Fugitives cannot content in polls

The interim government has approved the draft of Representation of the People Order (RPO) Amendment Ordinance, introducing a series of major reforms aimed at ensuring greater transparency and accountability in elections.

Key changes include barring fugitive convicts from voting or contesting, abolishing the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), bringing the armed forces under the definition of law enforcement agencies, and making all political donations above Tk50,000 mandatory through banking channels.

The amendment also includes a provision that requires candidates to contest national elections under their own party's symbol, even when running as part of an electoral alliance.

The ordinance was approved on Thursday at a meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

At a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said: "The objective of these amendments is to make the electoral process more transparent, competitive, and accountable."

In response to a question about who is meant by a fugitive accused, the legal advisor said: "A fugitive is when the court declares you a fugitive. The day the court asks you to come, an advertisement has been placed in the newspaper, you do not come - the court declares you a fugitive. A fugitive is during the trial."

Earlier this month, an amendment was brought to the International Crimes Tribunal Act. According to that amendment, if a formal charge or formal complaint is filed against someone in a case of crimes against humanity, that person will not be able to participate in the national parliament and local government elections.