2014, 2018, 2024 polls: BNP to sue former ECs, officials today

BNP is set to file a case against officials involved in the last three national elections with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police today. The party will also lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission in this regard, BNP leaders said yesterday.  

The accused will include former chief election commissioners, election commissioners, EC secretaries, and police and intelligence officials who served during the polls.

This move comes less than a week after Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus ordered a probe into the role of previous election commissions in the irregularities surrounding the 2014, 2018 and 2024 general elections.

On June 16, Yunus met with the National Consensus Commission and instructed it to form an investigation committee in this regard.

The three-member BNP team filing the case today will be led by the party's National Executive Committee member Salahuddin Khan.

Earlier in January, the Election Reform Commission submitted its report recommending investigation and action against those found complicit in electoral fraud.

Speaking to this newspaper, Salahuddin Khan said a complaint has been prepared naming 24 individuals, including former chief election commissioners Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed, KM Nurul Huda and Kazi Habibul Awal. Others named include election commissioners, EC officials, and police and intelligence officers.

He added that the list is not exhaustive, as more names are being collected. "Charges will also be brought against officials involved at the district and upazila levels."

The three general elections in question have drawn widespread criticism for lacking inclusivity, transparency and credibility.

The 2014 polls were boycotted by the BNP-led alliance, leaving 153 seats uncontested. Voter turnout was officially recorded at 51 percent, but violence and low participation raised questions about legitimacy.

In 2018, BNP contested under the Jatiya Oikya Front, but the election was marred by allegations of ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation and suppression of the opposition. Despite the participation of a major opposition, Awami League won 288 out of 300 seats.

The most recent election in January 2024 saw another BNP boycott. The Election Commission reported a turnout of 41.8 percent -- the lowest in recent history. While polling day remained mostly peaceful, the absence of major opposition parties and visibly low voter engagement drew criticism from international observers.