15 party activists killed in 36 days since election schedule announcement: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported that at least 15 political party activists have been killed in the country within 36 days of the schedule announcement for the thirteenth national parliamentary election. The organisation has expressed deep concern over violence, harassment, and security deficits in the electoral process.

The information was presented on Monday, February 3, in Dhaka during the release of a TIB research report titled 'A Year and a Half After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Gains'. The report stated that violence in the ongoing electoral process, harassment of political activists, attacks on potential candidates, and incidents against minorities remain major concerns.

According to TIB data, 401 incidents of political violence occurred nationwide in 2025, resulting in 102 deaths. During the same period, 1,333 firearms went missing. Threats from deepfakes and misinformation, along with over 50 attacks on minorities, have also raised concerns about the election environment.

The report further stated that the failure to recover a large number of weapons looted from police stations and new initiatives to issue gun licences to political figures could increase the risk of violence. A significant gap in overall security also exists, with police members comprising only 9 to 10 per cent of the total force deployed for election duty.

TIB also raised questions about the neutrality of the field administration. The report mentioned that the exclusion of many officials who served in the last three elections, the politicisation of advisers, and disputes among political parties over maintaining administrative neutrality have created uncertainty. Several parties, including Jamaat, NCP, and Islami Andolan, have complained that a level playing field has not been ensured.

Additionally, at least 27 writ petitions have been filed in the higher court regarding the redemarcation of 46 constituencies. The report also noted that about 12,531 government primary schools are not suitable for use as polling centres.

TIB alleged that many of the 73 observer organisations preliminarily selected by the Election Commission are 'nominal' and lack capacity. It further claimed that allegations of bias have been levelled against the commission regarding the scrutiny of nominations and disqualifications based on loan default and dual citizenship. The report said the commission's capacity to verify affidavit information is limited.

TIB's observation found that every major political party faces allegations of violating the electoral code of conduct. While action has been taken in some cases, the violations have not been fully controlled due to the commission's lack of a stronger stance.

The report emphasised the need for major reforms in technology, law, and procedure for both the election and the referendum. It identified security risks and the potential for spreading misinformation using artificial intelligence as major challenges but remarked that, despite various adversities and instability, the electoral environment remains somewhat active.