Uncertainty is growing over the 12 February election as BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have come into direct confrontation over the neutrality of administrative officials, while National Citizen Party has also entered the fray, threatening street protests and a possible withdrawal from the race.
“We cannot place our trust in this Election Commission, and we are still considering whether we will take part in the election,” said NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain at a press briefing at the party’s Bangla Motor office on Sunday evening.
Both BNP and Jamaat have lodged reciprocal complaints, accusing the other of attempting to manipulate the upcoming parliamentary elections in their favour.
On Sunday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the Election Commission (EC), alleging that many field-level officers—including deputy commissioners (DCs), police superintendents (SPs), and other officials—were acting on behalf of Jamaat, creating an uneven playing field.
The party expressed fears of last-minute “election engineering” and questioned the integrity of postal ballots for overseas voters, who are set to vote from 21 January.
BNP leaders said the government appointed DCs in 52 districts on 8, 9 and 13 November. On 26 November, 170 Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) were appointed, and 77 more UNOs on 1 December.
Police superintendents were assigned across 64 districts on 26 November, and 527 officer-in-charges (OCs) were appointed via lottery on 2 December. On 4 December, 50 OCs in Dhaka were reshuffled, and on 11 December, 30 DIGs and nine additional DIGs were transferred. BNP claims a significant portion of these officers are loyal to Jamaat.
Mirza Fakhrul told journalists after meeting the chief election commissioner that EC has often acted in a partisan manner. He requested the withdrawal of officials suspected of bias, including returning officers, assistant returning officers, SPs, and OCs.
The BNP leader also raised concerns about postal ballots, alleging that party symbols had been deliberately printed and distributed in a way that favoured one party. He warned that such irregularities could undermine the fairness of the overseas vote.
Meanwhile, Jamaat has also accused the government and EC of bias, alleging that BNP is receiving preferential treatment. A four-member Jamaat delegation, led by party Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse in Jamuna.
Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said that the administration was gradually tilting toward one political party, particularly among SPs and DCs who also serve as returning officers.
Taher also criticised the preferential security and protocol extended to BNP leaders in recent weeks. He stressed that equal protection and treatment should be ensured for Jamaat leadership to maintain confidence in a free and fair election.
NCP has joined allegations of bias against Election Commission and field-level election officials.
“There is no proper atmosphere in the field. In this situation, a free and fair election is not possible,” said Asif Mahmud.
Asif, who recently resigned as an interim government adviser, said the party would meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday to convey its concerns.
BNP sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that despite plans for administrative reshuffles after the schedule announcement, these transfers were deliberately withheld to benefit one party.
The disputes between the two parties over administrative neutrality have triggered widespread discussion in political and public circles.
The suspension of Awami League activities means that the electoral contest is effectively dominated by BNP and Jamaat. Analysts warn that the ongoing allegations of partiality, last-minute officer postings, and preferential treatment for party leaders could heighten uncertainty and erode public trust in the electoral process.
