Dhaka, Sep 19 (V7N) – Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman has said that fair elections will remain out of reach unless political parties demonstrate genuine commitment to a level playing field.

“No matter what political parties say in the media, if they do not truly want fair elections, it will be difficult to ensure equal opportunities for all. If the attitude is to win by any means, fair elections are not possible,” he said.

He made the remarks on Friday at a workshop jointly organized by TIB and the Reporters Forum for Elections and Democracy.

Iftekharuzzaman observed that Bangladesh’s institutional framework has been weakened through years of partisan division, making reform a long-term challenge. “It is not possible to overhaul this fragile infrastructure in just one or one and a half years,” he noted.

While acknowledging that the interim government has formed several commissions for reforms, he pointed out that no significant progress has been made on their recommendations.

He further said that the spirit of the anti-discrimination movement has yet to be reflected in political and bureaucratic practices, and emphasized the need to create a conducive environment for voters ahead of the national polls.

END/SMA/AJ