The commission maintained that voter participation would remain strong despite the absence of a major political force.
EC defends ban on Hasina’s Awami LeagueResponding to a BBC question on whether the Awami League’s ban undermines the election’s legitimacy, the EC said the February 12 polls are being held following a transfer of power triggered by the July 2024 uprisings.
The commission said the “context of this election must not be forgotten”, describing the process as part of a political shift after what it termed a prolonged democratic shortfall under Hasina’s rule.
Read more: Washington wants to see good relationship between India and Bangladesh, says US envoy
An EC official added that individuals linked to past “farcical elections” and voter disenfranchisement are facing legal action, resulting in some groups being barred, according to a press transcript accessed by CNBC-TV18 via news agency PTI.
Security concerns at polling stations
The EC also downplayed security concerns following reports of an attempted arson attack at a polling station in Netrokona district.
It described the incident as isolated and exaggerated, saying guards quickly extinguished a fire started by a burning object thrown through a window.
The polling centre remains operational, and authorities have heightened vigilance nationwide, the official said.
More than 900,000 security personnel have been deployed in a three-tier arrangement, supported by drones, body-worn cameras and CCTV monitoring, the EC added.
Officials also cited a recent operation that seized around 900 illegal weapons as evidence of efforts to stabilise the situation.
Landmark vote under Yunus’ interim administration
Thursday’s ballot will be Bangladesh’s first national election since a mass uprising ended Hasina’s 15-year rule. The transition is being overseen by an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has pledged to ensure a fair contest.
Around 127 million voters are eligible to choose from 2,028 candidates.
Read more: Bangladesh elections: Over 50% polling centres considered ‘risky’, CCTV installed at most stations
The election also includes a referendum on proposed reforms such as term limits for the prime minister and stronger checks on executive authority.
Political shifts and minority concerns
With the Awami League barred, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the frontrunner under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Meanwhile, an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami is seeking to expand its influence.
The vote is also the first in decades without Hasina, who is living in exile in India and has dismissed her trial as a “kangaroo court”.
There has been rising anxiety among minority communities, particularly Hindus, amid reports of intimidation and violence and the growing prominence of hardline groups.
These concerns have intensified scrutiny over whether the election will strengthen democratic norms and safeguard minority rights in the Muslim-majority nation.
Read more: Explained | Why US trade deal with Bangladesh has sunk Indian textile stocks?
