21.4% Bogus Votes Cast in 13th National Election: TIB

The recently held 13th National Parliamentary Election was “acceptable, relatively fair and competitive,” according to observations released by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). The organization also described the election as “participatory and inclusive.”

These findings were presented at a press conference held on Monday at TIB’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, based on its observation of the election process and affidavit analysis. Responding to various questions from journalists, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman provided further clarification.

Irregularities and Violence

According to TIB’s observation:

• 21.4% of votes were allegedly cast as bogus votes.
• In 14.3% of cases, rival polling agents were obstructed from entering polling centers.
• A total of 125 incidents of post-election violence were recorded.

TIB noted that although early signs indicated relatively healthy competition, political parties and candidates gradually reverted to old political practices. This led to increasing intra-party conflicts, unhealthy competition for power, and violence, which continued even after the election.

The report also mentioned instability and voter anxiety stemming from declared anti-election activities by what it described as “fallen authoritarian forces.” As in previous elections, political parties and candidates allegedly continued using money, religion, muscle power, patriarchal and majoritarian influences—particularly with a significant increase in the use of money and religion.

Role of the Election Commission

TIB observed that the Election Commission and other stakeholders made visible efforts to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election environment with a level playing field. However, due to political conflicts and widespread violations of the code of conduct, the effective enforcement of the Commission’s authority was limited.

It stated that 99% of candidates violated at least one of the 58 provisions of the electoral code of conduct. Despite widespread irregularities in both online and offline campaigning, the Commission’s limitations prevented full control, resulting in an uneven playing field and failure to ensure a completely neutral and secure environment for all voters.

Questions on Inclusiveness

During the question-and-answer session, Iftekharuzzaman reiterated that the election was overall acceptable, fair, and competitive. He said, “Ninety-nine percent of candidates violated the code of conduct. The Election Commission made many efforts but could not take action in many cases due to capacity limitations.”

When asked whether there had been any “election engineering,” he responded, “There may have been some engineering behind the scenes, but based on our assessment, we did not find evidence of engineering. The election was relatively fair, acceptable, and competitive.”

A journalist questioned whether the election could truly be considered inclusive without the participation of the Bangladesh Awami League. In response, Iftekharuzzaman said that at the grassroots level, many Awami League leaders and activists encouraged voters to cast ballots for other symbols such as the sheaf of paddy or the scales, and many did vote. “It cannot be said that 100 percent of Awami League leaders and activists refrained from voting,” he added.

However, he acknowledged that questions would continue to arise over whether an election held without the Awami League could genuinely be termed inclusive.

Issue of Indebted Candidates

TIB’s observation also highlighted the issue of elected candidates from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who have outstanding loans. Addressing the matter, Iftekharuzzaman clarified that being indebted and being a loan defaulter are not the same. “Under the law, they are not classified as loan defaulters,” he said.

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