Head of the Electoral System Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said on Tuesday that they have recommended excluding those involved in mass killings, enforced disappearances and the July-August massacres from elections, reflecting the widespread public desire to prevent such individuals from returning to positions of power.
Dr Majumdar made these remarks during a dialogue organised by the Reporters’ Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka.
He clarified that the aim is not to disqualify anyone from standing in elections, but to ensure that those responsible for injustices are held accountable. “The decision regarding whether a political party can participate in elections rests with the Election Commission,” he added.
Dr Majumdar also revealed that the reform commission recommended the formation of an investigative body to probe electoral fraud during the 2014, 2018, and 2024 general elections to ensure that those responsible for any malpractice are brought to justice.
He said the commission also called for a ban on the use of posters in election campaigns due to their environmental impact.
Dr Badiul Alam proposed the use of digital platforms for campaigning, suggesting that all candidates should have equal access to government media for their campaigns.
He also said that the commission calls for re-elections in any constituency where voter turnout is below 40%.
Responding to questions regarding the rationale behind the proposal for national and local elections to be held under a caretaker government with a four-month tenure, Dr Badiul Alam said that these recommendations were intended for future elections, not the upcoming ones. “These are long-term recommendations,” he clarified.
He also advocated for the introduction of a "No Vote" option and suggested that local government elections should be conducted on a non-partisan basis.
To ensure free and fair elections, Dr Majumdar emphasised the importance of transparency within political parties, urging them to practice internal democracy and be accountable to their members.
Additionally, he proposed that all candidates, except those incarcerated, should be required to submit their nomination papers in person.