BNP will form a judicial commission to reform the judiciary, the party promised in the election manifesto unveiled today. 

It will place the control of the lower judiciary on the Supreme Court instead of the president through amendment of the constitution.

It will put in place a institutional system to appoint efficient judges to remove the current case backlog, the party said in its manifesto.

Expressing concern over alleged harassment, intimidation and electoral irregularities in the December 30 election, Norway has called for a transparent investigation into the allegations.

“Norway is concerned about credible reports of harassment and intimidation, as well as the presence of serious obstacles to a level playing field throughout the election process. We deplore the violence and tragic loss of life during the campaigning period and on election day,” said Marianne Hagen, state secretary at foreign affairs ministry.

“Given the significant number of claims of irregularities, it is essential that these are investigated fully and transparently by the proper authorities.”

In a statement on Thursday, she said Norway commends the many Bangladeshis who exercised their democratic right to vote on election day, and welcomes the opposition's decision to contest the election for the first time in 10 years.

Hagen added, “Our countries' good and longstanding relations are based on mutual respect and the pursuit of common interests.

“Norway will continue to work with the government and the opposition, as well as other stakeholders, to further advance the democratic and economic development of Bangladesh.” 

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.

Awami League in its election manifesto today pledged to form a National Minority Commission to ensure safety of the minority communities.

Laws that discriminate religious and ethnic minorities will be amended and the communities' property rights will be ensured within a fixed timeframe.

Moreover, steps will be taken to implement the sections of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord that have not yet been implemented, the party said in its manifesto.