BNP files complaint against Sheikh Hasina, ex-CECs

BNP has formally lodged a complaint against Sheikh Hasina, three former Chief Election Commissioners (CECs), several election commissioners, and secretaries, alleging serious irregularities in the 10th, 11th, and 12th national elections.

The party has announced plans to file a criminal case against the accused at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.

A BNP delegation, led by Executive Committee member Salahuddin Khan, submitted a written complaint—signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir—to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MM Nasir Uddin on Sunday (June 22).

The delegation included central and local leaders Mizanur Rahman, Iqbal Hossain, Shoriful Islam, and Nayeem Hasan.

Following the submission, Salahuddin Khan told reporters that despite repeated complaints about widespread electoral irregularities, no action was taken by the then Election Commissions. "We hope the current commission will investigate and take legal action," he said, adding that the alleged offenses amount to constitutional violations and criminal misconduct.

He confirmed that Sheikh Hasina has been named in the complaint, alongside the former CECs, election commissioners, and secretaries. "Now it is the police’s responsibility to investigate and act," Salahuddin added.

When asked about the response from the Election Commission, Salahuddin said the CEC assured the delegation that he received the complaint and would take necessary legal steps, emphasizing the commission’s neutrality.

This move comes as the interim government reportedly moves to form an investigative committee to review the role of election officials in the last three parliamentary polls—held in 2014, 2018, and 2024 under the Awami League government.

The 10th national election on January 5, 2014, was boycotted by the BNP, resulting in 153 seats being won uncontested by Awami League candidates—a vote the BNP termed a "no-election parliament."

In the 11th national polls on December 30, 2018, the BNP participated but alleged massive rigging, claiming most votes were cast the night before. The election became widely known as the "night election."

The 12th general election, held on January 7, 2024, was again boycotted by the BNP and its allies. The ruling Awami League left a few seats for the Jatiya Party to portray the polls as participatory, but the majority of races featured AL candidates facing their own party rebels. The election was dubbed the "Me and the Dummy" vote.

The Election Commission during these controversial elections was led by former CECs including Kazi Habibul Awal. His team included commissioners Mohammad Abu Hafiz, Mohammad Abdul Mubarak, Brig Gen (retd) Md Jabed Ali, and retired judge Md Shahnewaz.