Gazi Anowar :
Public outcry is intensifying in Bangladesh over the controversial and pervasive practice of nomination trade ahead of national elections. Civil society actors, political analysts, and legal experts are raising alarms, warning that the buying and selling of electoral nominations is eroding democratic values and promoting corruption at the highest levels of government.
Nomination trade-a term used to describe the exchange of party nominations for money or other favors-has reportedly plagued both the ruling party and opposition groups, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Critics argue that this practice disenfranchises qualified candidates who lack financial backing and fuels a cycle of corruption in parliament.
“Nomination trade is a betrayal of democratic values,” said Dr. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, a governance and political analyst. “It creates a cycle of corruption where money buys political power, and that power is then used to recover the investment through illegal means. This must be stopped if we want sustainable democracy and good governance.”
alls are mounting for both legal and institutional reforms. Advocate Saifur Rahman, stressed the need for legal safeguards:
“There should be a specific law declaring nomination trade a punishable offense. Political parties must be held accountable. If proven guilty, the party’s candidate should face disqualification-even after election.”
Among the most prominent proposals is the formation of a Truth Commission for Political Ethics, which would monitor and investigate allegations of unethical nomination practices. Parties found guilty could face severe consequences, including the cancellation of candidate nominations and even deregistration.
“Such a commission would introduce an accountability mechanism within the political structure,” said Professor Dr. Hasanuzzaman Choudhury, a noted political scientist. “It would also serve as a deterrent to party leaders tempted by financial incentives.”
Another major reform being discussed is a comprehensive Nomination Integrity Act, which would criminalize the practice of buying and selling nominations. Proposed penalties include fines, candidate disqualification, and imprisonment for party officials found complicit in nomination trading.
Experts also highlight the importance of a competent and neutral civil service in ensuring free and fair elections. Professor Abdul Latif Masum of Jahangirnagar University drew historical parallels, arguing that electoral manipulation has deep roots in the country’s political past.
“In the 1970 elections, the Awami League had about 30% genuine support,” he told The New Nation. “But the manipulated system turned it into a 95% victory. If public administration remains neutral, honest, and efficient, then electoral violence can be prevented and no one will dare to capture polling centers by force.”
He emphasized that nomination reform must go hand in hand with administrative integrity:
“Those who trade nominations are not patriots. They should not be in politics. To ensure transparent elections, we must fix the bureaucracy first.”
Civil society activists argue that only a genuine commitment from political parties can end nomination trade and restore public trust.
“The public must know that leadership is earned through service and integrity-not purchased with cash,” said M Zakir Hossain Khan, chief executive of Change Initiative.
Without reforms, observers warn that democratic backsliding will continue, undermining Bangladesh’s institutions and global standing.
As the country prepares for its next general election, the pressure is on political leaders to choose between short-term gain and long-term democratic legitimacy.
