ATM Shamsul Huda: A leader who advocated reforms and led by examples

Sketch: TBS

Bangladesh went through one of its most turbulent periods during 2007–08. Following widespread political unrest on the ground, a national election was eventually held in 2008.

Remarkably, despite the tense political climate, this election is often regarded as one of the freest and fairest in the country's history. In fact, the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) reported that it was credible and well-administered in accordance with international standards for democratic elections.

One of the prominent names who made it happen is ATM Shamsul Huda who served as the chief election commissioner (CEC) in that election. At a critical juncture in the nation's political history, Huda's leadership as CEC during the 2008 election marked a milestone in neutrality and professionalism.

Huda passed away on Saturday morning at his residence in Gulshan at the age of 83. It's heartbreaking for the nation, as it has lost a true leader. 

"The late Dr Huda was a unique example in Bangladesh's political and administrative history. Throughout his long career, he established an incomparable example of honesty, competence, and impartiality," reads a press release from Gulshan Society issued yesterday morning. 

In his memory, we reflect on his eventful journey and what made him so remarkable.

For Huda and his team, the journey was not smooth. He took on the role at a very critical time in the country's history. Towards the end of 2006 and early 2007, Bangladesh was on the verge of a major political crisis over the upcoming parliamentary election. The BNP-led government at the time failed to appoint capable and acceptable people to form the Election Commission (EC).

Later, the EC also failed to create an accurate voter list. A nonpartisan caretaker government took over to oversee the election. President Iajuddin Ahmed was elected the Chief Adviser, which was seen as unconstitutional and biased.

As the situation deteriorated, a state of emergency was declared. President Iajuddin stepped down as Chief Adviser. A new caretaker government, led by Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, was formed with the backing of the military. The existing Election Commission led by Justice MA Aziz faced widespread criticism for its partisanship and had to step down.

It was at that point that Huda and his team began their mission to take on a very difficult and challenging task. They launched a plan for major reforms. One of their key steps was to prepare a voter list with photographs. They made a landmark achievement by registering 80,500,723 voters with photographs and fingerprints in just 11 months.

They also introduced several changes to the electoral laws, including new rules requiring political parties to register with the Election Commission. Another major challenge was to lift the spirits of EC officials, who were disheartened by the controversies surrounding the organisation. 

The practice of hanging election posters on wires instead of pasting them on walls or trees began during Shamsul Huda's tenure. Although subsequent elections are questioned, at least the walls have been spared!

Notably, Dr Huda announced the election roadmap just six and a half months after taking office.

ATM Shamsul Huda believed that the country's political culture had to be changed to establish democracy in the true sense. 

"A lawmaker should not participate in local development programmes for which the local chairmen are responsible. Everyone has to play his or her role in changing conventional ideas and beliefs for the betterment of the people," he had said.

Dr Huda's life is filled with decades of valuable experience. However, he will be best remembered for his bold and courageous leadership during his time at the Election Commission. 

He successfully led the EC through a highly challenging period and helped transform it into a more credible and respected institution. Under his leadership, public trust in the Commission was restored. Huda showed that true leadership means having the courage to dream big and make tough decisions when it matters most.