CHATTOGRAM, Feb 1, 2026 (BSS) - Director General of the Department of Mass Communication Md Abdul Jalil today urged citizens to vote spontaneously in national elections to truly realise their ownership of the country, saying the people are the ultimate custodians of the state. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting on "Voter Motivation and Code of Conduct Awareness," organised by the District Information Office at the Chattogram Shishu Academy premises on Sunday. Abdul Jalil emphasised that exercising the right to vote is essential to understanding and establishing people's ownership of the country. He said the upcoming elections on February 12 will play a decisive role in shaping the nation's future. Referring to the voting process, he said voters will not only cast ballots in favour of their preferred candidates but will also have the opportunity to express their opinions through the referendum. Each voter will receive a white ballot and a pink ballot for electing members of parliament and taking part in the referendum, he added. The Director General assured that this year's election would be held in a festive, peaceful and orderly environment. He said the administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth voting process, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Mass Communication are actively conducting voter motivation campaigns across the country. He encouraged voters to visit polling centres with their family members and take part in the election with enthusiasm, noting that the future direction of Bangladesh will be determined by the people's collective choice. Among others, Director of the Department of Mass Communication Mir Md Aslam Uddin and Director of the District-Level Modern Information Complex Establishment Project Md Moniruzzaman addressed the meeting. Women voters also took part actively, exchanging views with the Director General on various aspects of voting and electoral conduct.

BAGERHAT, Feb 1, 2026 (BSS) - BNP-nominated candidate for Bagerhat-2 (Bagerhat-Kachua) constituency Barrister Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain today warned of strict action against anyone involved in extortion, terrorism or any form of disorderly activities in the name of BNP, saying such elements have no place in the party. He made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by Dema Union BNP in Bagerhat Sadar upazila this afternoon.  Addressing the rally as chief guest, he said BNP believes in disciplined and democratic politics and will not tolerate criminal activities under its banner. "Extortionists and terrorists have no place in this party," he asserted. Outlining his election pledges, Barrister Zakir said that if elected, government canals would be re-excavated to reduce waterlogging and boost agricultural production. He also promised to install water reservoirs to address the region's drinking water crisis and take effective measures to prevent saline water intrusion into croplands so farmers can become self-reliant through rice and vegetable cultivation. Urging voters to exercise caution, he said, "One wrong decision can push the country towards militancy. There is no room for mistakes." He called on people to vote for the sheaf of paddy in the February 12 parliamentary elections and help bring BNP back to power. He further pledged that ensuring the trial of the murder of late Sajeeb, a popular leader of Dema Union BNP, would be among his top priorities if elected. He also promised to eradicate drugs, build playgrounds for youth and ensure the safety of members of the minority Hindu community. Expressing his emotional attachment to the constituency, Barrister Zakir said, "This country and this soil are my roots. I was born here and want to dedicate my life to serving the people of this area." Local leaders of BNP and its associate bodies also spoke at the programme. Earlier in the day, Barrister Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain carried out door-to-door campaigning and public interactions in Bishnupur Union of Bagerhat Sadar from morning to noon, and later in the evening in Harikhali, Muniganj and Harinkhana areas of Bagerhat municipality.