Widespread violations of the electoral code of conduct, rising political violence, and apparent administrative inaction have cast serious doubts over the possibility of holding a free, fair, and credible national parliamentary election, the Election Working Alliance (EWA) said on Friday.
The organisation presented its latest election environment monitoring report at a press briefing at the National Press Club.
According to the EWA, over 105 incidents of electoral code violations were documented in more than 44 districts and nearly 40 parliamentary constituencies, highlighting a coordinated failure to enforce election rules.
The irregularities included 22 incidents of violence and attacks, such as tearing down campaign banners and harassment of women activists.
At least 27 cases involved illegal use of posters, banners, and large billboards in violation of election rules, while 16 incidents attempted to influence voters with food or cards. Eight incidents involved the use of schools and children in campaigning.
Md Shariful Alam, EWA president, said “Citizens have long been deprived of their right to vote freely. Over the past two decades, voters have struggled to cast ballots without fear or obstruction in any national election.”
He warned that the credibility of the upcoming parliamentary polls would be decisive for the future of democracy, good governance, and sustainable development in Bangladesh.
Alam alleged that violations of the electoral code, use of black money, and acts of violence have increased across the country. Referring to the killing of a political leader in Sherpur, he expressed concern over the Election Commission’s lack of visible response following the incident.
Expressing concern over women’s safety, Alam said female campaign workers faced physical harassment and obstruction by rival groups. He described the silence of the Election Commission and civil society representatives on the matter as “mysterious and disappointing.”
EWA also criticised the complicated online registration process for election observers, alleging it discouraged independent monitoring. “Simplifying observer registration is essential for transparency. Weak monitoring raises serious questions about the Commission’s intention to allow effective oversight,” he said.
He further alleged that returning officers failed to scrutinise nomination papers with neutrality and competence, while many government officials openly displayed political loyalty, creating a major obstacle to a free and fair election.
Despite the critical role of technology in ensuring transparency, he said the Election Commission has been reluctant to deploy CCTV and body cameras, describing this inaction as puzzling.
