2026 polls: Why are all parties dissatisfied with the referee?
Amidst allegations, a common question arises: Can the EC hold a free and fair election? TBS spoke to three experts to explore this issue and its potential outcomes
As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th parliamentary election on 12 February 2026, the Election Commission (EC) faces unprecedented scrutiny. Controversies over 45 loan-defaulter candidates being allowed to contest, 68 disqualifications, and 31 nominations protected by court stay orders have raised questions about consistency and enforcement.
Moreover, first-time initiatives like expatriate voting and postal ballots have sparked confusion, procedural gaps, and criticism over unclear regulations.
Major political parties — including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP — have raised allegations of bias, administrative leniency, and weak oversight, while issues such as dual citizenship of candidates remain unresolved.
Amidst these allegations, a common question arises: Can the EC hold a free and fair election? TBS spoke to three experts to explore this issue and its potential outcomes.
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'EC has allowed development of ambiguous standard'
Badiul Alam Majumder
General Secretary, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik
There are several issues where the Election Commission's actions have raised concerns. While we are satisfied with some aspects of its work, there are also areas where dissatisfaction is clear. In particular, the absence of concrete decisions on certain reform-related matters has been disappointing. Questions have also emerged regarding the leniency shown toward loan defaulters. It remains unclear how a loan defaulter is able to continue enjoying full civic rights under the oversight of the Election Commission.
Throughout this process, EC has allowed an ambiguous standard to develop, which is deeply concerning. Overall, dissatisfaction with the current situation is significant. For instance, even in cases involving just one percent of the vote, if the Commission states that testimony from 500 voters and 500 affidavits will be collected, but those documents are not properly preserved or presented, then this points to weaknesses in institutional oversight and enforcement.
The issue of expatriate voters also falls under the Commission's responsibility. This is undoubtedly a complex and challenging process, and as this initiative is being implemented for the first time, some problems are perhaps inevitable. Errors or procedural lapses are therefore not entirely unexpected.
Even so, there is an expectation that the Election Commission will manage this process with due diligence. The Commission itself has stated that it is exercising maximum caution and is striving to fulfil its duties properly. Ultimately, confidence in the election process depends on this institution. At the same time, areas of dissatisfaction with the Commission's performance must be stated clearly and without hesitation.
In line with the constitution, we expect the Election Commission and other relevant institutions to carry out their responsibilities with full transparency, neutrality, and consistency.
'Power politics, 'winner takes all' mentality placing EC under pressure'
Iftekharuzzaman
Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh
Regarding recent reports, allegations have emerged about 45 loan defaulters seeking to contest the election, which drew widespread media attention. The law clearly outlines procedures for disclosing loan default information, but the Election Commission's authority is limited by the judicial process.
In some instances, it has exercised flexibility — for example, information that legally should have been released seven days prior was issued just one day before, resulting in certain candidates being excluded.
In past elections, many loan defaulters were still able to contest. Addressing this requires both stronger laws and greater empowerment of the Election Commission. Courts can issue orders relatively easily, so institutions such as banks must ensure proper verification of financial records.
This election differs from previous ones. Major political parties — including Jamaat, BNP, and NCP — have raised allegations of bias against the Commission, and issues like dual citizenship have also surfaced. When the Commission faces multiple allegations while acting as the referee, there is a heightened risk of post-election boycotts or disputes.
These developments highlight that Bangladesh's political culture has not changed substantially. Power politics and a 'winner takes all' mentality continue to dominate, placing the Commission under pressure. Nonetheless, if the Election Commission remains transparent, neutral, and assertive, the electoral process can be strengthened.
Elections are not the sole responsibility of the Commission; the state machinery, administration, and other relevant institutions must act impartially to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
'Crucial to enhance EC's transparency, neutrality and efficiency'
Jasmine Tuli
Member, Electoral Reform Commission
Public perception is forming around issues related to the Election Commission. Since elections are being held after a long time, everyone hopes they will be free and fair. However, all political parties have raised complaints against the Commission. Each party has questioned its evaluation process and the validity of various positions. The Election Commission has not yet conducted any transparent inquiry or review regarding these issues.
In some cases, such as NID cards, mobile numbers, or candidate eligibility for Jamaat and other parties, the Commission has not addressed the concerns properly. Issues related to administrative partisanship, nomination procedures, and dual citizenship also remain unresolved despite being within the Commission's responsibility. During court proceedings, various groups, including student organisations, protested at the Election Commission. It has become evident across all parties, including BNP, that the Commission is not in a strong and unbiased position.
For expatriate voters and postal ballots, regulations are being implemented for the first time. Procedures and guidelines needed to be clear under the law, but there is no explicit guidance — for example, on arranging symbols alphabetically or managing postal ballot processes. Campaigns have not yet officially started, although they were scheduled to begin according to the rules.
This election has generated various reactions and doubts among the general public and political leaders regarding the Election Commission. Due to numerous allegations, uncertainties, and incomplete processes, the Commission is perceived as weak. Law and order conditions have not fully improved, and voters do not feel completely safe on election day.
Overall, it is crucial to enhance the Commission's transparency, neutrality, and efficiency. Elections are not solely the responsibility of the Commission; they can only be conducted fairly and impartially if the state machinery, administration, and other relevant institutions also act independently.
