‘EC firms to conduct free, fair polls’
Staff Reporter :
Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has said that the Election Commission is committed to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections to erase the past stigma, emphasising that the future of the country depends on the integrity of the electoral process.
He also assured that there was no reason for anyone to fear the upcoming elections, and called on the nation to erase the stigma of previous election irregularities.
Speaking at a day-long workshop in Cumilla on Monday, organised by the Election Commission on the challenges faced by election officers, Anwarul Islam said, “The Election Commission has sworn to do whatever is necessary to conduct a free, fair and impartial election. It has also declared a Jihad since taking the oath.”
Highlighting the importance of the election, Anwarul Islam said, “I want to firmly say that there is no reason to fear anyone in the upcoming election. The expectation of 180 million people is a fair election.”
“We have been tainted many times in the past; this time, we must erase that stain. We want to deliver an acceptable and beautiful election,” he added.
With only 80 to 90 days remaining before the general election, the Commissioner urged citizens not to entertain doubts about its legitimacy.
“There is no question that the election will be held. It will take place and will be fully inclusive and transparent,” he assured.
Referring to new initiatives in the upcoming election, he said, “The registration process for expatriates to become voters and cast their votes will be inaugurated in a grand manner.
This voting system will be called postal ballot voting.” He further added, “Under this postal ballot system, around one and a half lakh voters – including election officials, staff, and law enforcement members assigned outside their home districts – will be able to vote.”
“Arrangements are also being made so that prisoners and under-trial detainees who have not yet been convicted can cast their votes from jail,” he concluded.
The workshop, titled “Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Election Officers’ Responsibilities”, also saw the presence of several key figures including the Joint Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Md Abdul Halim Khan, Cumilla’s Deputy Commissioner Md Amirul Kaisar, Police Superintendent Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, and Deputy Secretary and Project Director of the Election Commission Secretariat Mohammad Mustafa Hasan.