Bangladesh Ex-CEC Beaten with Shoes, Egged by Mob: Arrested for Poll Fraud

Bangladesh’s former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) K.M. Nurul Huda was violently attacked by a mob at his Uttara residence in Dhaka, hours before his arrest for alleged election fraud. The 77-year-old, who served as CEC from 2017 to 2022, was pelted with shoes and eggs, with some assailants striking his face, as captured in viral social media videos. The incident has sparked widespread debate about mob justice and political accountability.

Arrest Over 2018 Election Rigging

Huda’s arrest by Uttara West police followed a lawsuit filed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against him and 18 others, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for manipulating the 2018 general elections. Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner Mohidul Islam confirmed Huda’s detention, marking a rare instance of a former CEC facing charges over electoral misconduct. He was held at the detective branch office for court proceedings on June 23.

Mob Attack Sparks Outrage

The mob, reportedly comprising BNP supporters and locals, raided Huda’s home, garlanding him with shoes and hurling abusive slogans. Videos showed him in a lungi and T-shirt, surrounded by an angry crowd as police intervened. The assault triggered an uproar on X, with users divided—some condemned the mob’s actions, while others hailed it as justice for electoral betrayal. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, issued a midnight statement urging citizens not to take the law into their hands, warning of legal consequences.

Political Context and Implications

 The BNP’s case targets officials from the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections, accusing them of undermining democracy. Critics, including BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed, blame Huda for eroding electoral integrity.

A Call for Due Process

The attack on Huda highlights Bangladesh’s struggle with mob violence and political retribution. While his alleged crimes demand scrutiny, the interim government’s call for legal processes underscores the need for justice over vengeance to restore democratic trust.