At least 15 involved in politics killed since election schedule announced: TIB

At least 15 political leaders and activists have been killed across the country in the 36 days following the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming 13th national election, according to a study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

The findings of a research report titled "One and a half years after the fall of authoritarianism: Expectations and outcomes" were released today (2 February) at TIB's conference room.

TIB's key election-related findings: 

•    Election-related violence, harassment and killings of political leaders and activists, and attacks on potential candidates.

•    In 2025, a total of 401 incidents of political violence were recorded, leaving 102 people dead.

•    At least 1,333 weapons have gone missing.

•    Growing threats from deepfakes and misinformation.

•    More than 50 attacks on minority communities, raising serious concerns.

TIB also warned that the failure to recover a large number of weapons looted from police stations, along with initiatives to issue new firearms licences to political personalities, could further increase the risk of violence.

According to the study, police personnel account for only 9%-10% of the total manpower assigned to election duties, which is considered a major shortfall in ensuring overall security.

Concerns were also raised over the exclusion of field-level administrative officials, particularly those who served in the last three elections and the alleged politicisation of advisers. 

TIB also raised doubts among political parties about maintaining neutrality. Parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Islami Andolan Bangladesh have questioned whether a level playing field could be ensured.

The redrawing of boundaries for 46 constituencies has triggered discontent, leading to at least 27 writ petitions filed with the High Court, TIB mentioned.

TIB noted that around 12,531 government primary schools are unsuitable for use as polling centres. It also alleged that many of the 73 observer organisations initially shortlisted by the Election Commission are "nominal" or lack adequate capacity.

Political parties have accused the Election Commission of bias in scrutinising nominations and cancelling candidacies over loan default and dual citizenship, it added.

Institutions responsible for verifying information submitted in candidates' affidavits either lack sufficient capacity or fail to fully utilise existing mechanisms, TIB said.

All major political parties have been accused of violating the electoral code of conduct and of attempting to influence the electoral process, it noted.

While action has been taken in some cases, TIB said it has observed a lack of a firm stance by the Election Commission against such violations.

TIB emphasised the need for major reforms in technology, law and procedures for both elections and referendums. 

It identified security risks and the use of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation and disinformation as major challenges.

Despite multiple adversities, instability, unhealthy electoral competition and concerns over a smooth democratic transition, TIB noted that an election-oriented environment is still in place.