Political winds are whipping up a frenzy in Bangladesh mere weeks from the February 12 elections. BNP has thrust postal ballots into the spotlight, decrying fraud in shipments to citizens abroad. Election chief Abul Fazal MD Sanaullah countered decisively, affirming clean processes after probing social media claims.
‘Videos from three spots were vetted rigorously—absolutely no irregularities,’ Sanaullah told reporters Thursday. Prompted by opposition noise, the commission looped in embassies for real-time updates, vowing unyielding integrity in absentee voting.
BNP’s Tuesday salvo on dubious clips amplified earlier demands for symbol-inclusive ballots, a pitch now before officials.
In a related shake-up, IAB bolted from its 11-party Jamaat alliance Friday, embracing independent contention on 268 seats. The move rebuffs a seat-split formula for 253 constituencies, aired at a presser IAB shunned.
These events spotlight deepening divides: BNP’s internal frictions, bloc betrayals, and voting qualms. As Dhaka navigates this minefield, the Election Commission’s resolve and opposition unity—or lack thereof—will shape the polls’ legitimacy.