Barishal accounts for 40% of election violence: TIB

Barishal division recorded the highest level of election-related violence before and after the announcement of the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election, accounting for 40% of incidents nationwide, according to a study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

Rajshahi accounted for 17.5% of the violence, followed by Dhaka with 15.2% and Mymensingh with 8.7%, while Sylhet recorded the lowest share at 0.2%, according to the findings presented at a press conference at TIB’s Dhanmondi office today (8 February).

The study also said that all candidates violated the election code of conduct in some form during the campaign period.

The report on the referendum and the pre-election situation was presented at the press conference by TIB Senior Research Fellow Md Mahfuzul Haque, followed by overall observations from Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman.

The study also identified the use of campaign materials without printer details, processions using vehicles, torch marches and showdowns, the tearing or destruction of rivals’ posters, banners or festoons, and the submission of nomination papers with more than five supporters.

Transparency International Bangladesh said frequent clashes among political parties were recorded in high-risk districts during election campaigning, with one person killed in a clash between two parties in a constituency.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said that although signs of relatively fair competition were seen at the start of the election, conflict, infighting, unhealthy competition and violence among parties and alliances have been increasing over time.

“Both the election and the referendum can be conducted smoothly if everyone follows the rules. Political parties and candidates have the biggest role to play, and a fair election is possible if they choose to act accordingly,” he said.

On women’s representation, he said that although parties were expected to nominate at least 5% women candidates, none had done so.

“Jamaat-e-Islami set a poor example by not nominating a single woman. We did not expect Jamaat to do so. But what about those from whom we did expect it?” he said. 

“Among candidates of the largest active party, only 2.7% are women. Why?” he asked.

He also questioned the Bangladesh Communist Party’s (CPB) record on nominating women candidates and described money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy and majoritarianism as Bangladesh’s “basic political capital.”

“The Election Commission and the relevant forces are responsible for voter security, including that of minorities and women. But the primary responsibility lies with political parties,” he said.

“Corruption has continued under the current government. Although there was an opportunity to reform the Anti-Corruption Commission, it was not done. The interim government’s failure to disclose advisers’ asset statements will set a bad precedent for the future and shows a lack of transparency,” he added