CA orders probe into roles of concerned officials involved in 3 controversial polls

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed relevant officials to immediately form a committee to investigate the roles of officials, including former Chief Election Commissioners, Election Commissioners, and Secretaries of the Election Commission Secretariat, in conducting three controversial national elections during the previous regime of Sheikh Hasina.

He issued the directive on Tuesday following a discussion at a meeting of the National Consensus Commission held at the state guest house Jamuna, said a spokesman of the CA Office.

The meeting was presided over by Chief Adviser and head of the commission, Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Present at the meeting were Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission Professor Ali Riaz, and members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Ayyub Mia. Others in attendance included the Chief Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Siraj Uddin Mia, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Monir Haidar.

During the meeting, members of the commission briefed the Chief Adviser on the progress of drafting the “July Charter.” Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz stated, “Consensus has been reached on several issues. Based on discussions with all political parties, the charter can be finalised very soon.”

The chief adviser remarked, “Everyone is eagerly waiting for the July Charter. I hope we can present it to the nation by next month.”

Sharing his experience from his recent visit to London, the Chief Adviser said, “Everyone I met in the Bangladeshi community there inquired about the reform process. Bangladeshi students were particularly enthusiastic and engaged in detailed discussions about the work of the Consensus Commission and even offered suggestions. Everywhere I went, expatriate Bangladeshis asked, ‘Will we be able to vote in the upcoming election?’ We must make every effort to ensure voting rights for our expatriates. We need to explore all options, including postal ballots, and hold discussions with relevant stakeholders.”

At the meeting, Badiul Alam Majumdar, a member of the consensus commission, stated, “All political parties have agreed that it is essential to investigate and ensure accountability for the roles played by officials in organising the three past controversial elections.”

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com