BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) expressed concerns that the Election Commission’s indifference and the silence of election officials are hindering the creation of a fair electoral environment.
“Even the heads of major political parties are making remarks and displaying banners that are clearly a violation of the electoral code of conduct. We hope the Election Commission and election officials will apply the law equally, just as they are strict with ordinary candidates,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s election office in Gulshan in the evening, the BNP leader said their party has already informed the Election Commission about violations of the election code of conduct and the election atmosphere.
“The Commission’s indifference and the silence of election officials are creating obstacles to a fair electoral environment. We think this is inappropriate and we hope they will change this behaviour,” he said.
Read more: Prof Yunus orders strict measures to prevent possible election fraud
Nazrul, who heads BNP’s election steering committee, said they want the election to be held on 12 February as scheduled and with the participation of all political parties. “Unfortunately, that is not happening.”
He said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman postponed his planned tour of northern districts to avoid any misunderstanding and to help maintain an electoral environment. “When we are taking such steps to help maintain a peaceful environment, we expect others to follow the electoral code of conduct as well.”
The BNP leader urged all political parties to refrain from activities that could undermine the electoral atmosphere, saying BNP wants a peaceful and acceptable election for all.
He said BNP played the main role in restoring multi-party democracy in the past, ending military rule, establishing the parliamentary system, and forcing the withdrawal of the state of emergency during the 1/11 period. “This time too, we want to work with everyone to ensure a peaceful and inclusive election.”
Nazrul said BNP wants to reassure the people that those who could not vote for many years will be able to cast their ballots peacefully and without fear. “We want them to exercise their fundamental right with confidence. For this, we are doing our party.”
He reiterated BNP’s demand for a level playing field to ensure proper election atmospher.
The BNP leader said the Election Commission issued show-cause notices against several BNP candidates for minor violations, including a candidate’s daughter who posted a social media message saying “vote for the sheaf of paddy”. “We accept these actions if the same rules apply to everyone.”
He alleged that influential leaders of other parties were openly campaigning in front of election officials without facing any action.
Nazrul also noted that Tarique postponed a private visit to northern districts after the Election Commission raised concerns, despite the visit not being political in nature and involving no speeches or rallies.
He raised concerns about postal ballots, saying the ballot paper design placed three party symbols at the top and BNP’s symbol on a folded section at the bottom, which he termed “intentional, unfair and unethical.”
Nazrul demanded immediate correction and said the ballots could be reprinted if necessary as there was still enough time.
He also referred to viral videos showing postal ballot papers being handled in private residences abroad, including in Bahrain and Oman.
The BNP leader said such activities violated electoral norms and secrecy. “Ballot papers are confidential. No one except the voter should see them. But we saw piles of ballots being handled on a table. This is illegal and deeply worrying.”
Nazrul said they asked the Election Commission to take action, and the Commission informed them that the Bangladesh embassy confirmed at least one such incident. “If two incidents surfaced, there could be more in other countries.”
Next govt should implement Labour Manifesto: Nazrul Islam
He warned that the credibility of postal voting would be questioned if such activities continued. “We want a fair election and we want people to trust it. The next government must not face allegations of manipulating the vote.”
Nazrul demanded punishment for those involved in such irregularities, saying this would deter others. “If this is not addressed and similar reports come from elsewhere, the use of postal ballots itself will come under question.”