Dhaka, Sep 19 (V7N) – The interim government has approved tougher penalties for negligence and crimes in performing election duties. The approval came at a meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, at his Tejgaon office on Thursday (Sept 18).

At a press conference following the meeting, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the amendments to the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 aim to make the Election Commission’s activities more dynamic and ensure greater accountability of officials.

Key provisions of the amended law include:

  • Absence from duty: Previously punishable by up to 1 year in prison or a fine of Tk 5,000. The fine has now been increased to Tk 1 lakh.

  • Misconduct during election duties: Earlier punishable by 6 months’ imprisonment or a Tk 2,000 fine. The new provision raises it to 1–5 years in prison, a Tk 20,000 fine, or both.

  • Expanded definition of misconduct: Now includes disobeying orders of the Commission or returning officer, deliberate violation of laws, and neglect of duty.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the 121 reform proposals announced in the first phase. So far, 24 have been implemented, 14 partially implemented, and work is ongoing on the rest. The government plans to publish a booklet compiling all reforms by next month.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Faiz Ahmed were also present at the briefing.

END/SMA/AJ