Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has mandated the immediate formation of a committee to investigate the involvement of former Chief Election Commissioners, Election Commissioners, and Secretaries of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat in organizing three controversial national elections. This directive was issued during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Professor Ali Riaz and its members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Ayub Miah. The Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Siraz Uddin Mia, and Chief Adviser's Monir Haider were also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, commission members updated the chief adviser on the progress of the July Charter preparations. Professor Ali Riaz expressed optimism, stating that consensus on several issues had been reached and that finalizing the charter based on discussions with all political parties would soon be possible.
Professor Yunus, who also serves as the commission chairman, emphasized the anticipation surrounding the July Charter, expressing hope that it would be presented to the nation by the upcoming July. He shared insights from his recent visit to London, noting that the Bangladeshi community there showed keen interest in the reforms and the work of the Consensus Commission.
The Chief Adviser highlighted the concerns of Bangladeshi expatriates regarding their voting rights in future elections and stressed the need to explore options like postal ballots to facilitate their participation.
Electoral System Reform Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumder added that there is a unanimous agreement among politicians on the necessity to investigate and hold accountable those involved in organizing the previous controversial elections.