“Polls Can’t Happen Without Government Cooperation” — Bangladesh Election Chief Issues Candid Warning

Photo: PTI

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) recently warned that holding national polls is technically impossible unless the government fully backs the process. He emphasised the need for unfettered access to administrative infrastructure, security forces, and financial allocations to ensure a free and fair vote.

Since the formation of the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in August, and the deregistration of former ruling party Awami League earlier this year, the political environment remains highly fluid and contentious. With key institutions in reform mode and many political figures sidelined, the CEC’s statement underscores how elections hinge on deep structural readiness, not just symbolic commitments.

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The Election Commission’s appeal also signals deeper concerns:

• Security support: Deployment of police and military personnel is essential for election-day logistics and maintaining peace

• Administrative access: The EC needs control over public buildings, data systems, and staffing autonomy

• Funding: Without a dedicated budget, even basic electoral operations can't be executed effectively

CEC remarks come amid conflicting timelines. Interim Prime Minister Yunus has floated holding elections by late 2025, but has tied this to electoral reforms and consensus among parties. Meanwhile, the former ruling Awami League remains banned, raising questions around democratic legitimacy and political plurality.

Opposition parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have raised concerns about absent players and the integrity of voter lists. Combined with recent deregistration moves, this context intensifies the CEC’s warning: there’s no taking election credibility for granted .