Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has opted to probe into the irregularities and deficiencies in all past elections, including the three contentious elections held under the Awami League governance in 2014, 2018, and 2024.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that after a meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin directed all 10 regional election officers to investigate the causes of the downturn in the electoral system and provide comprehensive reports.
The CEC provided written instructions, requesting regional officials to pinpoint previous irregularities and shortcomings and convey their results to the EC secretariat.
The national elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 are seen as among the most contentious in the nation’s history.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia along with its allied parties, abstained from the 2014 election, leading to one-sided voting and the unchallenged election of 153 candidates, an unparalleled event in the nation’s electoral history.
The 2018 election was tainted by accusations of manipulation and became referred to as the “midnight election,” as the BNP and its partners secured just seven seats.
The BNP and similar parties chose not to take part in the January 2024 election, which drew criticism for supposedly putting forward fake candidates from the ruling Awami League as opposition figures. Consequently, the Awami League, headed by Sheikh Hasina, succeeded in obtaining a fourth successive term in power.
After the reestablishment of the EC, calls for a comprehensive inquiry into these elections emerged from civil society, media figures, and notable individuals. They emphasized the importance of electoral reforms and accountability to regain public trust.
In his instructions to officials, the CEC highlighted the significance of conducting elections that are free, fair, and unbiased. CEC Nasir Uddin urged the electoral officers to embrace positive practices and eliminate the negative ones.
“The EC is committed to earning the nation’s trust by delivering transparent elections. Field officers must always be prepared to organise elections at short notice,” he said.
The recently established EC, which took office on November 21, has already started multiple reform initiatives while getting ready for the 13th National Election.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, 84, who took office to head the interim government after Hasina’s removal in August, mentioned in his Victory Day address on December 16 that elections could occur by early 2026.
