Legal notice seeks inquiry into all involved in ‘polls without voters’

A Supreme Court lawyer has issued a legal notice calling for investigation proceedings under the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Money Laundering Act against all Members of Parliament and Election Commissioners involved in the past three national elections. 

On Sunday, October 27, lawyer Anwarul Islam (Shaheen) sent the notice to the ACC chairman, urging an inquiry into alleged corruption and abuse of power by MPs and Election Commissioners elected in 2014, 2018, and 2024.

The notice asserts that the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections were not free, fair, or participatory, with 153 MPs elected unopposed in 2014, a “nighttime” election held in 2018, and an “in-house” election in 2024 favouring candidates loyal to Prime Minister Hasina’s government. 

It said that accountability and reform require legal action against those involved in the electoral processes of the past 15 years.

Specifically, the notice accuses MPs elected unopposed or through alleged vote-rigging, ministers of the Hasina administration, allies such as the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, and the relevant Election Commissioners of amassing illicit wealth, with much believed to have been smuggled abroad.

The lawyer demanded that investigations begin within three working days under the ACC and Money Laundering Act, warning that failure to initiate these proceedings would prompt further legal action.