Curbing illegal arms key to credible polls: Experts
Staff Reporter:
Ensuring a peaceful, inclusive and credible national election will remain difficult unless illegal arms are recovered and the use of muscle power is effectively restrained, election experts said, stressing the urgent need to restore public trust in the electoral process.
Speakers also noted that widespread dissatisfaction over several recent elections has weakened confidence in democratic institutions, leaving many citizens—especially younger voters—without the experience of freely exercising their right to vote. In this context, speakers emphasised that neutral election observation, institutional integrity and strict enforcement of electoral laws are essential to creating a secure and participatory electoral environment.
Experts said impartial election observers play a crucial role in strengthening democracy by increasing transparency, boosting voter confidence and discouraging irregularities at polling centres. A robust and credible observation mechanism, they added, can help
ensure accountability and contribute to the acceptance of election outcomes.
The observations were made at a daylong training workshop for election observers organised by the election observers’ platform Voice Network, in collaboration with the Impact Initiative, held at the Khulna Shilpakala Academy on Saturday.
Addressing the programme as the chief guest, Jasmine Tuli, member of the Election System Reform Commission, said organising a free, fair and festive election is now more urgent than ever.
“If illegal arms and muscle power cannot be brought under control, it will be difficult to hold a peaceful and acceptable election,” she said, adding that a transparent and credible election observation system is indispensable to ensuring neutrality in the electoral process. She also highlighted the importance of proper training for observers, saying a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities would enable them to carry out their duties professionally and impartially.
Ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, the Election Observation Manual, developed by the Impact Initiative, was formally unveiled at the workshop.
More than 300 election observers from different constituencies in Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts took part in the training. The sessions included hands-on instruction on election observation principles, electoral laws and regulations, and practical monitoring techniques.
The inaugural session was chaired by Enayet Hossain, president of the Voice Network Steering Committee and chief executive officer of the Impact Initiative. Dr Md Sahabul Haque, vice-chairman of Voice Network and professor of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, delivered the welcome address. The programme was moderated by Ekramul Haque Sayem, member secretary of Voice Network and chief reporter of ATN Bangla.
Among the special guests were Raju Ahmed, additional regional election officer of Khulna division; Rafiul Islam Tutul, member secretary of the Khulna Press Club; Ehteshamul Haque Shawon, assistant secretary general of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ); and election experts Jahidul Islam and Abdullah Shahin.
Speakers at the event reiterated that a model election in Bangladesh is possible if all stakeholders carry out their responsibilities with honesty and commitment, underscoring that transparent and acceptable elections remain the foundation of democratic governance.