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Published : 14 Jan 2026, 06:38 PM
An interim government-commissioned inquiry into the last three general elections has found that intelligence agencies were “deeply involved” in manipulating the outcomes of the last polls.
The full report, released Wednesday by the Chief Advisor’s Office, said officials from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI) not only planned but also implemented election rigging strategies in 2014, 2018 and 2024.
Headed by former High Court justice Shamim Hasnain, the commission concluded that state agencies were misused under top-level directives to keep the ruling party in power.
It said the election process was effectively taken out of the Election Commission’s hands and placed under the administration, with police and intelligence agencies playing central roles.
The report cited testimony from former chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda, who told a court that he later realised NSI and DGFI officials had controlled the entire election system.
It detailed how regional offices of the agencies executed plans, with Awami League spending large sums to influence government officials involved in the polls.
Lists of officers assigned to different regions were included.
The commission recommended banning intelligence agencies from all election-related activities, except when the Election Commission requires security assistance under specific provisions.
It also called for laws to regulate recruitment, promotion and operations of DGFI and NSI to ensure transparency and prevent future misuse.
The 326-page report noted that time constraints prevented a full investigation and urged a broader inquiry covering the 2008 election as well, with legal action against those found guilty of irregularities.
Bangladesh’s 2014 election was boycotted by the BNP and its allies, leaving the Awami League to win most seats uncontested.
The 2018 polls were marred by allegations of “night voting”, while the 2024 election drew criticism over “dummy candidates”.
All three were widely condemned as non-participatory.
The commission made over 50 recommendations, including new laws to reform the Election Commission and measures to curb undue interference by intelligence agencies in civilian administration.
