The interim government has transformed the committee formed to review the past three general elections into a commission with enhanced legal authority.
“The commission has been established to provide the body with a stronger legal foundation. Other aspects remain unchanged,” an official statement clarified.
The five-member committee, formed in June to investigate allegations surrounding the 2014, 2018, and 2024 general elections and assess the roles of the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders, has now been granted expanded powers as a commission.
A notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid stated that the commission must submit its report and recommendations by October 31.
Justice Shamim Hasnain, a former High Court judge, will chair the commission. Its members include former Grade-1 government officer Shamim Al Mamun, Dhaka University Law Department’s associate professor Kazi Mahfuzul Haque (Supan), barrister Tajrian Akram Hossain, and election analyst Md. Abdul Alim.
The notification said the commission was formed in response to widespread criticism of the three elections, which allegedly curtailed voting rights and facilitated the ruling party’s victories. It will analyse allegations raised by observers, civil society, and the media; review reports of irregularities, corruption, and misconduct; examine the roles of government agencies, law enforcement, and intelligence bodies; and investigate financial irregularities involving the Election Commission.
It will also recommend measures to ensure fair and credible future elections.
The commission is empowered to visit any location, summon documents from government offices, and question any individuals suspected of involvement. The Cabinet Division will provide administrative support, while the Election Commission will supply logistical and informational assistance.
Following the abolition of the caretaker government system in 2011, the Awami League held the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections while in power. The 2014 and 2024 polls were boycotted by the BNP and other major opposition parties, leading to uncontested victories in many constituencies. The 2018 election, contested by the opposition alliance, was marred by allegations of ballot-stuffing the night before polling day. The 2024 election saw Awami League candidates face mostly their own party’s rebels, earning it the nickname “I and Dummy.”
The Awami League remained in power for over 15 years until it was toppled by a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024. In December, the High Court partially annulled the 15th constitutional amendment, paving the way for the restoration of the caretaker system. The court observed that the three elections under the Awami League government had “eroded public trust” due to their failure to ensure free and fair voting.
Former chief election commissioners Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad (2014), KM Nurul Huda (2018), and Kazi Habibul Awal (2024) oversaw the disputed polls. The BNP has since filed a lawsuit against all officials of those commissions, along with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing them of holding elections “without the people’s mandate.”
Nurul Huda and Habibul Awal have already been arrested.
