Dhaka: Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah affirmed the Election Commission’s (EC) dedication to steering the country’s election system towards a more effective direction through ongoing reforms. He emphasized this commitment during the inauguration of the ‘Citizen Observation for Inclusive and Accountable Elections in Bangladesh: National Elections, 2026’ project, initiated by the Alliance for Fair Elections and Democracy (AFED), a coalition of 27 civil society organizations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sanaullah expressed that if the EC manages to implement even the minimum reforms and gain some momentum, it would mark a significant first step towards improvement. He noted that with each subsequent election, the electoral process would continue to advance, aiming to meet the public’s expectations.
Sanaullah acknowledged the disparity between expectations and reality, emphasizing the need for coordination between the two to ensure a fair electoral process. He stated, “We always aim to improve the electoral process further. In this election, many new provisions have been added, legal reforms have been made, and rules have been reformed.” The EC is focused on establishing a proper electoral system through these reforms.
He further highlighted that if the newly introduced elements in the election system are executed effectively, the upcoming election could serve as a future role model. While acknowledging the EC’s limitations, he stressed the importance of maintaining them at an acceptable level.
Sanaullah urged election observers to conduct their responsibilities with objectivity, as they play a crucial role in organizing a fair election. He appreciated their role in identifying errors and areas for improvement, stating that the EC aims to provide full support to ensure no compromises on fundamental issues.
The event, organized by the Alliance for Fair Elections and Democracy (AFED) with backing from the European Union and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), was held at the NGO Affairs Bureau conference hall in the capital.