Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has sought cooperation and guidance from political parties to ensure that the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election is fair, impartial, and acceptable.
“It is not possible for the Election Commission to carry out this massive task alone. In particular, the cooperation of national leaders, who can directly influence voters, is essential,” he said.
He added that political parties’ support is crucial for bringing voters to polling centres and ensuring a safe electoral environment.
The CEC made the remarks in his opening statement during a dialogue with representatives of various political parties at the Election Commission office in Agargaon on Sunday.
Nasir Uddin said the commission had faced several major and challenging tasks since taking office, which caused delays in beginning the discussions with political parties.
Highlighting the commission’s recent achievements, he said: “Updating the voter list was a major undertaking. About 77,000 people worked in the field. Around 2.1 million deceased voters have been removed from the list, and more than 4 million previously left-out eligible voters have been identified and added.”
Regarding new initiatives, he said arrangements had been made for expatriates to cast their votes — a complex and unprecedented move.
Steps have also been taken to allow around one million election officials, including law enforcement and polling officers, to vote in person. Voting facilities for government employees posted abroad and for citizens in prison are also being prepared.
The CEC underscored the importance of the electoral code of conduct, saying it was uploaded on the EC website for an extended period to allow feedback.
“It has been adjusted based on written opinions from political parties. A fair election largely depends on proper implementation of the code of conduct,” he said, urging party leaders to read it thoroughly and disseminate it among their activists.
On the second day of the EC’s dialogue, the first session is being held with Gono Forum, Gano Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party.
A second session, from 2pm to 4pm, will include Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP), Trinamool BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.
The EC began its dialogue with political parties on November 13, holding discussions with 12 parties on the first day. Sunday marks the second day of the ongoing dialogue series.
