Former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal described Bangladesh’s 2024 general election as a “dummy election,” admitting in court that the vote lacked meaning due to political deadlock.
Speaking during a hearing at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka, Awal said there was no understanding between major political parties, making the election process hollow.
“It was a mock election. No real consensus. That’s why it turned out this way,” he told the court.
The court appearance came after his arrest in Moghbazar on Wednesday morning, confirmed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
When asked why he didn’t step down after overseeing what he acknowledged was a flawed election, Awal declined to respond. Instead, he said no previous chief election commissioner had resigned for similar reasons.
He also referenced past elections under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s government and irregularities during the 1996 polls to support his defense.
Awal’s arrest follows that of another former CEC, KM Nurul Huda, who led the 2018 election. Huda was taken into custody last Sunday. A court later granted a four-day remand for his interrogation.
The two are facing legal action over alleged wrongdoing in the national elections. The case names three former chief election commissioners:
- Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad (2014)
- KM Nurul Huda (2018)
- Kazi Habibul Awal (2024)
Officials are being investigated for alleged election mismanagement. The case is in early stages, with more hearings expected.
