Shantiganj: Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker today reaffirmed that the integrity of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections must not be compromised under any circumstances, emphasizing that the world is closely observing Bangladesh’s electoral process. ‘The Election Commission will not take any crooked path in holding this election. It will not act on behalf of anyone or with any purposeful motive. This is the Election Commission’s ‘commitment’. The commission has the courage to uphold it,’ he stated while addressing the inaugural session of a day-long workshop titled ‘Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Polling Officers in the Election Process’ at the FIVDB hall room in Shantiganj upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, despite the fragile environment following August 5, the commission has continued its efforts with resilience. Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker assured that the polls are scheduled to be held in February ahead of Ramadan, with the government fully cognizant of the electoral timeline. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, are making necessary preparations to ensure the elections proceed smoothly.
Addressing polling officers, the Election Commissioner assured them of the commission’s full support, pledging to provide a congenial environment for holding a free and fair election. He emphasized that all election officials would receive cooperation from the commission, police, and Ansar personnel. ‘A separate budget has been allocated for 509 hard-to-reach polling centers in Sunamganj,’ he added.
He issued a stern warning that any attempt to defame or undermine the election would be met with firm resistance. ‘No matter how powerful or daring, the commission will not compromise,’ he asserted, highlighting the importance of the presiding officers who are treated as the Chief Election Commissioner for the elections.
The workshop was inaugurated by the Sunamganj District Election Office, organized by the CBIPEP project with support from The Belt and Drip Project. Sylhet Regional Election Officer Md. Ala Uddin chaired the event, which was conducted by Habiganj Sadar Upazila Election Officer Jannat Jahan and Assistant Officer of Madhyanagar Upazila Election Office Iftakarul Alam Chowdhury. Additional Secretary K M Ali Newaz, Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilyas Mia, Superintendent of Police Tofail Ahmed, and Deputy Secretary of the Election Commission Md. Mostafa Hasan also addressed the gathering.