Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has observed that entrenched patterns of electoral influence—money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy and majoritarian dominance—continue to shape Bangladesh’s electoral landscape, while imprudent steps by the government and the Election Commission (EC) have triggered unnecessary controversy over the referendum.
Although early signs of competitive politics were visible, TIB noted that political parties and candidates gradually reverted to old political settlements characterised by violence and intolerance.
As a result, inter-party conflicts, intra-party rivalries, unhealthy power struggles and election-related violence have increased steadily.
The observations were presented on Sunday at a press conference titled “Pre-Election and Referendum Situation: TIB’s Observations” at the organisation’s Dhanmondi office in the capital.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Adviser–Executive Management Prof Dr Sumaiya Khair, Director (Research and Policy) Muhammad Badiuzzaman, Director (Outreach and Communication) Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, and Senior Research Fellow Md Mahfuzul Haque spoke at the event.
According to TIB, alongside electoral violence, anti-election activities by fallen authoritarian forces have heightened instability risks. Political actors not only continued using money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy and majoritarian influence, but the intensity of money and religious mobilisation has increased further.
Violations of the electoral code of conduct have remained widespread, reflecting the Election Commission’s limited enforcement capacity. Despite the July Charter’s commitment to ensuring at least 5% women candidates, women’s participation has remained marginal.
Within 24 hours of the election schedule announcement, a potential candidate was killed. Attacks, shootings and killings involving political activists and rivals have continued across the country, raising serious concerns over law enforcement effectiveness.
TIB also expressed alarm over administrative lapses by the Election Commission, noting that the personal data of around 14,000 journalists applying for accreditation was temporarily exposed, posing potential security risks.
Code violations, excessive spending
TIB observed that well before the officially approved campaign period, political parties and candidates engaged in electioneering in violation of the Wall Writing and Poster Control Act, 2012, by placing posters and campaign materials on walls, poles, vehicles and public spaces.
In effect, all candidates violated one or more provisions of the electoral code of conduct. Large sums of money were spent even before the formal campaign period began.
Between December 4, 2025, and February 1, 2026, 33.8% of candidates exceeded the prescribed expenditure limit, with average spending reaching Tk1.19 crore per candidate.
Allegations have also emerged of cash distribution by influential political parties to influence voters.
Analysis of broadcast media coverage revealed a clear imbalance: one political party dominated election-related coverage, accounting for approximately 67.25% of airtime, while referendum-related campaigning received only 7.56% of coverage on BTV.
Violence accompanied campaigning in several areas. In one constituency, clashes between rival parties resulted in a death.
Barisal Division recorded the highest rate of clashes, increasing from 30.9% before the schedule announcement to 43.8% afterward. In contrast, clashes declined in Rajshahi (from 22.2% to 15.5%) and Dhaka (from 22.3% to 12.3%), while Sylhet saw the lowest incidence.
Referendum confusion and missteps
On the referendum, TIB observed that the government’s indecision—stemming from conflicting positions among influential political parties—and the drafting of an ordinance aimed at appeasing both sides created confusion and controversy.
It remains unclear whether proper consultation or coordination took place between the government and the Election Commission during the drafting of the ordinance or during the promotion of a “Yes” vote.
Further controversy emerged when, 18 days into the government’s campaign, the Election Commission issued instructions to government officials, raising questions about both legality and prudence.
TIB argued that prior consultation between the government and the EC could have prevented doubts over the Commission’s independence and avoided unnecessary confusion.
TIB’s concerns and recommendations
Presenting the organisation’s overall assessment, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said election expenditure by most candidates had exceeded legal limits, while the misuse of religious narratives in campaigns had become increasingly visible.
“This is negatively affecting Bangladesh’s values,” he said, adding that women’s political participation and the broader principle of gender equality were under serious threat.
He also warned that initiatives to ensure the safety and participation of marginalised communities—including religious and ethnic minorities, gender-diverse groups and persons with disabilities—had been jeopardised.
Dr Zaman criticised the Election Commission for largely overlooking widespread violations due to capacity constraints and poor coordination with digital platforms such as Meta and Google.
“Even when campaigns violated platform policies, controversial content was not removed, as business interests appeared to take precedence,” he said.
Calling on all stakeholders to uphold democratic responsibilities, he said elections must be treated as genuine exercises reflecting the people’s will.
“If leaders at all levels demonstrate the willingness to accept the people’s verdict, a free, fair and peaceful election is still possible,” he said, urging the government, EC, political parties and law enforcement agencies to ensure voting without fear or intimidation.
On the referendum, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that in line with the mandate of the July uprising, the government had a responsibility to facilitate a ‘Yes’ verdict on the July Charter.
He criticised both the government and the Election Commission for misinterpreting legal boundaries and adopting controversial measures that undermined the credibility of the process.
Concluding the briefing, he announced TIB’s support for a ‘Yes’ vote, noting that the July Charter—“written in blood”—largely reflects TIB’s long-standing research-based advocacy for good governance, prevention of abuse of power and corruption, protection of political and civil rights, and equal rights for all citizens regardless of identity.