Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasir Uddin has acknowledged that the Election Commission is under considerable pressure to ensure a free and fair national election, following Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’ public pledge to the nation.
“He [Dr Yunus] has promised the people a free and fair election because he has confidence in us.
That promise has put us under pressure, and we are planning accordingly,” the CEC said on Saturday morning at a views-exchange meeting with election officials from Rangpur Division, held at 10:30am and chaired by Regional Election Officer Dulal Talukder.
The CEC said the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election would be announced two months before polling day.
He noted that, compared with other countries after mass uprisings or revolutions, Bangladesh’s law and order situation was in far better condition, and expressed confidence in overcoming any security challenges during the election period.
He emphasised that one of the Commission’s main tasks was to win public trust in its ability to deliver a credible election. “Artificial intelligence will also be a challenge in this election,” he added.
Nasir Uddin urged citizens not to rely on unverified election-related information circulated on social media. He further stated that, where possible, individuals previously involved in the election process would be replaced with new personnel to ensure neutrality.
Later in the day, the CEC is scheduled to meet with law enforcement agencies and administrative officials of Rangpur Division at the divisional headquarters auditorium.
