Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin today ruled out any apprehension about holding the coming election. ‘The Election Commission (EC) alongside the law-enforcement agencies is fully prepared. So there is no fear regarding the election. The election will be held, Insha’Allah, with everyone on board and with everyone’s cooperation,’ he asserted. The CEC made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the GenVote Festival in the capital’s Gulshan-1 area this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the law-enforcement agencies informed the Commission yesterday about their complete preparedness to ensure peace and order until the election period so that a free and fair election can be conducted. The CEC encouraged the public to stay assured, shed worries, and prepare for the election, emphasizing that a free, fair, competitive election will be witnessed at the right time and in the right manner.
The CEC expressed hope that the upcoming polls will be historic, as it marks the first time in 54 years that expatriate Bangladeshis are being included in the voting system through postal ballots. Additionally, voting arrangements are being made for nearly one million officials, employees, and law enforcement members involved in the election process, as well as for those in prison and government employees posted outside their constituencies.
A referendum will be held on the same day as the election, adding to the historic nature of the event. The CEC stated that this comprehensive approach signifies a bold step forward, and with the participation of the youth, a free and impartial election will be achieved.
The CEC highlighted various initiatives taken to encourage young voters, emphasizing his belief in the power of youth. He called upon the country’s young population to cast their votes spontaneously to build a beautiful and prosperous future for Bangladesh.
The event was attended by Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, European Union (EU) Ambassador Michael Miller, Second Secretary (Political Affairs) Philippe Bernier Arcand, British High Commission’s Political Counsellor Timothy Duckett, Head of Development Cooperation of the Sweden Embassy Eva Smedberg, and IFES Country Director Paul Guerin. The GenVote Festival is supported by the EU, UK International Development, the Swedish Embassy, the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
The day-long GenVote Festival features various colorful events, including mock voting, comics, caricatures, and art festivals to inspire young people to vote. Several stalls have been set up to provide helpful information about voting, while different sessions are being held to inform particularly young voters about the voting process.