Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and a member of the National Consensus Commission, has stated that a fair election is not possible if the government behaves in a biased manner during the election period.
Speaking at the inaugural session of an election training programme organised by Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) and TIB in Dhanmondi on Friday morning, Dr Iftekharuzzaman emphasiaed that political parties must also show a genuine commitment to fair elections.
Without this, holding an impartial vote would be difficult, he said, adding that ensuring the neutrality of election observers and media personnel is equally essential.
He expressed concern over the current administrative structure, noting that many individuals with close ties to the former Awami League government are currently hold influential positions in the administration. “We must move forward while acknowledging these weaknesses,” he remarked.
Responding to a question, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that governance infrastructure—including rule of law, accountability, institutional transparency, and integrity—has been shaped over a long period, not just during the past 16 years, but for nearly 54 years. He argued that politicisation has infiltrated nearly all institutions, leading to entrenched partisan influence and professional conflicts.
“Some of these have been effectively implemented, while others have been rendered ineffective,” he added.
He cautioned that restructuring the entire system within a short time – say, a year or two – is not a simple task. “This raises a valid question: can we truly expect a fair election under this administration?” he asked. “It would be inaccurate to claim that agents or allies of past governments are no longer present in the administration or law enforcement.”
The TIB chief also noted that efforts to re-establish the positions of those who were sidelined for years have, in many cases, only further entrenched politicisation. “There’s no denying that,” he said. “At the same time, there are forces within the system striving to remain neutral and maintain professional integrity.”
He concluded by saying that the administration is moving forward amidst the tension between three competing forces: those loyal to the ruling party, those previously marginalised but now reinstated, and those trying to stay professionally impartial. “Expecting overnight reform or a complete administrative overhaul is unrealistic,” he said. “We need to allow time for a new kind of stability and professional standard to develop.”
