Three-Way Tug of Crisis Clouds Prospects for Fair Polls: TIB Chief

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director and National Consensus Commission member Dr Iftekharuzzaman on Friday said the upcoming national election faces a major challenge due to a three-way tug of crisis within the government’s administrative structure.He noted that the bureaucracy currently comprises three types of officials—those loyal to the previous government, those long deprived of positions, and a handful of neutral officers—creating an institutional imbalance that could undermine prospects for a fair election.Free and impartial elections are impossible if political parties themselves are not committed to ensuring them. Apart from political will, the neutrality of election observers and the media is also crucial for a credible election, he said.He made the remarks while inaugurating an election training programme organized jointly by RFED, an election-focused journalists’ association, and TIB at the organization’s Dhanmondi office.Highlighting weaknesses in the administrative framework, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “Many officials loyal to the Awami League still hold ...

• 19 Sep 2025