Dr Zahed highlights need to probe controversial elections

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday stressed the need for investigations into controversial elections, including the 2008 general election.

“There is a need for a proper and impartial investigation into all the controversial elections of the past, including the 2008 general election,” he told a press briefing.

The weekly press briefing was held in the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) here.

Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Dr Md Alam Mostafa were present.

Responding to a question, the information adviser said that although many people have a positive perception of the 2008 election, various statistics have shown that thousands of votes were cast in less than a minute at many polling centres.

“So, there needs to be a proper probe into each of the elections held in 2008, 2014 and 2018. The night-time irregularities in the elections pushed the country’s governance and democracy to the brink of utter destruction,” he said.

Referring to the unprecedented fraud committed during the 2018 election, Dr Zahed said, "It is important to take various legal measures, including criminal action, against the officials or individuals involved in electoral offences.”

At the same time, he stated that if the authorities do not ensure justice over the 2018 election, it will set a bad precedent in the country.

About the Sagar-Runi murder case, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman added that the investigation into the case had been prolonged due to a lack of goodwill during the previous Awami League administration.

However, he mentioned the incumbent government is committed to eliminating the culture of impunity.

“Just as the investigation into the Tonu murder has gained new momentum, efforts are underway to ensure an impartial investigation and proper trial of all unresolved crimes, including the Sagar-Runi murder,” he said.

Informing about assistance for journalists who were injured or killed during the July movement, the adviser said a special assistance initiative is being taken under the Journalists Welfare Trust for the families of martyred journalists and injured journalists, in addition to the existing support.

At the same time, he said, work is underway to produce a special documentary highlighting the outstanding sacrifices made by journalists during the July 2024 uprising.

Responding to another question, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman stated again that under the law, legal action cannot be taken against the president while in office.

“However, after they leave office, any person can face legal action, and the judiciary is conducting its activities completely independently,” he continued.

Regarding the gas and energy crisis in the country’s industrial sector, the information adviser also said that the situation had arisen due to the wrong policies of the previous government, which benefited oligarchs and relied on imported LNG instead of exploring domestic gas resources.

He added, "Initiatives are being taken to quickly increase the use of Bhola gas and explore new offshore gas reserves to overcome the crisis.”

Regarding the upcoming local government elections, the adviser reiterated that the government is committed to starting the formal process of local government elections by 2026.

“Once the first phase begins, it may take up to a year to complete the elections at all levels in phases,” he said.

He also said that the inauguration of the July Museum and related commemorative programmes would be finalised on schedule to mark the anniversary of the July Revolution and preserve the historical memory of 5 August.