Govt to form search committee for new EC soon: CA Office

The government will form a search committee very soon to establish a new Election Commission, according to the chief adviser's office (CAO).

"The Election Commission will be formed as per the recommendations of the search committee. But it must be formed based on opinions from political parties," chief adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuz Alam told a press conference today (19 October) at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

The new commission will then start its various activities, including creating a voters' list, making various updates etc, he added. 

The announcement comes after Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held dialogues with a number of political parties today, including  Gonoforum, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, Jatiya Mukti Council, Labour Party and Bangladesh Jatiya Party (Andaleeve).

During that meeting, the political parties had demanded quick reforms of the Election Commission before holding the national elections.

Alleging vote rigging in the three previous elections held in 2014, 2018 and 2024, the political parties demanded cancellation of the parliaments that were formed. They also called for bringing those involved to book.

In response, the government said they would try to see how it would be possible to look into the matter legally, according to the chief adviser's press wing.

Earlier today, the parties also called for banning Awami League as a political party alleging that its members were responsible for the genocide during the recent July-August protests.

The government responded saying various political parties have already mounted pressure and demands in this regard. For which, discussions with political parties have been ongoing and a decision will be reached through a consensus. 

Gonoforum

At the meeting, the Gonoforum called for quick completion of reform works in the electoral system as well as the Election Commission before holding the national elections.

"We have given recommendations on several issues which the government has taken as positively," the party's Member Secretary Mizanur Rahman told reporters after a nine-member Gonoforum delegation joined the dialogue.

The team, led by Gonoforum Emeritus President Dr Kamal Hossain, also discussed controlling price hikes of essential commodities and restoration of law and order.

Mostafa Mohsin Montu, chairman of the coordinating team of Gonoforum, told reporters an independent election commission needs to be formed to ensure fair elections.

"For this, a search committee or whatever necessary should be carried out for appointing competent people in the election commission," he said, adding that otherwise, the situation will be the same as before if the election is held without completing reform works.

Asked if an election roadmap was discussed, Mostafa said, "We have not mentioned any date. We asked to hold elections at the earliest, upon completing the reforms."

Regarding any proposals from their end to amend the constitution, he said, "I will discuss it and within two days, give it in written form."

Liberal Democratic Party 

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at the dialogue called for the ban of Awami League as a political party as they have no right to do politics after its role against 18 crore people of the country in the July-August protests.

"Why should the Awami League not be banned! We said today again, the Awami League should be banned because they waged a war against 18 crore people. They have no right to do politics," LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmad told reporters after the dialogue.

Oli, former communications minister, said the Awami League used the police and administration unfairly to remain in power.

The LPD placed 23 proposals before the chief adviser, including a demand for a free and fair election and addressed the issue of price hikes of essentials.

Bangladesh Jatiya Party

Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party, at his meeting told the chief adviser that the Awami League should not be allowed to participate in elections. 

He also expressed that allied parties of the 14-Party Alliance should be excluded from all political activities due to their involvement in genocide.