Former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of police from Moghbazar area of the capital on Wednesday morning, confirmed Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division.
His arrest follows the filing of a case at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station against three former Chief Election Commissioners, including Awal, over allegations of electoral misconduct, abuse of power, and aiding unconstitutional practices during their respective tenures.
Earlier this week, another former CEC, Nurul Huda, was also taken into custody in connection with the same case.
He was reportedly apprehended by a mob at his residence and later handed over to police. The incident drew public attention after video footage circulated on social media showing Huda being harassed before his detention.
Kazi Habibul Awal, who served as Chief Election Commissioner from February 27, 2022, to February 26, 2027, oversaw the controversial 2024 general elections. That election was widely criticized by opposition groups for alleged vote rigging, low voter turnout, and suppression of political dissent.
Both Awal and Huda are now in police custody, while legal proceedings are expected to begin soon. The identity of the third former CEC named in the case has not yet been officially confirmed.
