The Daily Star has launched a new series of talk show ‘The Election Talks 2018’ where experts are analysing all aspects of the upcoming general elections, contemporary politics, events and incidents.

In today’s episode of ‘The Election Talks 2018’, Sharmeen Murshid, chief executive officer of a non-government organisation and local election observer group ‘Brotee’, talks with The Daily Star about the upcoming election.

She sheds light on the inclusion process of election observers for the 11th national polls on a one-to-one with Shakhawat Liton, planning editor of The Daily Star.

While listing the election observers this time, the election commission has excluded many experienced observes while many election observer groups were included who are not known to us, she said.

Mentioning that the scope of observing the election is getting reduced, she said, "This shrunken scope has raised questions in our minds."

As an example, she said that during the 2008 elections, number of total international election observers were 593 and local observers were 1,00,059 from 75 organisations. But this time there are only 25 to 26 thousand local observers and under 100 international observers, according to election commission data.   

Watch the video to know more!

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said a total of 422 BNP men were killed across the country during the mass uprising between July and August.

"According to various reports, 875 people were martyred across Bangladesh in the 'July Genocide' until August 13, of whom at least 422 were involved in BNP politics," Fakhrul said.

"There is no scope to underestimate BNP's contribution," he added.

He also said preparing the Election System Reform Commission's report should not take more than two months.

"I think it should not take more than two months. Complete it within two months…" Fakhrul said during a press conference on the occasion of International Democracy Day at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday said Badiul Alam Majumdar would head the Electoral System Reform Commission, which is expected to complete their work within the next three months.

Fakhrul said, "Election-centric reforms should be given the highest priority..."

"The reform works should be completed quickly to move towards an election. The election will be held under a neutral government. The election will be free and fair. The people will elect their representatives by voting," he added.

Fakhrul also identified the critical areas requiring reform, including the Election Commission, administration, law enforcement agencies, and judiciary.

"Election-centric reforms are necessary," he added.

Addressing concerns about legal repercussions for BNP leaders, Fakhrul said, "They [Awami League] have punished many of us. If we are given more than two years of punishment, we will not be able to participate in the election. Reforms are needed in this regard as well."

Fakhrul also called for patience and unity among the political parties, urging support for the interim government's efforts.

"Many times, we see that many political parties are saying things that are not very conducive to overall unity," he said.

"Our most important need is to maintain unity. Be patient. Support all the works of this interim government and try to move forward," he added.

BNP candidates for Manikganj-1 Khondaker Akter Hamid Dablu allegedly came under attack today.

Dablu claimed that criminals fired gunshots at his car twice in Ghior upazila town and Mohadevpur area of Shivalaua upzila while he was returning home from Daulatpur upazila nirbahi officer’s office this afternoon.

However, the two bullets missed his car, he said adding that he informed Manikganj police superintendent about the attacks.

Contacted, Rifat Rahman Shamim, superintendent of police in Manikganj, said that after investigation, police couldn't find any evidence of such incident.

Determined to foil the Awami League's bid to hold a large rally marking Noor Hossain Day, leaders and activists of the anti-discrimination student movement and BNP have taken position in front of the Awami League's central office on Bangabandhu Avenue and around Zero Point.

Photo: Amran Hossain

BNP leaders and activists were marching along the Bangabandhu Avenue and other streets in the area since morning.

Meanwhile, the students started gathering at Zero Point in Gulistan under the banner of "Fascism Resistance Platform" around 12:00pm, Amran Hossain, a photojournalist of The Daily Star, reports from the spot.

Photo: Amran Hossain

He said BNP processions have been going round Noor Hossain Square since 10:30am.

Amran said BNP activists identified three people as Awami League activists at Noor Hossain Square and handed them over to the police.

Photo: Amran Hossain

Key coordinators of the movement vowed to prevent "fascist Awami League" from holding a public demonstration. The students took control of streets around the Zero Point from early morning where Noor Hossain had been shot dead by the police on November 10, 1987, while protesting against military dictator General Ershad.

Ironically Noor Hossain, hailed as a champion of democracy and an inspiration of many a protester, was a leader of Awami League's youth front, the Jubo League.

The student movement against discrimination announced a mass gathering at Zero Point in the Dhaka's Gulistan today, demanding trial of the Awami League.

The student body came up with the announcement a day after the Awami League urged its leaders and activists to gather at Noor Hossain Chattar (Zero Point) at 3:00pm today to observe the Shaheed Noor Hossain Day.

Meanwhile, several political organisations including the National Democratic Front of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Workers Federation, Left Democratic Alliance, and Socialist Students' Front, have paid tributes to Noor Hossain yesterday, according to UNB report.

Photo: UNB

The leaders and activists of the parties gathered at Noor Hossain Square last evening and placed wreaths there, the report added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said his party, if voted to power, will form a "national government" with participation from all parties that supported them throughout.

"If we are elected, we will not run the country alone ... So, where is the problem? Where is the doubt?" he said at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.

Highlighting the need for holding an election swiftly to save the nation, Fakhrul asked the interim government to focus on specific reforms.

"The public has started doubting you [interim government]. The people in the government are creating confusion by making various remarks. Focus should be on fixing the Election Commission, administration, and the judiciary to prepare for elections. The remaining work will be done by those elected."

Mentioning the lack of political expertise in the current administration, he said, "Factories, which are major assets of our country, are being set on fire. Why can't they address this? … They lack the political strength."

"None of these people [advisers] have political experience. Politics involves specific calculations and equations, which only politicians understand," the BNP leader said, adding that delays in holding polls will only exacerbate existing problems and create new ones.

Referring to the recent protests by the students of Government Titumir College, Fakhrul questioned the interim government's preparedness.

"Were they not intelligent enough to foresee this? Why were preventive measures not taken?" he stressed.

Urging the government for an election roadmap, Fakhrul said, "We demand polls in the interest of the nation, not for BNP's benefit. We submitted reform proposals supported by 62 parties. Review them and decide on which ones will be implemented."

"Announcing an election roadmap will restore public confidence," said the BNP leader, adding that he wants the interim government to succeed in their endeavors.

"We don't want Hasina to return," he said.