Delayed Bangladesh ballot held up for further 18 months

Bangladesh’s national polls, delayed amid deadly violence over allegations the ballot was rigged, will not be held in next 18 months, the top election official said today.

“We need at least 18 months to prepare a flawless voter list along with photographs of voters,” Chief Election Commissioner Shamsul Huda said.

Huda said a congenial atmosphere is needed to ensure that the voting becomes free and fair. He did not provide any further details.

Political parties did not immediately comment about the decision to delay the voting.

President Iajuddin Ahmed imposed a state of emergency on January 11 following weeks of street protests demanding electoral reforms. The emergency powers have banned political activity and suspended fundamental rights.

National elections that were scheduled for January 22 were postponed because of the political unrest, in which 34 people died.

A military-backed interim government has vowed to reform the country’s political system, which it says is tainted by corruption.

In recent weeks, security forces have arrested more than 160 politicians, including former ministers, in a drive against corruption. Most of the detainees belong to the country’s two major political parties – the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Awami League.