NN Online:
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the next national election is expected to be held in the first half of February as the Election Commission (EC) steps up preparations across the country.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon after a meeting with Rangpur divisional officials, the CEC said the EC is working closely with divisional, district, and upazila election authorities to ensure smooth voting.
He warned that voting in any constituency will be halted immediately if disorder breaks out at a polling centre. “No chaos will be tolerated,” he stressed, adding that any official accused of irregularities, corruption, or bribery will be barred from election duties.
The CEC further said action will be taken against presiding officers found responsible for misconduct in the previous election.
Admitting that public trust in the electoral process has waned, he acknowledged that ensuring high voter turnout remains a key challenge. “Restoring confidence in the system and bringing voters to polling centres is a major task ahead,” he noted.
Although the election schedule has yet to be announced, the CEC said the date will be declared at least two months in advance. Preparations are being made to hold the polls within a short timeframe, he added.
Earlier in the day, the CEC attended a coordination meeting at the Rangpur Regional Election Office with regional, district, and upazila election officers as part of groundwork for the 13th parliamentary polls.
