China on Wednesday said its relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries are not targeted at any third party, nor will they be swayed by any external force. “Any attempt to interfere in or obstruct these relations is doomed to fail,” said a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, refuting again China-related remarks by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka shared its reaction through its verified Facebook page. The Chinese Embassy has made clear its solemn position on the relevant issue, said the embassy spokesperson, noting that the US Ambassador to Bangladesh was singing the same old tune again, pointed fingers at Bangladesh-China relations and was mixing white and black. “China is a trustworthy partner of South Asian countries, and its friendly cooperation with South Asian countries has safeguarded peace and stability in the region, promoted development and revitalisation, and has been supported and welcomed by the peoples in the region,” said the spokesperson.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd) on Wednesday said "strict" action would be taken against responsible law enforcement agencies and election officials if any ballot box snatching, fake voting, or other irregularities occur at polling centers during the national election. He issued the warning while visiting the Operation Control Room at Police Headquarters and the New Market and Mohammadpur police stations under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Deputy Chief Information Officer Faisal Hasan said the adviser reviewed the nationwide law and order situation and election security measures at the Police Headquarters’ Operation Control Room. He also inspected body-worn cameras in the presence of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam and other senior officials. Later, during visits to the New Market and Mohammadpur police stations, the home adviser instructed police members to perform their election duties with honesty, efficiency, and sincerity.

He added that the United States can provide “a range of options” to help Bangladesh meet its military needs, including US-made systems and equipment from allied partners, offering what he described as alternatives to Chinese hardware. Bangladesh has also been in discussions with Pakistan over the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Christensen also noted that Washington would like to see improved relations between Bangladesh and India, describing such ties as important for regional stability. Rohingya aid and burden sharingChristensen also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving more than one million Rohingya refugees living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. The United States remains the largest single donor to the Rohingya response, he told Reuters.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday alleged that 13 polling booths were vandalized in his Dhaka-15 constituency. In a Facebook post around 5pm, the Jamaat chief strongly condemned and protested the incident. “Those who still want to stop us through terror and intimidation are forgetting that this nation has moved forward through the July revolution. He alleged that those who failed to sit for discussions on the country’s policies and future plans are now resorting to violence. The way the ‘scale’ has taken place in the hearts of the common people will be reflected in Thursday’s elections, InshaAllah,” he added.

Two people were killed and at least 30 others injured after a passenger bus overturned in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred around 1:30pm in front of the CCPL petrol pump in the Suadi area on the Dhaka–Khulna highway. The injured were rescued and taken to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex. A Dhaka-bound bus of Sakura Paribahan and a Barisal-bound bus of Unique Paribahan were involved in the collision. Sub-Inspector Mamun of Bhanga Highway Police Station said members of the fire service and highway police carried out rescue operations after receiving information.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the country’s respected pirs, mashayekhs, Islamic scholars, ulema, imams, and khatibs for reportedly supporting his party. In a statement responding to reports in various newspapers and media outlets that leading Islamic scholars from different sections have voiced support for the BNP, Tarique conveyed his greetings to the alem-ulema ahead of the national election. “At this historic moment for the nation, the position taken by the country’s top ulema will guide the people towards the right path,” Tarique said. He added that the clear stance of the alem-ulema will help prevent propaganda against the BNP, which he described as a party that upholds Islamic values. The BNP chairman also expressed hope that, ahead of the national election, citizens will receive proper guidance from Islamic scholars in exercising their political, social, and civic rights.

Rumors and misinformation are increasingly shaping the electoral landscape, turning the “voting field” into a battleground of information warfare alongside traditional posters, processions, and public rallies. Last November, ahead of the national election, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) formed a special cell to combat fake information and rumors. In coordination with multiple agencies, the cell is conducting round-the-clock monitoring of online and social media platforms and carrying out fact-checking activities. Zoha noted that images, videos, or audio circulated on social media are often old or edited, creating confusion. Any information related to violence, vote rigging, or the law-and-order situation should be verified through reliable news outlets or official Election Commission sources, he said.

Dr Mahdi Amin, adviser to the BNP chairman and spokesperson for the party’s Election Management Committee, has said the arrest of the Thakurgaon district Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer with a large sum of money at Saidpur Airport cannot be dismissed as an isolated incident. Mahdi questioned why such a large sum was being transported despite the closure of business establishments, adding that it does not require an expert to understand the implications. He maintained that the incident at Saidpur Airport cannot be regarded as an isolated occurrence. He further alleged that attempts to collect bKash account numbers to offer financial inducements, as well as claims of “selling tickets to heaven,” have been rejected by ordinary voters. Describing the election as a symbol of safeguarding independence and sovereignty, Amin called on people across the country to join what he described as the BNP’s growing wave of popularity.

Bangladesh Air Force has deployed advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen security and monitor polling stations during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. According to officials, the Air Force has taken comprehensive measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. A total of 3,730 Air Force personnel have been deployed across the country. In a directive, the Election Commission instructed the Air Force to provide live aerial footage of polling areas to the central monitoring cell and the office of the Chief Adviser. A total of 51 political parties are participating in the upcoming election, with 2,034 candidates contesting across the country.

The Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee has summoned Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, whose candidacy in the Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency was canceled over a loan default allegation, following accusations that he threatened voters. The order was issued Tuesday night by Senior Civil Judge Tafrima Tabassum of the Comilla-4 Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee. The Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and assistant returning officer had submitted a written complaint to the committee, alleging that Munshi threatened voters. If necessary, I will burn down your homes and reduce everything to ashes.”Munshi had been the BNP candidate for the Comilla-4 seat. After his candidacy was scrapped, the BNP extended support to Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Md A. Jasim Uddin in the Comilla-4 constituency.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul has said that the decision not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 was taken by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the national cricketers, shifting responsibility away from the government amid ongoing controversy over the boycott. “The ICC has said there will be no sanctions and that Bangladesh will be considered for hosting an international tournament. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” he added. However, in his fresh comments, Nazrul described the withdrawal as a decision jointly taken by the BCB and the cricketers, framing it as a voluntary sacrifice rather than a government-imposed directive. The world body later confirmed that no punitive action would be taken against the BCB.

Ahead of the national election in Bangladesh, the United Nations on Wednesday said it notes "concerns" raised by women’s groups and civil society organizations on violence and harassment of women candidates and voters, including digital violence. This applies equally to women candidates and voters, whose participation and safety are essential to inclusive democratic processes, said the UN in a statement. This includes the rights of all women and girls, including women with disabilities, women from minority communities, gender diverse people, and others who may face heightened barriers, discrimination or gender-based violence. "It is essential that all voters, including women, can participate as candidates and voters without intimidation, discrimination, online abuse or fear of reprisals," said the UN. "The United Nations remains committed to supporting the authorities to ensure the safety and rights of every individual," the statement reads.

Many candidates privately admit they cannot confidently predict victory without knowing where women and Gen-Z voters stand. Women votersIf Gen-Z represents generational change, women voters may represent structural change. With over 62 million women voters, their electoral weight is impossible to ignore. That changes the arithmetic.”Across grassroots constituencies, candidates reportedly view women voters as the most decisive swing bloc -- particularly working-class women. Whether that promise translates into broad acceptance of results may depend largely on the participation and verdict of youth and women voters.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday called on the Generation Z (Gen-Z) to once again take the lead on the election day, recalling their role during the July movement. In a Facebook post in the afternoon, he wrote, “Dear Gen-Z, you are the heroes of the July revolution. Through your courage and sacrifice, a festive electoral environment has been created after a long time. Tomorrow, it is once again time for you to lead.”He urged the young voters to let the whole world know through a ‘voting revolution’ that they are the architects of a new Bangladesh.

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