Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has warned that no matter what political parties say in the media, a fair election cannot take place without their genuine commitment.

Speaking on Thursday, he said, “If the mindset is only to win by any means, fair elections are impossible.”

He added that decades of entrenched partisan politics have crippled the country’s institutions, and it is unrealistic to expect reforms within just a year or two. Though several commissions were formed under the interim government to propose reforms, their recommendations have seen no real progress.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also lamented the absence of anti-discrimination values in politics and bureaucracy, urging that a proper environment must be created to ensure voter confidence and participation.