Former Bangladesh Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda arrested on election rigging charges; mob attacks him with shoes and eggs. The case was filed by the BNP.
Bangladesh: The arrest of former Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda has sent ripples through Bangladeshi politics. He faces serious allegations of election rigging, leading to public outrage. This incident is not only dominating political circles but also sparking widespread discussion among ordinary citizens.
Public Beating Precedes Arrest
KM Nurul Huda was publicly surrounded and beaten with shoes by a mob in Dhaka. Viral videos show people garlanding him with shoes and throwing eggs. Even after police arrived, the mob's anger didn't subside, highlighting the intensity of the situation. This assault quickly spread across social media, prompting an immediate government response.
Police Confirmation
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Mohiuddin Islam stated that KM Nurul Huda was arrested in a case filed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the party of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The case names 19 individuals as accused, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Accusations of Election Rigging
The case alleges that the general elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, held under Hasina's rule, were conducted without a true public mandate. Hasina's party won a majority in all these elections. The BNP alleges a lack of fairness and transparency in these elections and claims KM Nurul Huda, as the chief election commissioner, sided with the ruling party.
First-Ever Action Against an Election Commissioner
According to a Daily Star report, this marks the first time in Bangladesh's history that a former Chief Election Commissioner has been arrested on election-related charges. Election Commission officials have also described the event as unprecedented. This signifies a growing demand for accountability in Bangladeshi politics.
The officer-in-charge of Uttar Police Station, Hafizur Rahman, reported receiving information about Huda being surrounded by a mob. A team was immediately dispatched to the scene, and he was taken into custody. Subsequently, he was brought to the police station, and an investigation was launched.
Government Response and Sensitivity of the Situation
The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, issued a statement late at night following the incident. They appealed for public calm and respect for the legal process. They also emphasized that no one is above the law and that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
