Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s democratic journey, likening it to a ‘train of democracy’ en route to its final destination. He shared these remarks with reporters after casting his vote at the Eskaton Garden High School polling center in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the CEC emphasized that public confidence in the Election Commission is being restored through the ongoing polls. He noted that voter turnout is a testament to this renewed trust, contrasting it with past elections where polling centers were often deserted. Nasir Uddin remarked that the current scene is bustling with voters, devoid of the stray dogs that once symbolized lackluster electoral participation.
The CEC highlighted the logistical feat of mobilizing approximately 17 lakh personnel, including nearly 950,000 law enforcement officers and about 800,000 polling officials, to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. He underscored the enormous challenge of coordinating such a large-scale operation, noting that all personnel received election-oriented training prior to their deployment.
Nasir Uddin described the election effort as one of the largest coordination endeavors in the country. He praised the cooperation of various stakeholders in overcoming challenges and reiterated the Commission’s preparedness to address any further issues that may arise.
He assured that the Election Commission remains impartial, striving solely to create a peaceful and fair electoral environment. Nasir Uddin expressed hope that Bangladesh will move beyond its history of staged elections and electoral malpractices, emphasizing the importance of leaving those chapters behind.
The CEC also mentioned the massive task of printing and distributing 254 million ballot papers nationwide, which he described as a gigantic undertaking.