In a bold move to address electoral integrity, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has ordered the immediate formation of a committee to investigate the roles of the former Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioners, and Secretaries of the Election Commission Secretariat involved in organising three controversial national elections.

The directive came during a high-level meeting of the National Consensus Commission at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Monday, June 16, 2025.

The meeting, chaired by Professor Yunus, included Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Dr Mohammad Ayub Mia, alongside Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia and Special Assistant Monir Haider.

July Charter nears completion

Commission members updated Yunus on the progress of the July Charter, a roadmap for national reforms. Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman, shared, “We’ve reached consensus on several key issues. Discussions with all political parties are paving the way to finalize the charter soon.” Yunus, emphasizing its significance, said, “The nation is eagerly awaiting the July Charter. I’m hopeful we can present it by next July.”

Reflecting on his recent London visit, Yunus highlighted the Bangladeshi diaspora’s keen interest in reforms.

“Students and expatriates I met were deeply engaged, asking about the Consensus Commission’s work and their voting rights in future elections,” he said. He stressed the need to explore options like postal ballots to ensure expatriates can vote, urging further discussions with relevant stakeholders.

Investigating electoral misconduct

Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, head of the Electronic Election Commission Reform Commission, underscored the urgency of accountability. “All political parties agree that the officials behind the last three controversial elections must be investigated and held responsible,” he said. The probe will scrutinise the conduct of key election officials, addressing widespread concerns about the integrity of past polls.