Writers of both fiction and non-fiction have come under increasing pressure and censorship across South Asia. To discuss these issues, the fifth ULAB Lit Salon brings together a diverse group of experts drawn from policy and its practice, publishing, and media.

The Election Commission’s roadmap for the next parliamentary polls is very much “conventional” and it does not detail how the challenges of holding a free, fair and inclusive election will be addressed, say experts.

At least eight activists of BNP have been arrested and 225 others sued, including 75 named, in a case filed over a clash between the party and ruling Awami League activists and police in Mirpur two days ago.

BNP yesterday issued a note of warning to the ruling party saying that it would not be possible to stop their movement by attack and arrests.

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader yesterday said his party does not belong to any political alliance.

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud yesterday said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam, its leader Khaleda Zia and their party do not believe in the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud today (September 16, 2022) said the speech given by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in Thakurgaon yesterday (September 15, 2022) proves that BNP does not believe in the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

The BNP has announced that it will stage demonstration in all the cities, district and upazila headquarters on Sunday to protest the attack on a party programme in Mirpur.

Tension is running high among the grassroots Jatiya Party leaders and activists in  Rangpur following Mashiur Rahman Ranga’s removal from all party posts.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday categorically said their party will not back down from its decision against joining the next national election if it is held under the current Awami League government.

Mohiuddin Maharaj, organising secretary of Pirojpur district Awami League, is contesting the chairman’s post in the upcoming zila parishad elections as a rebel candidate for the second consecutive time.

A Chhatra League activist yesterday filed a case against the new BCL president of Rajshahi district unit, Sakibul Islam Rana, accusing him of extorting money promising employment.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said people would definitely vote for the Awami League in the next general election for continued development of the country.

Unveiling its work plan for the 12th national polls, the Election Commission yesterday said that gaining the trust of the political parties is a major challenge.

Jatiya Party Presidium Member Moshiur Rahman Ranga was removed from all party posts yesterday, a move likely to intensify the rift between JP chief patron Raushan Ershad and Chairman GM Quader.

Jatiya Party MP Mashiur Rahman Ranga has been relieved from all posts.

Allegations against Awami League lawmaker Pankaj Nath are being raised again after his removal from party posts for “breaching discipline”.

The Election Commission plans to tap into modern technologies in the next national election as part of its efforts to win back people’s confidence in polls, say EC officials.

Blue panel, the Awami League-backed teachers’ panel of Dhaka University, has bagged victory in the senate election.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said the outline of a “simultaneous” movement to oust the government will be presented soon.“We are working with the various political parties to form a greater  unity and in light of that we have decided to finalise the strategy...,”  he said.