Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today announced that the Election Commission (EC) is advancing plans based on two timelines proposed by the interim government for the upcoming national elections.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, CEC Nasir Uddin disclosed that the interim government has set deadlines either by December this year or by June next year, contingent on any major reforms. He shared these insights during a meeting with district administration officials in Cox’s Bazar. Nasir expressed confidence that the final voter list would be ready by June this year, emphasizing the EC’s commitment to conducting an election that is free, fair, and neutral, reminiscent of the credible elections held in 1991, 1996, and 2001.
The CEC clarified the ongoing debate over whether local government polls or national elections should be held first, stating that this is a political issue, and the Election Commission intends to avoid entering into such debates. The immediate focus, he noted, is on compiling an accurate voter list, highlighting the need to remove 16 lakh deceased voters from the list.
Nasir Uddin assured that the Election Commission would not exert any undue pressure or make unfair decisions, emphasizing the importance of impartiality among those conducting election duties. He instructed officials responsible for election duties to adhere strictly to the law and promised full support from the EC. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin and attended by Cox’s Bazar police super and election officers from the Chattogram region, among others.