Why Muhammad Yunus' Bangladesh govt is investigating Sheikh Hasina-era elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024 | Explained

Chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government Muhammad Yunus - File Photo

Amid mounting international concern over political repression, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has reconstituted a five-member commission to investigate alleged irregularities in the national elections held under the Awami League in 2014, 2018, and 2024.

According to a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division on July 29, the new commission replaces an earlier panel but retains the same members. It has been tasked with reviewing allegations of vote manipulation and recommending reforms to restore confidence in the electoral process.

The notification said the elections in question were marred by “widespread criticisms both at home and abroad” and noted serious concerns about constitutional violations, especially the obligation to govern through duly elected representatives.

The panel will again be led by retired High Court Justice Shamim Hasnain, who also chaired the previous iteration of the commission. Other members include former Additional Secretary Shamim Al Mamun; Dhaka University law faculty Associate Professor Kazi Mahfuzul Haque Supan; Advocate Barrister Tajrian Akram Hossain from the Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court; and electoral affairs expert Dr. Md Abdul Alim. While the scope of the commission’s work remains unchanged, the deadline for submitting its report has been extended from September 30 to October 31.

Rights groups raise alarm over crackdown on opposition

The formation of the new commission comes against the backdrop of an intensifying crackdown on political dissent in Bangladesh. In May, Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed alarm over legislative actions that could stifle fundamental rights in the country.

The New York-based watchdog warned that the interim government's attempts to “suppress the rights” of supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League were deeply concerning.

On May 12, the interim government announced a “temporary” ban on the Awami League, invoking new authority granted by a controversial amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban is expected to remain in place until party leaders face trial for alleged abuses during their 15-year tenure.

“Sheikh Hasina’s government abused legal powers to silence political opponents, but using similar methods against the supporters of her Awami League party would also violate those same fundamental freedoms,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

HRW further cautioned that rather than making good on its promise to reform Bangladesh’s criminal justice system, the interim administration under Yunus may instead be undermining democratic norms.