BNP Initiates Legal Action Against Former Election Commissioners
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has filed a formal complaint accusing former election commissioners and several high-profile officials of orchestrating rigged elections to keep Sheikh Hasina in power. This development comes after Hasina fled the country in August amid widespread protests against her administration.
Allegations of Constitution Violations and Electoral Manipulation
A senior BNP leader, Salauddin Khan, outlined the charges, which include violations of the constitution, breaches of the electoral code of conduct, and the abuse of government positions to favor a single political party. The complaint also accuses the former officials of repressing opposition parties and falsely declaring winners despite insufficient votes.
Accused Officials Include Former Commissioners and Security Chiefs
The complaint names 19 individuals, notably three former chief election commissioners: Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, KM Nurul Huda, and Kazi Habibul Awal. Also implicated are former election commissioners, commission secretaries, senior police and intelligence officers, as well as Hasina’s interior minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. All the accused no longer hold office.
Opposition Faces Severe Repression During Elections
The BNP claims that Hasina secured victories in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections through systematic repression, including the persecution, enforced disappearance, and even the killing of opposition candidates. Requests to the election commission for fair play reportedly went unaddressed, enabling a climate of fear and injustice.
Call for Accountability and Rule of Law
Recent directives from Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, have urged government agencies to investigate and hold accountable those allegedly responsible for undermining the integrity of elections. This case marks a significant step toward addressing long-standing electoral grievances and restoring public trust in democratic processes.
