Commission formed to review last 3 elections, replacing earlier committee

Government has dissolved the committee formed to review allegations surrounding the last three controversial national elections and replaced it with a five-member commission to review the allegations of manipulation in the previous elections and make recommendations to ensure fair future polls.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification last night (29 July), confirming the formation of the new commission. 

The previous committee, formed on 26 June, was assigned to review the 2014, 2018 and 2024 national elections.

The commission retains the same five members, with former justice Shamim Hasnain will lead the committee as chairman, while the other members of the committee are former additional secretary Shamim Al Mamun, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Dhaka Kazi Mahfuzul Haque (Supon), Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court lawyer Barrister Tajrian Akram Hossain, and election expert Md Abdul Alim.

The commission's mandate remains unchanged but the deadline for submitting its report has been extended to 31 October, instead of 30 September.

According to the notification, the commission will analyse reports from election observers, local and international monitoring bodies, and media, alongside allegations of irregularities and corruption. 

It will assess the roles of ruling parties, election-related institutions, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies during those polls, and verify financial irregularities alleged against the then Election Commissions.

It has also been tasked with identifying responsibility for irregularities and making recommendations to ensure credible future elections. 

The commission has the authority to summon any individual, call for documents, and visit any location in Bangladesh as needed.

The Cabinet Division will provide secretarial assistance, while the Election Commission will extend logistical and data support.