2018 National polls: ACC to probe roles of Hasina, ROs, chiefs of police, Rab

The Anti-Corruption Commission has decided to probe the roles of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, chiefs of police and Rab, returning officers, and others in the December 30, 2018, national polls.
During a press briefing yesterday, ACC Director General (prevention) Akhtar Hossain said allegations of various irregularities, such as ballot-box stuffing the night before the election, voter fraud, falsely reporting voter turnout above 90 percent at certain centres, illegal financial transactions, and abuse of power to ensure the victory of certain candidates, have been reported by various media and filed with the ACC.
A five-member team has been formed to probe these allegations, said Akhtar, adding that the team would analyse videos, reports from local and international media, election result sheets, and other necessary materials to prepare and submit their findings.
Asked whether the allegation of involvement of then election commissioners would be investigated, he said, "The team can probe anyone if they feel it is necessary."
The KM Nurul Huda-led commission became controversial after the 2018 election as opposition parties alleged ballot-box stuffing the night before election day. In January 2019, the Jatiya Oikyafront, the opposition alliance, alleged that between 30 and 60 percent of the votes were cast the night before.
The Awami League got two-thirds majority in that election.
The same month, Transparency International, Bangladesh, in a study found that stamping of ballots took place the night before election day in more than one centre of the 33 out of 50 surveyed constituencies.
According to a Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujon) book, the turnout was 100 percent in 213 polling stations, it was between 90 to 99 percent in 7,689 centres.
On December 24, a section of police officials admitted that they were under pressure from then higher authorities during the last three national polls, which were marred by controversies.
During a meeting with the Electoral Reform Commission, they alleged that there were "financial transactions" during the 2014, 2018, and 2024 parliamentary polls.
A complaint filed with the ACC says under the leadership of the then prime minister and AL President Hasina, and with overall management by AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, party leaders and activists orchestrated the election irregularities.
It also accuses officials from various levels of the government, including then inspector general of police Javed Patwary, DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, Rab chief Benazir Ahmed, former IGP Shahidul Haque, defence affairs adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, then public administration adviser HT Imam, deputy commissioners, returning officers, divisional commissioners, range DIGs, police superintendents, officers-in-charge of police stations, district and upazila election officers, presiding officers, and other officials associated with the election process, of being involved in the irregularities.
Asked whether the ACC would probe allegations regarding the 2014 and 2024 polls, Akhtar said the ACC received allegations regarding 2018 polls only.
"We will consider probes if we get any complaint regarding 2014 and 2024 polls," he said.
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