Staff Reporter :
Chairman of the Election Reform Commission (ERC), Badiul Alam Majumdar, has urged political parties to reach a consensus on the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections, citing concerns over their reliability and potential misuse.
“These devices are often viewed as flawed and controversial, with ongoing debates surrounding their role in the electoral process,” Majumdar stated during a press briefing at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka on Saturday.
The Election Reform Commission has held 21 meetings to address shortcomings in electoral laws, regulations, and processes. Based on these deliberations, the commission has formulated recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the electoral system.
“Commission members have engaged with diverse stakeholders and are gathering feedback through our website, emails, and social media platforms,” Majumdar said. “So far, we have received 364 emails and messages containing valuable suggestions.”
He emphasised that the commission operates without bias or a hidden agenda, saying, “Our work is impartial and unaffiliated with any political party. We are determined to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated.”
Majumdar also condemned the alleged involvement of intelligence agencies in previous elections, accusing them of unlawful harassment of voters and candidates. “Such irregularities have no place in a democratic electoral process. Those responsible must be held accountable,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, speakers at a separate press conference in Rajshahi on Saturday stressed the need for a new law governing the Election Commission (EC) to replace the existing one. They argued that reforms to the Representation of the People Order, 1972, and its rules and regulations are essential to ensure transparency and accountability in the election process. The event, held at Hotel Warisan, was organised by district and city committees of Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJON) in collaboration with the Hunger Project (THP) Bangladesh’s voter awareness and citizens’ activities programme.
Shafiuddin Ahmed, SUJON district committee President, and Prof. Mahmudul Alam, its General Secretary, presented recommendations for strengthening the Election Commission. They called for granting the EC absolute authority to recruit its staff, enabling the body to function independently.
Other speakers, including SUJON City Committee President Pear Baksha and Executive Members Prof. Asad Ali and Prof. Dr. Kamruzzaman, echoed these sentiments. The speakers also urged the constitutional reforms committee to propose reinstating the non-party caretaker government system to ensure free, fair, and widely accepted national elections.