Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission wants to deliver a transparent and accountable election, not a hidden one conducted under the cover of night.
“We want to hold an election so open and clean that everyone can witness it with their own eyes,” he said.
“We aim to create an environment where every Bangladeshi can cast their vote. For those living abroad, we have also arranged ballot facilities.
It makes no sense that a returning officer can collect votes but not cast their own.
That is illogical. This time, we are making arrangements so that they too can vote,” he added.
He made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a views-exchange meeting with divisional administration and law enforcement officials at the Chattogram Circuit House.
The meeting was jointly organized by the Chattogram Divisional Administration, Chattogram District Administration, and the Chattogram Regional Election Office.
Nasir Uddin said, “Please keep one thing in mind – there is no flaw in our intentions.
We want a very transparent election. We do not want to create any obstacles for journalists in their news gathering. Rather, we seek your cooperation and want you as partners.
Just as I have responsibilities as the CEC, you also have responsibilities. In the ongoing democratic journey, you too have a role to play.
As I perform my duties as the CEC, we all, as citizens, have our own responsibilities. I seek your cooperation and want you by our side.”
Regarding the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)’s request for the Shapla (Water Lily) symbol, the CEC said, “Since the Shapla symbol is not on our approved list, we could not allocate it.
But you see, those who were actively involved in the 2024 movement are now leading the NCP.
I do not believe they will act against democracy. We do not consider them any less patriotic.
The NCP leaders risked their lives to join the 2024 uprising. Therefore, they too want the country’s welfare and democracy. I believe they will agree to an environment that ensures a smooth democratic transition.”
Speaking about the electoral atmosphere in Chattogram, the CEC said, “We want to change the history of elections in Chattogram.
It must not be like before – and I have received assurance from the officials here that it won’t be. Insha’Allah, it will not be like before. I seek full cooperation from journalists.”
He further stated, “We want this election to be participatory so that everyone – men and women alike – can cast their votes freely in a secure environment.
The law enforcement agencies are working to ensure that no illegal weapons are used in the election.”
Addressing journalists, Nasir Uddin said, “Whenever you hear any information or misinformation about us, please fact-check it first.
We are forming a Fact-Check Cell for this purpose, so that information can be verified before being disseminated. If it is true, then please report it.”
Referring to artificial intelligence as a challenge, the CEC said, “AI is not just a problem in our country; it’s a global issue. About 50 percent of AI sources cannot be traced.
Some people suggested shutting down the internet, but we are not in favor of doing that.”
Earlier in the day, the views-exchange meeting on the 13th National Parliamentary Election began at 10:30 a.m. The meeting was chaired by Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Md. Ziauddin, with Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar also in attendance.
Deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from all districts of the division, along with law enforcement and election officials, participated in the meeting.
