DHAKA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared a policy of "zero tolerance" against corruption as the party announced its election manifesto ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. Party Chairman Tarique Rahman made this firm commitment while formally unveiling the party's election manifesto at a city hotel this afternoon while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir chaired the event. BNP said if it comes to state power, it will not make any kind of compromise with corruption and will undertake far-reaching reform measures to ensure transparency and accountability. The manifesto stated that BNP believes good governance is the foundation of development. The rule of law and accountability will be ensured at all levels of the state, and the foundation of governance and the judiciary will be justice.   A merit-based, transparent, efficient and people-friendly public administration will be built across all state institutions. Alongside curbing corruption and money laundering, ensuring independence of judiciary and speedy justice, BNP's core philosophy of good governance includes establishing the fundamental ideals of the great Liberation War-equality, human dignity and social justice. Combating corruption and maintaining law and order will be the top priorities. The manifesto further mentioned that due to BNP's far-reaching measures in the past, Bangladesh was freed from the stigma of being labeled the world's most corrupt country.   It noted that when BNP assumed office in 2001, Bangladesh was branded a "champion" in corruption, but as a result of the BNP government's strict anti-corruption measures, the country came out from that disgrace. Bangladesh had long been free of the label of corruption champion and had gained recognition globally as an "emerging tiger" by the time BNP left state power in October 2006. Continuing in that spirit, the manifesto reiterates that BNP will not compromise with corruption. To rein in corruption that has spread like cancer across all levels of society, systemic and legal reforms will be undertaken alongside measures to ensure transparency and accountability.   Open tendering, real-time audits, performance audits of government expenditures and projects, and the implementation of a single-window clearance system will be ensured, the manifesto said.   Necessary initiatives will be taken to prevent money laundering and to bring back laundered funds accumulated during the fascist period. The manifesto asserts that no form of rule by "black laws" or unlawful repression in the name of the rule of law will be acceptable.   It stated that the Special Powers Act of 1974 will be repealed. Justice will be ensured for crimes against humanity committed during the fascist era, including the July-August 2024 mass uprising. Legal measures in line with international standards will be taken to prevent enforced disappearances.  Transparent government recruitment processes will be ensured to build a meritocratic Bangladesh. It also pledged the formation of commissions for administrative bodies, strengthening the Public Service Commission (PSC), and establishing a public administration that is accountable and free from politicization.   Full independence of the judiciary will be ensured. Access to speedy, harassment-free justice and modernization of judicial services will be achieved.  A law on the appointment of judges will be enacted and a Judicial Commission will be formed, while maintaining continuity of the Supreme Judicial Council.   At the same time, the police will be developed as a people-friendly, service-oriented force. Steps will be taken to rebuild police morale, expand online complaint filing systems, and review the Police Commission Act.

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr. Md. Ziauddin has said presiding officers have ultimate authority over polling stations and play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and orderly voting process. He noted that disorder at polling stations can arise from both external and internal sources. While officials are responsible for dealing with external disruptions, presiding officers must maintain discipline and order within the polling stations. Emphasizing their responsibility, Dr. Ziauddin urged presiding officers to use their authority effectively to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure proper conduct during voting. Dr. Ziauddin made these remarks while addressing a view-sharing meeting following a training session for polling officers at the Boalkhali Sirajul Islam Degree College auditorium on Friday afternoon. The meeting was organized by the Upazila Administration and the Upazila Election Office. Addressing the polling officers, he assured them that ballot boxes would remain secure during the upcoming election. He said that only eligible voters would be allowed to cast and seal their ballots, ensuring a free, fair, impartial, and credible election. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a positive and peaceful election environment. DIG of Chattogram Range Ahsan Habib Palash attended the meeting as a special guest. He highlighted the significance of the current election atmosphere and called on all concerned to utilize this opportunity for the welfare of the country. The meeting was chaired by Upazila Executive Officer Mehedi Hasan Faruk and moderated by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Kaniz Fatema.  During the session, the guests responded to questions from trained polling officers and members of the media. The Election Commission trained a total of 91 presiding officers, 437 assistant presiding officers, and 844 polling officers for voting process.