Staff Correspondent

The government has formed a committee to investigate the allegations regarding the last three national elections and formulate recommendations to conduct fair polls in the future.

The five-member committee will be led by former High Court justice Shamim Hasnain.

The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard on Thursday night.

The other members of the committee are former additional secretary Shamim Al Mamun, Associate Prof Quazi Mahfujul Hoque Supan of law department at Dhaka University, Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain, and Election Expert Md Abdul Alim.

According to the notification, three parliamentary elections were held in 2014, 2018 and 2024 in Bangladesh.

These three elections have been widely criticised both domestically and internationally, with strong allegations that the then ruling Awami League was elected through a manipulated process that violated the people's right to vote in various ways.

There are also serious accusations against the organisers of these elections for failing to uphold their constitutional obligation to govern the state through elected representatives.

It is feared that these issues have jeopardised the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental human rights in the country, the statement added.

In this context, the interim government has decided to investigate the corruption, irregularities, and criminal activities associated with these elections. The aim is to ensure the protection of voters' rights in future elections, safeguard democracy, and counter the threats of fascism and authoritarianism, added the notification.

The committee will review reports from election observers, both domestic and international monitoring organisations, as well as civil society groups, regarding the national elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024. It will also consider complaints raised in the media related to these elections.  

It is expected to seek expert opinions on allegations of corruption, irregularities, and criminal activities surrounding the elections, as well as on their overall impartiality and acceptability.

In addition, the committee will analyse the role of the then ruling party and those concerned in limiting the participation of political parties in these elections. It will also examine how they may have obstructed the people's right to vote.  

It will also analyse the role of the then Election Commission, including its secretariat and administrative functions. Besides, it will evaluate the role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies involved in the election process.  

The probe body will verify the allegations of financial irregularities raised against the then Election Commission. It will also determine the responsibilities for any irregularities identified.  

The committee will make recommendations on the desired role, necessary changes, and the outline of laws, regulations, the Election Commission, and administrative arrangements to ensure fair elections in the future.

The committee has been asked to submit its report to the government by September 30.

The Cabinet Division will provide secretarial support to the committee. 

The committee may co-opt additional members as necessary for its investigation, said the notification.