A study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) found widespread violations of the electoral code of conduct and a lack of strong action by the authorities to ensure a level playing field for the February 12 elections.

The increasing number of election code violations we have seen in the campaigning of the three upcoming city elections is alarming. In most cases, the EC has simply sent show-cause notices to the accused, falling short of investigating the allegations and slapping fines or taking strict actions against the perpetrator.