In a significant escalation of pre-electoral tension, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has formally petitioned the Election Commission to overhaul field administration across the country. The party is demanding the immediate removal of District Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs), labelling many as “partisan” despite the recent use of a lottery system for their appointments—a method Jamaat itself had previously championed.
The Meeting at the Commission
On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, a delegation led by Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Amir, Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, held a closed-door session with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), AMM Nasir Uddin. With the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for 12 February, the party expressed grave concerns that the current administrative framework is incapable of hosting a transparent and unbiased vote.
The irony of the situation was not lost on observers; on 11 November 2025, Jamaat’s Secretary General had proposed a lottery-based transfer system to ensure neutrality. However, following the implementation of this system for several SP posts, Jamaat now contends that the process has been manipulated or has failed to flush out politically motivated officials.
Allegations of Institutional Bias
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Taher highlighted several “alarming” discrepancies found during the recent scrutiny of nomination papers. He argued that the lack of a “level playing field” is already evident in the way returning officers—predominantly DCs—are handling the candidates.
Table: Summary of Jamaat’s Electoral Grievances
| Issue Area | Jamaat’s Formal Complaint |
| Field Administration | Current DCs and SPs are acting in the interest of a specific party. |
| Nomination Scrutiny | Inconsistent rulings; identical legal issues yielding different results. |
| Candidate Security | Unfair distribution of protection; certain leaders receive “excessive” security. |
| Media Visibility | One particular party is being afforded disproportionate airtime and space. |
| The Lottery System | Failed to ensure neutrality; demands for merit-based neutral replacements. |
Warnings of an “Arranged” Election
The rhetoric used by the party suggests that the stakes for the upcoming polls are exceptionally high. Dr Taher warned that the national spirit, forged during the July mass uprising, would be betrayed if the Commission allowed an “arranged election” to take place. He noted that he had reached out to the Information Adviser to complain about the monopolisation of campaign publicity by a single political rival.
“The Commission must prove through its actions, not just its words, that it is committed to an acceptable election,” Dr Taher stated. He emphasised that if the upcoming polls lose credibility, the country could face a profound “existential crisis.”
As the election is now only one month away, the Commission faces immense pressure to reshuffle the administration once more to appease the growing distrust among major political stakeholders.