Historic Resignation: Bangladesh's Entire Election Commission Steps Down

Bangladesh's entire five-member Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, resigned amid significant political transition. Marking the first such instance in the country's history, Awal and other commissioners stepped down citing the inability to ensure free and fair elections under the current system. Awal recommended extensive electoral reforms including proportional representation and non-partisan caretaker governance.

In an unprecedented move, Bangladesh's entire five-member Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, has resigned amidst a major political transition. This marks the first time the Election Commission has stepped down before completing its scheduled term.

Appointed for a five-year tenure in February 2022, Awal and his team resigned after two and a half years, citing the inability to ensure free and fair elections under the current system. The announcement came amidst heightened tensions, with army troops deployed at the commission office as protestors rallied against Awal and other commission members.

Awal's resignation statement highlighted the need for fundamental reforms, including changes to the electoral process, political culture, and candidate behavior. He advocated for proportional representation-based elections and multi-phase voting conducted under non-partisan caretaker governments to ensure fairness and transparency.

(With inputs from agencies.)