Staff Reporter :
The new Election Commission will be composed of “honest, fearless, and efficient individuals,” Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid said on Sunday, following the inaugural meeting of the Search Committee chaired by Appellate Division Judge Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury.
While briefing reporters, Dr. Rashid clarified his role, saying, “I am not a member of the Search Committee, but we will provide administrative assistance as needed.
” He further noted that the committee had discussed its approach and will determine the next steps in forming the Election Commission.
When asked about the timeline for the commission’s formation, Dr. Rashid explained that the committee is mandated to submit its recommendations within 15 working days, after which the President will finalize the appointment of the Election Commission.
It’s been informed that the search committee tasked with appointing members to the new Election Commission (EC) has requested political parties and professional bodies to submit nominations by 7 November.
Political parties and professional organisations can propose up to five candidates for the positions of Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners by 5:00pm on 7 November, said a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday (3 November).
Individuals interested in submitting names may also put forward nominations, it said.
According to the submission guidelines, nominations should include a complete resume and can be sent directly to the Cabinet Division or via email.
The interim government constituted this six-member Search Committee on October 31 to recommend candidates for the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The committee is expected to propose two candidates for each position.
Apart from Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, the committee includes Justice AKM Asaduzzaman of the High Court Division, Comptroller and Auditor General Md. Nurul Islam, Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Mobassher Monem, former Dhaka University International Relations Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, and former PSC Chair Professor Jinnatun Nessa Tahmida Begum.
A notification regarding the committee’s formation was issued by the Cabinet Division last Thursday, outlining its mandate to ensure that the selection process adheres to legal standards and prioritizes integrity and efficiency in its choices for the new Election Commission.