No scope for failure in holding free, fair elections: CEC

NN ONLINE:

Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin today said there is no scope for any failure in carrying out the grave responsibility in organizing a free, fair and acceptable election at this critical juncture of the country.

He made the remarks while addressing at an exchange of views meeting on election management with returning officers and field administration officials this morning at the auditorium of the Election Commission Building in the capital’s Agargaon, marking the referendum and the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election, 2026.

In true sense, almost all those who effectively keep the government functional at the field level, who keep the country running, are present here today, said the CEC, adding, “You know that we are standing at a transitional phase.  At this critical moment, if we fail to properly discharge the grave responsibility that has fallen upon us, we will not be able to answer to our future generations. There is no scope for failure in performing our respective duties.”

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah (Retd), along with Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed and police officials to be engaged in the upcoming elections, among others, were present at the meeting.

The CEC continued, “I have said it before that we want to demonstrate what the rule of law truly means. The reason for saying this is that we want to remove any collective allegations brought against us.”

He added, “We want to prove that we can conduct a proper and fair election. And this is possible only through the rule of law.” He went on saying, “Therefore, it is our expectation that those working at the field level will ensure the rule of law. Remember, the law is equal for everyone.”

Calling upon all concerned to perform their respective duties with awareness and responsibility, the CEC said, “It may say that the entire Bangladesh and the administration of Bangladesh stand on those who are present here today. Whenever you take courageous steps, strive to establish the rule of law and work in accordance with rules and regulations, the Election Commission will stand by you.”

Expressing hope that with collective efforts of all election-related responsibilities would be properly carried out without any deviation, he urged everyone to perform their duties correctly, timely and effectively.