim administration was providing “maximum care,” while also preventing immediate escalation on the streets. Questions have been raised online as to why the alleged shooter has not yet been arrested, despite being described as a known suspect.

Some social media users argue that the narrative of the suspect fleeing abroad—particularly to India—was deliberately circulated to maintain anti-India sentiment. They also question why the suspect reportedly obtained bail twice despite being a “top-listed accused,” and point out alleged political affiliations between the suspect, his legal counsel, and opposition groups.

Authorities, however, have not publicly confirmed these claims.

Saiful Killing and Court Premises Violence

The killing of lawyer Saiful in Chattogram has also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that violence surrounding the court appearance of religious leader Chinmoy Prabhu was predictable, and question why heightened security was not deployed. They further allege that the presence of political activists at the court premises contributed to the escalation.

Online commentators have raised doubts about whether justice will ultimately be delivered in the case, citing what they describe as patterns of impunity in politically sensitive killings.

Revisiting the Abrar Fahad Case

The murder of Abrar Fahad, a BUET student, continues to be a flashpoint. Some commentators point to reported political affiliations of certain convicts’ family members and the role of high-profile defense lawyers in the case as evidence of deeper political entanglements.

They also highlight the escape of at least one convicted individual from prison and claim that, despite a court verdict, the ultimate accountability of those involved remains uncertain.

Conflicting Narratives Around Abu Sayeed’s Death

The death of Abu Sayeed has been widely shared through multiple video clips on social media. Critics of the dominant narrative argue that available footage suggests a chaotic confrontation with police rather than a premeditated killing. They claim rubber bullets were used and that Sayeed later collapsed due to injuries sustained during the clash.

These voices argue that Abu Sayeed was later elevated as a “cult figure” to galvanize political movements, pointing to repeated visits by political figures to his grave as evidence of symbolic mobilization.

Questions Over Selective Attention

Commentators have also questioned why other victims, such as Mugdha, who reportedly died from a gunshot wound, have received comparatively little attention. They note the absence of a completed autopsy report, public disclosure of ballistic evidence, or a case filed by the family.

A Broader Debate on Political Violence

While none of these allegations have been independently verified, they reflect a broader public debate about political violence in Bangladesh and the use of deaths as mobilizing tools. Analysts warn that unverified narratives risk deepening polarization and undermining trust in institutions.

Government agencies and law enforcement authorities have yet to respond in detail to many of the specific claims circulating online.

As Bangladesh continues to navigate political uncertainty, the controversy underscores a persistent and troubling question raised by critics: to what extent have lives been lost not just to violence, but to politics itself?

14/12/2025

December 14 — Martyred Intellectuals Day.
Deepest respect and profound homage to the martyred intellectuals.

“People’s Verdict on Social Media Challenges Prothom Alo’s Survey Narrative” Dhaka, Dec 9, 2025: A recently published pu...
09/12/2025

“People’s Verdict on Social Media Challenges Prothom Alo’s Survey Narrative”

Dhaka, Dec 9, 2025: A recently published public-opinion survey by private research firm Kimekers Consulting Limited, aired by Prothom Alo, has sparked intense criticism from Bangladesh’s civil society and social media users. The survey claimed that most people expect Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to win the most seats in the next national parliamentary election — with Jamaat-e-Islami ranked second, and many respondents believing the country would improve under BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami rule.

The report was published on Prothom Alo’s page at 10:00 AM on December 9. As of now, the post has reportedly received around 137,000 reactions, of which about 89,000 were “Haha” reactions, indicating strong public skepticism about the survey’s credibility.

Moreover, the post has attracted approximately 30,000 comments, where a large portion of users expressed support for the ruling party and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Many commenters described the report as “fabricated,” “misleading,” “one-sided,” and “politically motivated.”

Several social media users have also questioned the credibility of Prothom Alo, with some alleging that the newspaper’s public trust has declined in recent years. Critics argue that such reporting represents a form of yellow journalism, which they believe contributes to social and political polarization in the country.

However, critics point out that this is sharply at odds with widely held perceptions and other polls. According to some estimates, nearly 70% of Bangladesh’s population reportedly want the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to return to power — a figure that appears to conflict with the Prothom Alo report. On the very same day, a different Facebook-based survey by a pollster called People’s Perception asked users which party they would vote for if the upcoming election were held now — that poll reportedly saw about 80% favoring Awami League.

The broad divergence between these polls has raised serious questions about the methodology, accuracy, and intent of the Prothom Alo-published survey. Many citizens, activists, and commentators have condemned Prothom Alo’s decision to publish what they call a “false,” “manipulated,” and “politically motivated” report. Some have gone so far as to label it an example of “yellow journalism,” arguing that irresponsible reporting like this erodes public trust and harms Bangladesh’s socio-political climate.

The backlash reflects growing alarm over media credibility in Bangladesh — as concerned citizens demand transparent, honest and methodologically sound public-opinion research.

07/12/2025

“Imran Khan is an admirer of ‘traitor’ Sheikh Mujib.”

The person who betrayed Pakistan — Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — has so deeply impressed Imran Khan that he repeatedly cites him in his speeches.

— Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Pakistan’s ISPR

Fact:-
“Indeed, Sheikh Mujib is the Father of the Nation for Bangladesh, but for Pakistan and those who believe in the Pakistani ideology, he is a traitor.”

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