The BNP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, three former chief election commissioners (CECs), and 19 others of irregularities in the past three national parliamentary elections.
A five-member BNP delegation, led by National Executive Committee member Md Salahuddin Khan, filed the complaint at the EC headquarters.
In the complaint, Hasina has been named as the prime accused. The BNP also demanded action against former CECs Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, KM Nurul Huda, and Kazi Habibul Awal, along with other election commissioners, secretaries, and several unidentified individuals.
Speaking to reporters, Salahuddin said the complaint was filed on behalf of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He added that the list of 19 individuals named in the compaint is not final and may be expanded pending investigation findings.
"You all know about the national elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024," Salahuddin said. "These elections were conducted under a fascist regime, and the voting took place at night instead of during the day.
"We demand justice for the rigging of three consecutive elections, and accountability of those responsible for the irregularities in 2014 and 2018."
Earlier, on September 19, 2024, Hasina and the three former CECs were sued on charges of fraud and sedition with the Chattogram Metropolitan Court by Md Ekramul Karim, who identified himself as a freedom fighter.
On June 16, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed the formation of a committee to investigate the roles of former election commissioners and EC officials in organising the three controversial polls.
The three general elections in question have drawn widespread criticism for lacking inclusivity, transparency and credibility.
The 2014 polls were boycotted by the BNP-led alliance, leaving 153 seats uncontested. Voter turnout was officially recorded at 51 percent, but violence and low participation raised questions about legitimacy.
In 2018, BNP contested under the Jatiya Oikya Front, but the election was marred by allegations of ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation and suppression of the opposition. Despite the participation of a major opposition, Awami League won 288 out of 300 seats.
The most recent election in January 2024 saw another BNP boycott. The Election Commission reported a turnout of 41.8 percent -- the lowest in recent history. While polling day remained mostly peaceful, the absence of major opposition parties and visibly low voter engagement drew criticism from international observers.
