32 Officials Retired Over Role in Controversial 2018 Polls

The government on Monday sent 32 officials, including former deputy commissioners (DCs) who served as returning officers during the controversial 2018 parliamentary election, into compulsory retirement.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification placing the officials—who had been serving as officers on special duty (OSDs) with the rank of joint secretary—into compulsory retirement.

The move follows the findings of the National Election Investigation Commission, which was formed by the then interim government on June 26, 2025, to investigate the national elections held in 2014, 2018 and 2024.

The commission submitted its report to then Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on January 12 this year.

According to the report, the three elections were orchestrated at the highest levels of the state, with sections of the administration, police, the Election Commission and intelligence agencies allegedly mobilised to implement the plans.

Regarding the 2018 parliamentary election, the commission alleged that ballots were stamped the night before polling in around 80 percent of voting centres to secure the Awami League's victory.

It also said there was "dishonest competition" within parts of the administration to ensure the ruling party's win, claiming that voter turnout exceeded 100 percent at some polling centres.

The commission further stated that control of the electoral process had effectively shifted from the Election Commission to the administrative machinery during the 2018 election.