Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has embarked on an extensive training program for officials involved in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, aiming to train over 10 lakh presiding and polling officers in preparation for the upcoming national polls.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the training initiative, which commenced in various groups, is set to conclude four to five days before the election day. The EC's Electoral Training Institute (ETI) Director General, SM Asaduzzaman, emphasized that the program will cover 23 different areas of election-related tasks over the course of approximately four months.
The primary focus of the training will be on presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers, who form the bulk of the 10 lakh officials to be trained. Asaduzzaman highlighted the unique challenges of this election, stating that the EC intends to involve as many new personnel as possible, necessitating more in-depth training to ensure a well-conducted election.
The EC's roadmap for the National Parliament elections outlines the planning and instruction activities necessary to complete the 'Training of Trainers' (ToT) for polling officers. This preparation phase, scheduled to run from September 16 to November 30, will involve all officers of the EC Secretariat, National Identity Registration Wing, and Election Training Institute, among others.
The program also includes the training of Master Trainers and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), with 3,600 officers expected to receive training. Additional briefings will be provided to Divisional Commissioners, DIGs, and other key officials to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct.
Asaduzzaman noted that the training activities began on August 29 and will conclude shortly before the elections. He stressed the importance of core training for senior EC officials, who will subsequently conduct ToT sessions for district-level officers and others.
The training encompasses electoral laws, work procedures, and motivational components to build confidence among officials. By simulating challenges faced in previous elections, the EC aims to prepare presiding officers to handle potential issues effectively and confidently.