Former Bangladesh Election Official Arrested in Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh – On June 25, 2025, Kazi Habibul Awal, a former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Bangladesh, was detained by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in the Moghbazar area around 2 p.m. The arrest follows a case filed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on June 22, accusing Awal and other former election officials of misconduct during the 2014, 2018, and 2024 parliamentary elections.

The allegations center on claims that the Election Commission, under Awal’s leadership, failed to ensure fair electoral processes, with reports of voter suppression and bias against opposition candidates. This case also names other former CECs, including KM Nurul Huda, who was arrested days earlier under similar circumstances. The charges reflect ongoing tensions in Bangladesh’s political landscape as the country prepares for its 13th parliamentary elections.

Police have not yet disclosed specific details about the charges against Awal, but the arrests signal a broader push by the interim government to address alleged electoral irregularities. Social media posts on X have echoed public interest in the case, with many calling for transparency in the investigation. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has emphasized accountability in electoral processes, prompting heightened scrutiny of past commissions.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 25th, 2025

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