CA orders formation of committee to investigate involvement in organizing controversial elections

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday instructed the immediate formation of a committee to investigate the roles of former Chief Election Commissioners, Election Commissioners, and EC Secretariat Secretaries involved in organizing three controversial national elections.

The directive came during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission held at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman of the Commission Prof Ali Riaz and members Badiul Alam Majumder, Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Mohammad Ayub Miah. Also present were Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser Siraz Uddin Mia and Monir Haider from the Chief Adviser’s office.

During the meeting, the commission members briefed the Chief Adviser on the progress of drafting the July Charter.

Prof Ali Riaz noted, "Consensus has been reached on several issues. With continued dialogue among political parties, finalising the charter should be possible soon."

Prof Yunus, who also chairs the commission, emphasized the public's anticipation: "The nation is eagerly waiting for the July Charter. We hope to present it by next month."

Reflecting on his recent visit to London, Prof Yunus said, “Members of the Bangladeshi community, especially students, showed deep interest in the reform process. They discussed the work of the Consensus Commission in detail and shared their views.”

He added, “Everywhere I went, expatriates asked whether they would be able to vote in the next elections. We must ensure their voting rights. Options like postal ballots should be explored and discussed with the relevant authorities.”

Electoral System Reform Commission Chairman Badiul Alam Majumder remarked that there is consensus among politicians on the need to investigate the role of EC officials in the last three disputed elections and ensure accountability.