DHAKA: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said huge irregularities happened in the Dec 30 parliamentary elections.

The independent civil society body said anomalous atmosphere in various shapes, discriminatory conduct and vote rigging occurred in the elections. Even, the role of Election Commission (EC) wasn’t impartial.

TIB presented its findings of a research at a press briefing at MIDAS Center in Dhaka Tuesday (Jan 15).

“The EC couldn’t play impartial role in the voting, couldn’t ensure equal participation of all. And couldn’t ensure security for the candidates of all the parties,” said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

“Besides, the participating candidates were behaved discriminatory. Even the Chief Election Commissioner (EC) couldn’t surpass interest. He couldn’t clear his position whereas his close relative became a candidate,”

“Moreover, the elections wasn’t a competitive one, was a participatory though,” added the TIB executive director. 

Allegations of irregularities have been surfaced for 47 constituencies. Fake votes were casted in 41 constituencies and ballots were sealed-up at the night before voting day in 33 constituencies, he stated.

On average, fake votes were casted in 82% constituencies. Ballots boxed were filled up at the night before voting day in 33 constituencies. And total polling irregularities happened in 94 constituencies, as per the research of TIB. 

BDST: 1424 HRS, JAN 15, 2019
SI/SMS