CEC, 4 election commissioners resign

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal along with four other election commissioners have resigned.

The CEC made the announcement during a press conference held today (5 September) at the Election Commission building amid speculations of his resignation, along with that of other election commissioners.

Following the meeting, he along with the other election commissioners collectively submitted their resignation to the Election Commission secretary who will convey it to the president.

During this time, some people gathered in front of the EC building and started chanting against CEC Kazi Habibul Awal.

During the press briefing, two election commissioners were present, while two others did not attend the programme though after resigning.

When asked about the absence of two EC’s, no one provided any justification. Later, an EC told The Business Standard during personal meeting to ask those who did not attend the briefing about their absence.   

Previously, several sources at the EC, wishing to be anonymous, said the commissioners have already completed all necessary preparations for their departure.

Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana has already returned the Tab used for official purposes, while other commissioners are reportedly relocating their personal belongings from the office.

Additionally, CEC Awal had begun moving out of his official residence on Mintoo Road, in line with his decision to resign.

The election commissioners had initially intended to continue their duties for a few more days. However, during an informal meeting held on Tuesday, CEC Awal expressed a firm stance on resignation, which influenced the other commissioners to align with his decision.

The move follows recent turmoil regarding the registration of political parties Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad.

Sources said the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behaviour from activists and supporters of these political groups. Consequently, the CEC and other commissioners vacated the EC office briefly on Tuesday.

Earlier, in an interview with TBS last month, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Ahsan Habib Khan expressed confusion over the resignation demand, stating, “I don’t understand why we should resign. Have we committed any crime? We have conducted fair and impartial elections. Still, if anyone demands our resignation, we will certainly resign.”

The current commission, led by Kazi Habibul Awal, took office on 27 February 2022. The team includes retired Brigadier General Ahsan Habib Khan, retired senior secretary Md Alamgir, retired district and sessions judge Rashida Sultana, and retired senior secretary Anisur Rahman, all of whom were appointed for a five-year term.