No option except holding a fair election: CEC

“This election is probably going to shape the future of the country. There is no other option before us other than making this election a good one. As a nation we have no other alternative to this option. Arrangement of a fair election this time is very essential not only for the Election Commission, but also for our country and nation,” he said while addressing an electoral dialogue with senior journalists held in the capital.

Senior journalists including editors of different print and online media outlets attended the discussion chaired by the CEC at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon.

The CEC said the Commission wants to move forward for holding a fair election taking the media men with the EC in this critical junction of the country.

“That (the election) should be most acceptable, credible, free, fair and also participatory,” he said adding that it won’t be enough to arrange an election just for holding an election like the past.

Focusing on the EC’s progress of electoral preparations, he said they updated the electoral rolls dropping deceased voters and incorporating fresh voters.

He said they have taken initiative to execute the postal balloting system for expatriate Bangladeshis and the government officials who would be on duty outside their voting areas during the upcoming national election. “The postal balloting system has long been in the paper (the law) but not in practice,” he said.

“Despite many challenges, we’ve found an appropriate option for the postal balloting system – a blend of digital technology and manual method-- particularly for the expatriates.... It (postal balloting system) is a mixed system,” said Nasir Uddin.

He sought cooperation from the media persons to raise the EC’s initiatives before the people so that their endeavours would be a success.

“You please mobilise (public) opinion towards ensuring a level-playing field for voters and the candidates. We want the election to be held amid a festive mood in a nice environment,” he added.

The CEC also sought cooperation from the journalist community to motivate the voters for exercising their franchise and raising public trust regarding the EC before the 13th parliamentary election planned to be held in early February 2026.

Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present in the session, reports UNB. 

Earlier in a separate discussion with television media journalists in the morning, the CEC said the EC is committed to the nation for a credible election.

“We are committed to the nation for a credible election. This dialogue is not a ceremonial one; we want to move forward with your (media) valuable advice. We seek your cooperation in ensuring a level playing field,” he said.

He laid emphasis on the role of the media in tackling misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process.