Bangladesh High Court Faces Legal Challenge Over Electoral Neutrality Ahead of February Vote
Opinion
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News18•26-01-2026, 09:58
Bangladesh High Court Faces Legal Challenge Over Electoral Neutrality Ahead of February Vote
- •A writ petition challenges the conduct of state institutions and interim administration figures ahead of Bangladesh's February 2026 parliamentary election and constitutional referendum.
- •The petition alleges that senior figures and state-linked actors publicly supported a 'Yes' vote in the referendum, potentially violating the Election Code of Conduct and Representation of the People Order.
- •Concerns include the alleged use of official government platforms to promote a specific referendum outcome, creating 'structural bias' and questioning the state's impartiality.
- •The Election Commission is accused of inaction despite being formally notified of alleged violations, raising questions about its constitutional duty to safeguard electoral integrity.
- •The simultaneous holding of a parliamentary election and a constitutional referendum is also challenged, with arguments that it may heighten voter confusion and complicate a level playing field.
Why It Matters: Bangladesh's upcoming elections face a legal challenge questioning state neutrality and electoral integrity.
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