Dhaka: Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud today emphasized the crucial role of journalists in ensuring transparent elections and affirmed the Election Commission's unwavering stance against any form of electoral malpractice. "We will not tolerate any irregularities in the elections. We may make mistakes, but we will not condone injustice," he asserted during a meeting with the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the Election Commission Building in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was chaired by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed and attended by Election Commissioners Begum Tahmida Ahmad, Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd). During the event, RFED President Kazi Emad Uddin (Zebel) proposed several amendments to the draft Policy Guidelines 2025 for Journalists and Media Professionals Covering Elections.
Abdur Rahmanel Masud reiterated the importance of journalists' cooperation, stating, "We want to make it easier for journalists to work during elections. We will not tolerate any wrongdoing - Insha'Allah. Mistakes may happen, but there will be no room for injustice. Therefore, we seek your (journalists) support." He assured that the proposed amendments to the draft policy would be carefully reviewed to ensure transparency, fairness, and public interest in the electoral process.
Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar addressed the issue of public trust, stating, "None of us can claim to fully possess the position of trust. I don't claim to be in a position of complete credibility, and I don't believe you can either. This crisis of trust is a national challenge." He highlighted the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to restore public confidence and emphasized the importance of collective decision-making to minimize errors.
Kazi Emad Uddin (Zebel) underscored the necessity for journalists to have access to all information related to the electoral process, from candidacy to the announcement of results, to ensure transparency and accountability.