Former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has been arrested by detectives in the capital over allegations tied to Bangladesh’s widely criticized 2024 general election.
Awal was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon in the Moghbazar area. He had been in hiding since a case was filed against him last week, according to law enforcement officials.
“We received confidential information confirming his location,” said an official involved in the operation. “We kept the area under watch, and once we verified it, we brought him in.”
The former commissioner faces charges related to alleged misconduct during the 2024 election. That election, which lacked participation from most opposition parties, was condemned by critics as a “dummy election.” Many saw it as benefiting the ruling party, with little real voter engagement.
Awal is the 20th accused in a case centered on the publication of election results deemed illegitimate by opposition leaders. The charges involve violating constitutional responsibilities and misusing his position to favor specific political interests.
Before leading the Election Commission, Awal had a long government career. He served in the law, religious affairs, and defense ministries. His appointment as additional secretary in 2010 was later ruled unlawful by a court.
As Chief Election Commissioner, Awal’s legacy is defined by his decision to proceed with the deeply contentious 2024 national election. He ignored a massive opposition boycott and widespread calls for a neutral caretaker government, overseeing a vote that most candidates ultimately sat out.
For many, his leadership was controversial from the start, given that his appointment followed a questionable reinstatement to his post years after he was originally set to retire in 2015.
After the election, student-led protests against the government’s job quota system escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations. Within months, the ruling party was forced to step down.
Awal, however, continued to serve until September 5, 2024.
The case is now with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police. Officials say his fate will be decided through legal channels.
