Dhaka: All preparations have been completed to conduct the historic presidential election in a very smooth and orderly manner. ‘We’ve completed all the preparations required for the presidential election. There is no shortfall in our preparations. We are receiving cooperation from everyone involved in the election and believe that we will be able to conduct a beautiful presidential election,’ said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin while briefing journalists at his office in Agargaon today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Election Officer for the presidential election stated that the number of voters is 349, with voting scheduled to take place from 2 pm to 5 pm. Among the voters are the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker, and the Leader of the Opposition. ‘The world is watching the presidential election being held in Bangladesh. So, this is a historic moment. This is a matter of fortune for me,’ the CEC remarked, highlighting the significance of the event.
The CEC further noted that the first presidential election was conducted in 1991, and since then, no presidential elections have been held. ‘We are not accustomed to holding presidential elections. Even those working at the Parliament Secretariat are not accustomed to conducting this type of activity. But we have carried out all possible and necessary drills so that there is no gap in the entire process,’ he explained.
He elaborated that the Presidential Election Rules, established under the 1991 law, allow the election activity to be divided into several stages. He clarified, ‘If the National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) is in session, there is one type of arrangement and if it is not in session, there would be another type of arrangement.’ Currently, since the National Parliament is not in session, it is unnecessary to summon a session solely for the election, and a meeting will suffice for Members of Parliament to cast their votes.
The election process will include a live telecast of the voting of key political figures such as the President, Prime Minister, Speaker, and Leader of the Opposition, likely through BTV. To ensure transparency, vote counting will also be broadcast live, and parliament members will have the opportunity to be present during the counting. Once the counting is complete, the CEC will announce the winner’s name, followed by the publication of an official gazette.