Fresh controversy has erupted surrounding the upcoming election of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) after the publication of its final voter list triggered widespread criticism among members.

Several BASIS members have alleged major inconsistencies between the preliminary and final voter lists, raising concerns over transparency, eligibility verification, and possible manipulation within the election process.

According to sources inside the organization, a total of 725 applicants applied to become voters in this year’s BASIS election. After initial scrutiny, the preliminary voter list included 615 approved voters — 431 in the General category, 96 in Associate, 84 in Affiliate, and 4 in the International category. Around 110 applications were reportedly rejected at that stage.

However, the final voter list later published by the organization showed a dramatic increase in numbers. The General category alone jumped to 626 voters, while Associate voters rose to 192, Affiliate to 112, and International to 5. Altogether, the final list now contains 935 voters.

The sharp increase has sparked serious questions among members, as the final voter count exceeded even the original number of applicants.

“Where did these additional 210 voters come from, and under what process were they approved?” — this question is now circulating widely across BASIS member forums and social media discussions.

Multiple members, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that several individuals included in the final list do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Some are allegedly no longer active in business operations. There are also allegations that a number of members were shifted from Associate to General category shortly before the final list was published without clear explanation or proper verification.

Some members further alleged that individuals known to be close to former ICT State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak received special consideration during the voter selection process. Although no official statement has been made regarding these claims, the issue has intensified internal tensions within the organization.

At the same time, complaints have emerged from individuals who say they were unfairly excluded despite fulfilling all requirements. Online activist Rupom Razzaq and his associates reportedly submitted all necessary documents for three separate companies, yet none of them were included in either the preliminary or final voter list. Businessman Shohibur Rahman Khan Rana has also raised similar allegations, claiming his company was excluded despite meeting all criteria.

Concerns have also been raised over the timing of the election process itself. Members say the BASIS administrator is expected to remain on leave for Hajj from May 6 to June 16 — a period that overlaps with the publication of the voter list and several critical election activities ahead of the scheduled June 27 election.

Another issue drawing criticism is the timing of the voter list announcement. The final list was reportedly published late at night on a Friday holiday, leading some members to believe the timing was intentionally chosen to avoid immediate public reaction and scrutiny.

The controversy has already sparked heated discussions across internal BASIS groups and social media platforms. Many members fear that such disputes could damage the reputation of Bangladesh’s ICT industry at a time when the sector is gaining increasing global attention.

Members are now demanding a full review of the voter list, an investigation into disputed inclusions, and greater transparency throughout the election process. Some have also called for the formation of an independent inquiry committee to ensure credibility and fairness in the upcoming BASIS election.