Bangladesh Election Commission Combats Disinformation as Critical Vote Approaches

With less than a week remaining before Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, the country’s Election Commission has identified disinformation as its most significant challenge. Officials are working to address the issue in what they describe as a “respectable manner” without resorting to drastic measures like throttling internet speeds.

The commission’s concerns come as Bangladesh prepares for its 13th national election on February 12, a pivotal moment that marks the first electoral contest since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown during massive public protests in July.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed detailed the commission’s preparations during a press briefing at Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon following discussions with a six-member European Union delegation. According to Ahmed, ballot papers have already reached 116 of the country’s 300 constituencies, with remaining materials scheduled for delivery by February 7.

The delay in distributing ballots stems from recent court orders reinstating candidacies in several areas, necessitating reprints and modifications to voting materials. The commission has also set a clear timeline for the electoral process, announcing that campaign activities must conclude by 7:30 am on February 10.

Election security remains a priority, with plans to deploy 1,051 executive magistrates nationwide between February 8 and 14 to oversee voting operations. The Bangladesh National Cadet Corps will provide additional support during the electoral period, according to reporting from The Daily Star.

When addressing the disinformation challenge, Ahmed emphasized the commission’s preference for measured responses rather than heavy-handed interventions. “We do not want to reduce internet speed or resort to latent measures. Instead, we have requested Meta to take down derogatory comments, offensive content, and misinformation,” he told reporters.

The spread of false information presents a particularly acute challenge in Bangladesh’s current political climate. Since Hasina’s ouster, the country has experienced a period of transition under an interim government. Political tensions remain high as various factions compete for influence in the post-Hasina landscape, creating fertile ground for misinformation campaigns.

International observers view this election as a critical test of Bangladesh’s democratic resilience. The presence of the EU delegation underscores global interest in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in a country that has experienced significant political turbulence.

The commission also provided updates on postal voting arrangements, reporting that 444,952 ballots have been distributed worldwide, with 211,122 already completed and returned. Officials will continue accepting postal ballots until 4:30 pm on election day. Additionally, 6,091 eligible voters currently in legal custody have registered to participate through the postal ballot system.

Bangladesh’s electoral infrastructure faces multiple challenges beyond disinformation. The country’s history of political violence, allegations of voter intimidation, and concerns about institutional independence continue to shape public perceptions of the electoral process. The commission’s ability to deliver a credible election will significantly influence Bangladesh’s political trajectory following months of uncertainty.

The upcoming vote represents a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s 170 million citizens. As one of South Asia’s most densely populated nations and an increasingly important economic player in the region, the country’s political stability has implications that extend well beyond its borders.

As election day approaches, the commission’s handling of disinformation and its broader management of the electoral process will remain under intense scrutiny from both domestic stakeholders and international observers.