Election Commission Secretary: Disinformation the Greatest Challenge Facing Upcoming Polls

Bangladesh Election Commission Battles Disinformation as Voting Day Approaches

With less than a week remaining before Bangladesh’s 13th national election and referendum on February 12, the Election Commission has identified disinformation as its most significant challenge in ensuring a fair electoral process.

During a press briefing at EC headquarters in Agargaon, Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed detailed the commission’s efforts to address misinformation while maintaining democratic standards. “We are working to bring the situation under control in a respectable manner,” Ahmed stated following a meeting with a six-member European Union delegation.

The commission has already completed the distribution of ballot papers to 116 of the country’s 300 constituencies, with the remaining materials scheduled to reach their destinations by February 7. Ahmed explained that delays in some areas resulted from court orders reinstating previously disqualified candidates, which necessitated reprinting and modifications to ballots.

In preparation for election day, the commission announced that political campaigns must conclude by 7:30 am on February 10. To maintain order during the voting process, authorities will deploy 1,051 executive magistrates nationwide between February 8 and 14. Members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) will provide additional support throughout the election period.

Addressing the growing concern about misinformation campaigns, Ahmed revealed that the commission has engaged directly with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, platforms widely used in Bangladesh. “We do not want to reduce internet speed or resort to latent measures,” he emphasized. “Instead, we have requested Meta to take down derogatory comments, offensive content, and misinformation.”

This approach signals the EC’s preference for targeted content moderation rather than broad internet restrictions, which have been implemented during previous periods of political tension in Bangladesh and other South Asian nations. Digital rights advocates have consistently criticized internet shutdowns as disproportionate measures that harm legitimate communication and commerce.

The commission also provided an update on postal ballots, which allow citizens living abroad and those unable to visit polling stations to participate in the election. According to Ahmed, 107,168 postal ballots from international voters have already reached returning officers, while the Bangladesh Post Office has received a total of 379,924 ballots from both domestic and overseas voters.

Additionally, 444,952 postal ballots have been deposited in mailboxes worldwide, with 211,122 already completed by voters. The EC will continue accepting completed postal ballots until 4:30 pm on election day.

The commission has also made provisions for the country’s incarcerated population, with Ahmed noting that 6,091 inmates in legal custody have registered to vote through postal ballots. This measure reflects efforts to maintain voting rights for those awaiting trial or serving sentences for minor offenses.

Bangladesh’s upcoming election comes at a critical moment for the South Asian nation of approximately 170 million people. The country has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, particularly in its garment manufacturing sector, which accounts for more than 80 percent of export earnings. However, political polarization and questions about democratic governance continue to present challenges.

The EU delegation’s presence underscores international interest in Bangladesh’s electoral process, as the country navigates complex regional dynamics while pursuing continued economic development. The Election Commission’s emphasis on combating disinformation while maintaining open communication channels highlights the evolving challenges facing electoral authorities in the digital age.