32 Former DCs Tied to 2018 Election Rigging Sent into Compulsory Retirement

The government has ordered the compulsory retirement of 32 former deputy commissioners (DCs) who served as returning officers during the widely criticized 2018 parliamentary elections under the Awami League regime.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification on Monday, stating the officials were retired in the public interest under Section 45 of the Government Service Act, 2018, having completed 25 years of service. Prior to this directive, the officials were serving as officers on special duty (OSDs) at the joint secretary rank. They will receive standard retirement benefits in accordance with existing rules.

The officials were initially sidelined and made OSDs on February 20, 2025 by the interim government.

This sweeping administrative action follows the findings of the National Election Investigation Commission, which submitted its report to then-Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on January 12 of this year. Formed in June 2025, the commission concluded that the 2014, 2018 and 2024 national elections were orchestrated at the highest state levels, utilizing segments of the administration, police, Election Commission (EC) and intelligence agencies to engineer Awami League victories.

According to the commission's report, the December 30, 2018 election was marred by overnight ballot stamping in 80 percent of voting centers.

“Within the administration, there was a form of dishonest competition to ensure the party’s win and resulting in voter turnout figures exceeding 100 percent in some centers” the commission noted also highlighting that the civil administration effectively stripped the EC of its control over the electoral process.

The 32 Retired Deputy Commissioners (DCs) Are:

Chattogram Division: Mohammad Elias Hossain (Chattogram), Md Majedur Rahman Khan (Chandpur), Md Abul Fazal Mir (Cumilla), Mohammad Daudul Islam (Bandarban), Anjan Chandra Pal (Lakshmipur), AKM Mamunur Rashid (Rangamati), Md Kamal Hossain (Cox's Bazar), Md Wahiduzzaman (Feni).

Dhaka Division: Kazi Abu Taher (Shariatpur), Syeda Farhana Kawnain (Narsingdi), SM Ferdous (Manikganj), Md Sarwar Murshed Chowdhury (Kishoreganj).

Rajshahi Division: Md Shahriar (Natore), AZM Nurul Haque (Chapainawabganj), SM Abdul Quader (Rajshahi), Md Jasim Uddin (Pabna).

Khulna Division: Md Aslam Hossain (Kushtia), Mohammad Helal Hossain (Khulna), Saroj Kumar Nath (Jhenaidah), Gopal Chandra Das (Chuadanga), Md Ali Akbar (Magura).

Barishal Division: SM Azior Rahman (Barishal), Mohammad Masud Alam Siddique (Bhola), Md Matiul Islam Chowdhury (Patuakhali).

Sylhet Division: Md Abdul Ahad (Sunamganj), Mahmudul Kabir Murad (Habiganj).

Mymensingh Division: Md Mizanur Rahman (Mymensingh), Moinul Islam (Netrokona), Anar Kali Mahbub (Sherpur).

Rangpur Division: Nazia Shirin (Nilphamari), Mosammat Sultana Parvin (Kurigram).

Chattogram Hill Tracts (Additional): Md Shahidul Islam (Khagrachhari).