Ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, political parties and candidates have raised concerns about bias within the field administration and the absence of a level playing field during the election process.
Allegations focus on the nomination process and accusations that election officials are aligned with a particular party.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh have separately met with the chief election commissioner to express their fears that the election process could be compromised.
Similar complaints have emerged from candidates who have filed appeals against decisions made by returning officers.
In response, Election Commission has assured those who submit appeals that they will receive justice. EC also stated that if specific evidence of bias within the administration is presented, legal actions, including criminal cases, transfers, and other measures, will be taken.
Independent candidate Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal, president of Bajitpur Upazila BNP, appealed to EC on Wednesday for the cancellation of the nomination of BNP candidate Syed Ehsanul Huda.
Iqbal claimed bias in the nomination process. Despite having all his documents in order, Iqbal’s nomination was annulled due to a minor issue, which could have been resolved with a simple clarification in his affidavit. In contrast, the BNP candidate, despite significant errors in the affidavit and missing signatures, the nomination has been accepted, he alleged.
NCP candidate for Sylhet-1 Ehteshamul Haque also filed a complaint with the EC, accusing the returning officer of unfairly rejecting his nomination due to dual citizenship. Haque claimed that the only valid verification for dual citizenship was an official confirmation from the UK Home Office.
While he was required to submit the confirmation, a BNP candidate was granted conditional approval due to the closure of the Home Office. Haque questioned whether this was discriminatory treatment.
Discrepancies in the nomination process
In Kishoreganj-1, Hedayetullah, supported by the Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, raised concerns about the cancellation of his nomination due to an incomplete income-expenditure form.
He pointed out that another candidate with the same issue had their nomination accepted. He has filed an appeal for reconsideration. Other candidates, particularly independents, have voiced similar complaints.
Jamaat calls for impartial administration
Jamaat-e-Islami also raised concerns regarding bias in the administration and the lack of a level playing field. After meeting with the CEC, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher expressed his dissatisfaction with the nomination process, highlighting cases where candidates with dual citizenship were treated differently.
He further criticised the appointment of party-affiliated deputy commissioners, stressing that impartial DCs and Superintendents of Police were necessary for a fair election. Taher also noted that some candidates were provided with substantial security while others were not, which could influence the election outcome.
NCP accuses administration of bias
NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain also accused the administration of showing bias towards a particular party. Following a meeting with the CEC, he claimed that government officials and intelligence heads had been visiting the offices of one political party regularly.
Bhuyain cited an instance where a senior intelligence officer was seen meeting with the leader of the party at their office, which he described as an “ominous sign.” Bhuyain criticised these irregular meetings, suggesting they created public uncertainty about the election.
Islamic Andolan highlights unequal treatment
Islami Andolan Bangladesh voiced similar concerns. Spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman, after meeting with the CEC, pointed out that certain political parties were receiving unfair advantages, including VIP protocols for their leaders.
He argued that this posed a significant obstacle to creating a fair and equitable election environment.
EC promises action against proven bias
Election Commission has assured that appropriate action will be taken if specific evidence of bias is provided. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud told TIMES of Bangladesh that legal action would be taken against officials found to be biased.
He clarified that the severity of any misconduct would determine the appropriate course of action, including warnings, criminal charges, or transfers.
The CEC also stated that actions have already been initiated in some cases, although further details will be disclosed later. The CEC reassured candidates that those appealing against Returning Officers’ decisions would be given justice according to the law.
CEC defends nomination process
Addressing concerns about the lack of a level playing field, the CEC defended the nomination process, stating it had been carried out smoothly with no major disruptions.
He emphasised that the law grants returning officers the authority to make decisions, and any appeals would be handled in accordance with the law. The CEC concluded by assuring the political parties that all appeals would be processed fairly and justly.
As election day approaches, the resolution of these complaints and the EC’s response to the allegations of bias will play a key role in ensuring the integrity of the election process.
