How Bangladesh's Election Commission evolved in 2025
Unlike previous cycles where the EC often appeared reactive, the post-uprising commission this year sought to project preparedness
As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th national parliamentary election and an accompanying referendum scheduled for 12 February next year, 2025 has been a pivotal year for the Election Commission (EC). Historically criticised for limited autonomy, perceived bias and administrative inertia, the EC this year has taken visibly more assertive steps — sparking debate over whether the institution is genuinely transforming or simply responding to political pressure.
The Election Commission entered 2025 burdened by public scepticism. Past elections had left lingering doubts about neutrality, enforcement of electoral laws and the EC's ability to stand up to political power. Civil society, opposition parties and even segments of the then ruling establishment had questioned whether the commission functioned as a constitutional guardian or an administrative extension of the executive.
Against this backdrop, the Nasir Uddin-led commission faced a difficult task – restoring trust while preparing for the 13th national parliamentary election amid political volatility, violence and shrinking civic space.
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More visible, more vocal
One noticeable shift in 2025 was the EC's increased public engagement. Election commissioners – particularly on law and order and security issues – held frequent briefings, press conferences and coordination meetings with law enforcement, civil administration and the armed forces.
Unlike previous cycles where the EC often appeared reactive, the post-uprising commission this year sought to project preparedness. Meetings with armed forces chiefs, deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs), as well as repeated assurances on joint force deployment, arms recovery and candidate security, reflected a more proactive posture.
This visibility mattered. For the first time in years, the EC appeared eager to be seen and heard as the central authority overseeing the electoral process.
For years, the Election Commission in Bangladesh operated under a cloud of scepticism. Elections held under political governments — particularly those in 2014, 2018 and 2024 — were repeatedly criticised for irregularities, low public confidence and a lack of credible oversight, with past commissions sometimes accused of acting under "invisible forces."
In early 2025, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin publicly vowed that the commission would remain neutral and not align with any political party, acknowledging that political influence had previously been a source of criticism.
Legal reforms
In 2025, the Election Commission (EC) actively pursued legal reforms to strengthen electoral integrity ahead of national polls. The Advisory Council approved amendments to the Election Commission Secretariat Act, 2009 and the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 to clarify duties, enhance accountability, and make the EC's work more dynamic.
RPO overhaul empowers Election Inquiry Committees to conduct summary trials of electoral offences
On 4 November, the president issued an ordinance on the amendment of the Representation of the People (RPO), keeping the provision that in an electoral alliance, candidates will have to contest the national election under their own party symbol.
The ordinance brings several landmark reforms to the election process, including the introduction of the "No Vote" option against any uncontested candidate.
RPO amendment ordinance: Alliance candidates must contest polls under own party symbols
Under the amendment, the Election Commission is empowered to suspend an election at any stage – either at a specific polling centre or across an entire constituency – if it determines that a free and lawful vote cannot be ensured due to coercion, intimidation, corruption, or an act of God.
Other amendments sought clearer punishment for negligence by election officials and the formation of a specialised Election Commission Service for improved administration.
Overall, the 2025 legal reform agenda signaled the EC's intent to modernise election laws, strengthen institutional capacity, and restore public trust in the democratic process ahead of the 2026 polls.
Security, coordination and public engagement
A defining theme of the year has been the EC's heightened focus on law and order, security coordination and visibility. In a series of high-level meetings with law enforcement, civil administration and military leadership, the commission repeatedly underscored the need for a secure election environment and joint operations to prevent violence and criminal intimidation.
This was a marked shift from past norms where the commission often remained in the background until election dates drew near. It has also pledged to establish mechanisms to counter misinformation and disinformation – including plans for an integrated cell to address misuse of artificial intelligence during elections – highlighting a recognition of modern challenges to electoral integrity.
Challenges and criticisms persist
Despite these efforts, the EC's attempts to reposition itself have not fully quelled long-standing criticisms.
Their [Election Commission's] behaviour is similar to that of kings and emperors
Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser for the southern region of NCP
Several political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), have challenged the Election Commission's neutrality and transparency, calling for its reconstitution ahead of the polls — arguing that the commission's formation lacked independence and appeared biased.
Other sceptics point out that while the commission is taking notable administrative and policy steps, its constitutional limitations – particularly in controlling field-level officials and law enforcement – can blur the line between intent and enforceable action.
In Bangladesh's political context, where trust in institutions has often been low, statements alone are insufficient to generate confidence without consistent on-ground results.
Reform, reset, or rhetoric?
So, was 2025 truly an awakening for the Election Commission of Bangladesh? In many respects, the answer is cautiously affirmative. The commission has shown greater visibility, formalised policy positions and engaged a broader set of stakeholders than in recent electoral cycles. These developments have contributed to incremental gains in credibility.
However, deep-rooted structural issues remain. Neutrality of field administration, consistent enforcement of electoral law, and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms are yet to be fully tested.
With the February election fast approaching, the commission's greatest challenge will be converting enhanced rhetoric into tangible outcomes – impartial handling of nomination disputes, transparent polling day procedures, credible result tabulation, and meaningful responses to violations of electoral norms.
For now, 2025 may be remembered as the year the Election Commission attempted to reinvent itself amid national turbulence. Whether this effort signifies lasting institutional renewal or a temporary recalibration remains to be seen. What is clear is that the commission's performance in the coming weeks will determine not just the credibility of a single election, but its own legacy in Bangladesh's democratic evolution.
