ACC to launch inquiry into irregularities in 2018 election 

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will launch an inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the 11th parliamentary election in 2018. 

A five-member team has been formed to investigate allegations of abuse of power, ballot manipulation and financial transactions. 

ACC Director General Akhter Hossain confirmed the decision to journalists at the ACC headquarters at Segunbagicha in the city on Wednesday.

“Allegations of irregularities during the election, such as vote casting the night before election day, ballot manipulation, voter turnout exceeding 90% in some centres, extensive financial dealings, and abuse of power to secure victories for certain candidates, have been reported by various media outlets and submitted to the ACC,” he added. 

Under the leadership of the then Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader along with all the leaders and workers of Awami League in every metropolitans, divisions, districts, upazilas, municipalities, unions and wards were found involved in the process. 

Besides, he said, a group of high-level officials of the government were closely linked with the irregularities of the polls process. They were: former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Javed Patwary, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, former Chief of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Dr Benozir Ahmed, former IGP Shahidul Haque, former defence and security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former Public Administration Affairs Adviser HT Imam, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners (DCs), district returning officers, Range DIGs, Superintendent of Police (SPs), officers-in-charge (OCs), district and upazila election officers and presiding officers.

The enquiry team will submit its report after overseeing media coverage, examining and  scrutinizing the polls results and other necessary activities.