Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission (EC) is not yet in a position to confirm a date for the upcoming national election, as it awaits formal guidance from the government.
“I cannot specify a date for the election at this moment,” the CEC told reporters at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, when asked about the timeline.
“We are prepared to organise the election once we receive a clear indication from the government.”
He noted that while the commission has made substantial progress in its logistical preparations, it has not yet received official authorisation to set the election schedule. Discussions with the government will be held to finalise the date, although no timeline for those talks has been determined.
Commenting on recent communications, Nasir Uddin said, “We received a joint statement, but it bears no signatures. Had it been signed, it would have held greater significance.”
Reaffirming the EC’s commitment to neutrality, the CEC stressed that election officials must uphold integrity and remain detached from partisan interests. “The Election Commission will not operate on anyone’s instructions, nor will it work for any political party,” he said. “It is unrealistic to think anyone can tamper with the ballot and get away with it. That will not be allowed this time.”
Issuing a stern warning to those seeking to disrupt the electoral process, he added, “This is bad news for vote terrorists. Anyone involved in electoral violence or manipulation will face strict consequences. The Commission will adopt a zero-tolerance stance against such activities.”
Earlier in the day, the CEC chaired a post-Eid meeting with senior EC officials and commissioners at the commission’s headquarters. He noted that the institution was steadily advancing its preparations and reiterated the EC’s resolve to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
“The Commission will act as a referee,” he said during the meeting. “Those who wish to contest are free to do so, and those who win will be the rightful victors. Our duty is to guarantee a fair and transparent environment – and we are committed to that.”
He concluded by instructing officials to perform their duties with the utmost impartiality and professionalism.
The meeting was attended by all four election commissioners, the EC secretary, and other high-ranking officials.
