BNP lodges police case, files complaint against three former election commissions to CEC

BNP has filed a police case and submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission against the chief election commissioners and officials involved in the 10th, 11th, and 12th parliamentary elections, accusing them of inaction and misconduct during those polls.

A written complaint, signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, was submitted to Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin this morning (23 June), while a related case was lodged at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station later the same day.

Confirming the matter, DMP Deputy Commissioner Ibne Mizan (Tejgaon Division) said, "A case has been filed by BNP. The case number is 11."

He, however, could not provide further details regarding the case.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Khan, who led the delegation to the Election Commission, said the case and the complaint name the chief election commissioners of the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections, as well as 19 other unnamed individuals.

The BNP delegation reached the Election Commission office around 10:15am to submit the complaint.

Alongside Salahuddin Khan, several central and local leaders, including Md Mizanur Rahman, Md Iqbal Hossain, Shariful Islam, and Naim Hasan, were present.

Speaking to journalists, Salahuddin Khan said, "Despite repeated complaints regarding these three controversial elections, the then CECs and other responsible officials did not take any action. We hope the current Election Commission will investigate and act accordingly."

He added that the police case was filed with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station because the Election Commission building is located in the Agargaon area under that jurisdiction.

BNP later shared a copy of the complaint on its official Facebook page through its media cell.

In the statement, the party alleged that during the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, law enforcement agencies harassed BNP and Jatiya Oikya Front leaders and activists, while ruling party-backed groups carried out attacks and obstructed voters.

It also alleged that many BNP candidates were assaulted or arrested during the campaign and polling day.

Despite repeated appeals to the Election Commission at the time, the party claims, no action was taken.

The statement added, "BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sent a letter to the current Chief Election Commissioner, demanding legal action against the then Chief Election Commissioner and all involved persons, and requesting action according to election rules."

The BNP has maintained that the elections held in 2014, 2018 and 2024 lacked credibility and were marred by large-scale irregularities.

With the complaint and police case, the party has formally sought investigation and legal action against former election officials it holds responsible.

The current Election Commission has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations or the request for legal steps.

Moves to investigate former EC officials

BNP's legal action comes as the interim government begins steps to investigate the roles of election officials involved in the 10th, 11th, and 12th parliamentary elections held under the previous Awami League government in 2014, 2018, and 2024.

On 16 June, following a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, the office of the Chief Adviser issued a press release stating that CA Muhammad Yunus had directed the immediate formation of a committee to examine the roles of former chief election commissioners, election commissioners, and secretaries of the Election Commission Secretariat in conducting the three national elections described as "controversial."

In the 10th parliamentary election on 5 January 2014, Awami League candidates were elected uncontested in 153 out of 300 constituencies after the BNP boycotted the polls. The BNP later dubbed that parliament the "Parliament of No Votes."

The commission at the time was headed by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, with four commissioners: former Additional Secretary Mohammad Abu Hafiz, former Joint Secretary Mohammad Abdul Mobarak, retired Brigadier General Md Javed Ali, and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Shahnewaj.

Although the BNP participated in the 11th parliamentary election held on 30 December 2018, it alleged large-scale rigging. The party claimed that most votes were cast the night before polling day.

The opposition alliance won only seven seats, and the election was later referred to by the BNP as the "Midnight Election."

That Election Commission was led by KM Nurul Huda, with commissioners including former Secretary Rafiqul Islam, former Additional Secretary Mahbub Talukder, retired District Judge Kabita Khanam, and retired Brigadier General Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury.

In the 12th parliamentary election on 7 January 2024, held amid a boycott by the BNP and its allies, the ruling Awami League left some seats for its partners and the opposition Jatiya Party.

Most contests were between ruling party nominees and independent candidates affiliated with the party. The BNP later labelled the vote the "Me and Dummy" election.

This commission was led by Kazi Habibul Awal, with commissioners retired Senior Secretaries Md Alamgir and Anisur Rahman, retired District and Sessions Judge Rasheda Sultana, and retired Brigadier General Ahsan Habib Khan.