The political atmosphere in Bangladesh has become heated after the results of the general elections held on 12 February. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) got a big victory in this election, while radical Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh secured second place by winning a record 68 seats. The head of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, had described the elections as free and fair, but now serious questions are being raised on it.
The latest report of anti-corruption organization Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has claimed that some kind of irregularity was seen in about 40 percent of parliamentary seats. According to the report, candidates themselves lodged complaints of irregularities on 28.6 percent seats. This makes it clear that the allegations are not merely conjecture, but have been made directly by the election participants.
Questions raised on the role of Election Commission
The most serious allegations in the TIB report have been made regarding the functioning of the Election Commission. It has been said that such organizations and individuals, who have links with political parties, were recognized as election observers. This has raised doubts about the fairness of the election process. The report also mentions that an experienced institution did not get registration as an observer despite applying multiple times, while two institutions associated with advisors to the interim government were approved. Such decisions have increased concerns about transparency.
Criticism over payments to foreign observers
The report also said that the Election Commission paid foreign observers. Critics argue that taking payments from the same institution that is supposed to be monitored creates a conflict of interest. This may raise questions on electoral legitimacy.
Displeasure of political parties and questions on affidavits
Various political parties of Bangladesh have also expressed dissatisfaction regarding the allocation of election symbols. TIB has also raised questions on the scrutiny process of the affidavits filed by the candidates. The report asked whether the sources of income and assets of the candidates were properly verified and whether they were legally acquired. After these allegations came to light, the debate regarding fairness of elections in Bangladesh has intensified. Although the government has not yet given a detailed response to the report, opposition parties are calling it a serious challenge to the democratic process.
