Staff Reporter:
The interim government has formed a committee to investigate various allegations of irregularities, corruption and administrative misconduct surrounding the parliamentary elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024.
The committee is also tasked with formulating recommendations to ensure fair elections in the future.
On Thursday, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard.
The committee is headed by former High Court Division Justice Shamim Hasnain. The other members include former Additional Secretary Shamim Al Mamun, Associate Professor of the Department of Law at the University of Dhaka Quazi Mahfujul Hoque Supan, Advocate Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain of the District and Sessions Judge Court, and election expert Dr Md Abdul Alim.
The gazette stated that parliamentary elections held in 2014, 2018 and 2024 have been widely criticised both domestically and internationally, with strong allegations that in each case, voters’ rights were suppressed through various tactics to install the ruling Awami League in power through a staged process.
Serious allegations have also been made against those who conducted these elections for violating the constitutional obligation to govern the state through elected representatives. This has raised concerns about the erosion of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental human rights in the country.
The gazette further states that in this context, the interim government has decided to investigate the corruption, irregularities and criminal activities that took place in these elections to ensure the protection of people’s voting rights in the future, safeguard democracy and resist fascism and authoritarian rule.
