136 Journalists Reject Unilateral Election in Bangladesh

We observe with deep concern that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh is not taking place in a truly participatory and democratic manner. The preparations for an election in which the Awami League—one of the country’s major political parties—along with several other progressive parties, has been effectively barred from participation are contrary to the fundamental spirit of democracy. In this election, the symbol representing the choice of nearly half of the population will be absent from the ballot. As a result, the electoral outcome will not reflect the genuine will of the people.

Such a one-sided election will not bring stability to the country; rather, it is likely to create fresh political and social crises. Any election conducted without the participation and opinion of a vast segment of the population will remain incomplete and unacceptable. We have witnessed similar consequences in the past. Even in this election, we see preparations underway to squander substantial public funds while paving the way for renewed national instability and disorder. Elections of this nature only deepen social unrest and create lasting divisions within the nation.

We are further concerned that the interim government’s commitment and responsibility to ensure a neutral and credible election have now become questionable. There are visible signs of administrative bias in favor of certain government-backed parties. Public resources are being spent extensively to promote a “Yes” campaign, using taxpayers’ money. At the same time, serious questions have arisen regarding the neutrality of the Election Commission. This Election Commission was not constituted on the basis of consensus among all political parties. Allegations have emerged that officials entrusted with election management have been appointed according to the preferences of a particular political faction. Consequently, the overall electoral process has become deeply questionable.

Under these circumstances, we believe that proceeding with this election will not strengthen democracy; instead, it will push the country toward greater uncertainty and instability. Therefore, in the interest of protecting democracy, political stability, and national unity, we:

Call for the immediate suspension of the current controversial and unilateral electoral process; andS trongly demand the organization of a fresh, credible election that ensures the participation of all political parties and opinions.

We firmly believe that only through national unity, meaningful dialogue, and inclusive participation of all stakeholders can a genuinely democratic election be held—one that will guide the nation toward stability and progress.

Signatories to the Statement (Not in Order of Seniority):

1. Molla Jalal – Former President, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
2. Syed Badrul Ahsan – Senior Journalist
3. Farida Yasmin – Former President, National Press Club
4. Manzarul Islam – Senior Journalist
5. Saban Mahmud – Former Secretary General, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
6. Abu Jafar Surya – Former President, Dhaka Journalists Union
7. Sohel Haider Chowdhury – President, Dhaka Journalists Union
8. Mohidul Islam Raju – Former General Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
9. Syed Borhan Kabir – Chief Editor, Bangla Insider
10. Sazzad Hossain Sabuj – Former Press Minister, Washington DC
11. Ashraf Ali – Joint Secretary General, National Press Club
12. Pulak Ghatak – Former Joint Secretary General, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
13. Akhtar Hossain – General Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
14. Sharif Shahab Uddin – Former Editor, The Bangladesh Post
15. Pranab Sarkar – President, Agartala Press Club

16. Riyaz Haider Chowdhury – President, Chattogram Journalists Union
17. Ibtesam Nasim Mou – Senior Journalist
18. Rashedul Islam Biplob – President, Journalists Union, Kushtia
19. Saiduzzaman Samrat – President, Khulna Journalists Union
20. J.M. Rauf – President, Bogura Journalists Union
21. Ataur Rahman – President, Gazipur Journalists Union
22. Fazlul Bari – Senior Journalist, Sydney, Australia
23. Dastagir Jahangir – Expatriate Journalist, United States
24. Masuda Bhatti – Senior Journalist
25. Manik Lal Ghosh – Former Vice President, Dhaka Journalists Union
26. Khairul Alam – Former Joint General Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
27. Taimur Faruk Tushar – Editor, BengalNews24.com
28. Sheikh Jamal – Former Editor, Daily Mukhpatra and Organizing Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
29. Amjad Hossain Mintu – General Secretary, Bogura Journalists Union 30. Ashequnnabi Chowdhury – Former Press Minister, London
31. Saifullah Mahmud Dulal – Expatriate Journalist, Canada

32. Khandaker Ismail – Expatriate Journalist, Canada
33. Falguni Dutta – Senior Journalist, Ekushey TV
34. Sanjid Ahmed – Expatriate Journalist, Canada
35. Syed Anas Pasha – Senior Journalist
36. Apel Mahmud – Senior Journalist, TBN24
37. Mohammad Shamim – Expatriate Journalist, United States
38. Ruhul Amin Tuhin – Senior Journalist
39. Poet Rezaul Karim – Former Finance Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
40. Golam Mujtaba Dhrubo – Organizing Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
41. Zakir Hossain Imon – Former President, Dhaka Sub-Editors Council
42. AKM Obaidur Rahman – Former General Secretary, Dhaka Sub-Editors Council
43. Siddiqur Rahman – Former General Secretary, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum
44. Sajeda Parveen – Former Vice President, BSRF
45. Taufiq Maruf – Senior Journalist and Analyst
46. Zahirul Haque Tuku – Senior Journalist
47. Shamima Akter Dola – Senior Journalist
48. SM Abul Hossain – Senior Journalist
49. Mahbub Hasan – Senior Journalist
50. Sirajuzzaman – Senior Expatriate Journalist, Canada
51. Muhammad Mamun Sheikh – Publicity and Publication Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
52. Asadur Rahman – Legal Affairs Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union 53. Soheli Chowdhury – Treasurer, Dhaka Journalists Union
54. Jannatul Ferdous Chowdhury – Office Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
55. Sumi Khan – Former Women Affairs Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
56. Shahidul Haque Jibon – General Secretary, Television Camera Journalists Association
57. Shamima Akter – Former President, Law Reporters Forum
58. Hira Talukder – Former Vice President, Law Reporters Forum
59. Syed Nur-e-Alam – Senior Journalist, New Live in Azerbaijan
60. Sabira Islam – Senior Journalist
61. Rafiqul Islam Pintu – Senior Journalist
62. Kamrul Islam Badal – Senior Journalist, Chattogram
63. Hamid Mohammad Jasim – Member Secretary, Swadhinata Sangbadik Parishad
64. Shahidul Hasan Khokon – Senior Freelance Journalist
65. Rezaul Karim Reza – Former Sports and Cultural Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
66. Bani Yasmin Hashi – Editor, Bivarta24.net
67. F.M. Shaheen – Chief Editor, Jagaran TV
68. Raju Hamid – Former Publicity Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
69. Haider Hossain – Editor, Muksudpur Sangbad

70. Hakikul Islam Khokon – President, American Press Club of Bangladesh Origin
71. Sajeda Haque – Executive Member, Dhaka Journalists Union
72. Jobayer Chowdhury – Former Public Welfare Secretary, Dhaka Journalists Union
73. Halima Akter – Former Executive Member, Dhaka Journalists Union
74. Imran Hasan Tutul – Former Joint Secretary, Jessore Journalists Union
75. Pradip Kumar Chowdhury – Senior Journalist
76. Shafiul Haque – Former President, Bangladesh Journalists Association
77. Hosne Ara Momota Islam – Special Correspondent, Channel i
78. Junaid Shahriar – Senior Journalist
79. Mainul Islam – Senior Journalist
80. Mushfiqur Rahman – Senior Journalist
81. Dr. Pradip Roy – Editor, OTN Bangla, Melbourne, Australia
82. Shatadal Talukder – Reporter, OTN Bangla, Sydney, Australia
83. Suranjit Biswas Suman – Reporter, OTN Bangla, Darwin, Australia
84. Jhorna Moni – Former Women Affairs Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity
85. Nowshad Jamil – Poet and Senior Journalist
86. Azahar Mahmud – Senior Journalist

87. Shafiqul Alam Milon – Former Organizing Secretary, Bangladesh Film Journalists Association
88. Shahid Rana – Organizing Secretary, Dhaka Sub-Editors Council
89. Anwar Hossain – Former Executive Member, Dhaka Journalists Union
90. Shaheen Hasnat – Senior Journalist
91. Ishrafil Howlader – Editor, eBangla.press
92. Sheikh Kalimullah Nayan – Senior Journalist
93. Majedul Islam Papel – Former Senior Reporter, BTV
94. Kamrul Islam – Senior Journalist
95. Asaduzzaman Azam – Executive Editor, Deshpaksha
96. Wareshunnabi Khandaker – Senior Journalist
97. Rubel Hasan – Senior Video Journalist, Jamuna Television
98. Ramzan Ali – Senior Journalist
99. Rahima Akter – Senior Journalist
100. Enamul Haque Moni – Senior Journalist
101. Nasir Uddin Chowdhury – Senior Reporter, Daily Ajker Business Bangladesh
102. Md. Riaz Hossain – General Secretary, Bangladesh Press Club, Italy
103. Imranul Azim Chowdhury – Senior Journalist
104. Gazi Shah Riaz – Former Vice President, Barishal Reporters Unity
105. Israfiul Shaheen – General Secretary, Television Producers Association
106. Utpal Das – Senior Journalist
107. Asaduzzaman Asad – Former General Secretary, Thakurgaon Reporters Unity
108. Wahidur Rahman Rubel – Organizing Secretary, Cox’s Bazar Reporters Unity
109. Gazi Tushar Ahmed – Senior Journalistm
110. Safiur Rahman – Senior Journalist

111. Farzana Shova – Senior Journalist, Ekushey TV
112. S.K. Reza Parvez – Former Chief Reporter, RisingBD.com
113. Ohidul Islam – Senior Journalist
114. Nazmul Hasan Raj – Senior Journalist, Voice of Sydney
115. S.M. Kamruzzaman Sagar – Senior Journalist
116. Mizanur Rahman Opu – Senior Journalist
117. Chamir Mahmud – Expatriate Journalist, UK and Former General Secretary, Sylhet District Press Club
118. Hamid Mohammad – Expatriate Poet and Writer, United Kingdom
119. Md. Sajidur Rahman – Former President, UK Reporters Unity
120. Jewel Raj – Editor, BrickLaneNews.com

121. Professor Apu Alam – Editor and Publisher, Probash-e Bangla (France)
122. Debesh Barua – President, France Bangla Press Club
123. Sohel Mazumder Shipon – Editor and Publisher, Deshpriyo News (Italy)
124. Khaled Golam Kibria – Advisory Editor, Deshpriyo News (France)
125. Comrade Khondokar – Former General Secretary, Bangladesh Press Club, Italy
126. Salah Uddin – Editor, Spain Bangla News24
127. Matiar Chowdhury – Expatriate Journalist, United Kingdom
128. Sujat Mansur – Writer and Journalist
129. Mohammad Mokis Mansur – Chairman, UK BD TV
130. Towhid Fitrar Hossain – Writer and Columnist
131. Azizul Ambia – Daily Joy Bangla Newspaper
132. Hasanat Kamal – Editor, Eye News
133. Md. Suyez Mia – CEO, Voice of Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom
134. Kamrul I. Russell – Correspondent, Channel S, United Kingdom
135. Saju Laskar – Chief Reporter, Doyel TV, Canada.

Statement by 136 Journalists

EN/SHA