Bangladesh forms panel to probe past elections

Dhaka

The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has formed a five-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the national elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024. This step comes amid increasing pressure for election transparency and growing political action against the Awami League.

A Cabinet Division notice on Thursday night said the panel would also suggest ways to ensure free and fair elections in the future. The notice claimed past elections had been manipulated to keep the Awami League in power, with many citizens reportedly denied their voting rights.

Chief Advisor Yunus said on social media that serious accusations have been made about how these elections were conducted. He emphasized that the move is aimed at protecting democracy, ensuring people’s voting rights, and preventing authoritarian control.

The committee will be led by former High Court Justice Shamim Hasnain. Other members include former government official Shamim Al Mamun, Dhaka University law professor Quazi Mahfujul Hoque Supan, Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain, and election expert Md Abdul Alim.

Their task includes examining the roles of the former election commission, security forces, and intelligence agencies, as well as checking for political interference and financial corruption. The committee must also recommend reforms to laws, regulations, and election processes.

The panel will submit its findings by September 30. The Cabinet Division will assist during the probe.

Critics see this move as political revenge by the Yunus-led government against Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. Since Hasina’s removal from office in August 2024, several arrest warrants have been issued against her and her supporters, drawing international concern over Bangladesh’s democratic future.