1. Context:

Recently, it has been observed in some educational institutions that the leaders and members of the Nationalist Teachers Forum are either preparing for or being proposed to take part in electoral duties for the upcoming national election.
On the other hand, several videos and news reports circulating on social media have shown that members of this Teachers’ Forum are in direct contact with Tarique Rahman—sometimes virtually, sometimes in public meetings.
In this context, a serious question has arisen—will their involvement in electoral duties undermine the neutrality of the Election Commission?

2. Constitutional and Administrative Framework:

According to Article 118(4) of the Constitution of Bangladesh—

> “The Election Commission shall be responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of all elections, and shall be independent in the exercise of its functions.”

On the other hand, since an interim government is by nature non-partisan, appointing “officials or teachers with political allegiance” under such a government is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.

The neutrality of the Election Commission and public confidence are the cornerstones of the electoral system.
If the individuals conducting the election are openly affiliated with any political party or organization, then—

Voter confidence will decline,

The environment of fair competition among candidates will be destroyed,

And doubts will be cast upon the election results.

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3. Evidence of Political Involvement and Moral Crisis:

According to information published in various newspapers and on social media, several leaders of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum recently participated in virtual meetings with Tarique Rahman,
where they expressed positions closely aligned with the BNP.

At the same time, they are conducting promotional activities at the university and college level under the banner of “National Unity of the Teaching Community,” which clearly carries a partisan political tone.

Under these circumstances, their engagement in electoral duties becomes not only administratively questionable but also morally indefensible.

4. Responsibility of the Election Commission and Possible Consequences:

If the Election Commission appoints teachers or officials who are politically affiliated, it may lead to the following consequence:

(1) The perception of neutrality will be damaged;
(2) Mutual distrust among competing political parties will increase;
(3) A national crisis may arise over the acceptance of election results.

In such a situation, the Commission’s responsibility will be to verify the political affiliations of all election duty personnel and exempt those involved in partisan activities from electoral responsibilities.

5. Legal Analysis:

According to the Election Conduct Rules, 2008, if any election officer “participates in political campaigning or expresses partisan allegiance,”
he or she may be declared ineligible to conduct elections.

Therefore, the appointment of members of a partisan Teachers’ Forum would constitute a conflict of interest in the eyes of the law.

6. Proposal to Exclude Partisan Individuals through a Screening Committee:

To preserve political neutrality, the interim government should refrain—
in coordination with the Election Commission—
from appointing teachers or employees with partisan affiliations.

The Election Commission should form a verification or screening committee to examine the political links of those assigned to electoral duties.

Teacher associations at universities and colleges should also formally declare abstention from electoral activities, in order to uphold the ethical dignity of academia.

7. Remarks and Recommendations:

In a state where electoral neutrality is questioned, it is ultimately the people’s right to vote that suffers the most.
Therefore, appointing members of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum—or any politically affiliated teachers—to electoral responsibilities is not merely a political error—
it is a moral affront to democracy itself.

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