Noman Mosharef :
The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) was never beyond the controversy. It has started its journey from July 8, 1972 and from that day the debate is its companion.
The Commission had organised 11 parliamentary elections in its history. Except the two general polls, all were partially acceptable to all citizens. Of the two national polls, one held in 2008 led by Dr A. T. M. Shamsul Huda, who appointed after a political crisis in Bangladesh democracy’s history known as ‘1/11’ and another one held in 1991 headed by Justice Md. Abdur Rouf.
Interestingly, all ruling governments had praised their time’s EC, while opponent behavior was vice-versa.
After reviewed the history of EC, it was seen that three Election Commissions out of 12 have left office sadly. Three of these could not run more than two years — Justice Sultan Hossain Khan Commission – one year, Justice A.K.M. Sadeq commission -one year and Justice M.A Aziz commission – 18 month. Of them, Justice A.K.M. Sadeq Commission organised controversial February 15, 1996 election, while the other two commissions could not hold any election.
Although Justice M.A Aziz commission had declared 9th parliamentary election, it was canceled later, and he resigned. Justice M. Idris, Justice Chowdhury A.T.M. Masud, M. A. Sayed, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, Dr. A T M Shamsul Huda have completed their tenure.
Justice Md. Abdur Rouf had step down when debate arouse about Magura by-polls, while Mohammad Abu Hena resigned for another Tangail by-election controversy.
Two national assembly elections held under Justice Chowdhury A.T.M. Masud commission. These are 1986 third and 1988 fourth parliamentary elections.
Besides, the other Commission had organised one parliamentary poll. Justice A.K.M Nurul Islam had been ran office for eight years.
Apart from 11 parliamentary elections, three presidential elections were held under the EC. Presidential elections were held in 1978 under Justice A.K.M Nurul Islam where Ziaur Rahman became the President.
Besides, Justice Abdus Sattar was elected President in the election held on November 15, 1981. The election was also held under the Nurul Islam Commission.
In the presidential election held on October 15, 1986, HM Ershad was elected as the president. The election was held under Justice Chowdhury A.T.M. Masud Commission.
However, running KM Nurul Huda commission has gone beyond with controversy from previous commissions. Appointed by search committee, Huda commission has completed four years of its office whereas none of one day it was out of controversy.
Furthermore, apart from 12 Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), 27 Election Commissioners were ran office in EC’s history. After evaluation of the EC, it was fouind that EC was not out of controversy in the country. But, of them few tried to make their clean image. Some are openly used by ruling government.
He said, EC’s one and only responsibility is to organise a free and fair election. To establish people right to vote its another main duty. But it is a matter of sorrow for us that our EC completely failed.
Former DU Professor Sayed Monjurul Islam said, if EC wants to go further, democracy is must. In our country, other things have improved but democracy has become pale.
The academician placed an example of Indian former CEC T.N Seshan, who completely changed the Indian electoral system, and said, India is now getting the result of T.N Seshan works.
