Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has commenced a comprehensive training initiative for more than 10 lakh presiding and polling officers in preparation for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. This extensive training program aims to equip election-related officials with the necessary skills for conducting the forthcoming national polls.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the training program, which is being conducted in various groups, is scheduled to conclude four to five days before the election. SM Asaduzzaman, Director General of the EC’s Electoral Training Institute (ETI), stated that the training would cover 23 different types of work and is expected to last approximately four months.
The core focus of the training will be on presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers, whose numbers exceed 10 lakh, as reported by the EC secretariat. Asaduzzaman highlighted that this election presents unique challenges compared to the past three elections, emphasizing the need to involve fresh personnel for the election process.
To ensure a smooth and credible election, the EC plans to train new recruits extensively, given their limited prior experience in election processes. Asaduzzaman noted the challenges faced during the recent voter list update and expressed the EC’s commitment to recruiting new personnel to facilitate a transparent and participatory election.
The detailed roadmap for the National Parliament elections outlines the training program for polling officers. Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions will take place before the election schedule is announced, with planning and instructions ongoing for a comprehensive training strategy between September 16 and November 30.
The ToT trainers will include officers from the EC Secretariat, National Identity Registration Wing, and Election Training Institute, as well as Senior District or District Election Officers, Upazila or Thana Election Officers, and other relevant administrative officers. Training will also be extended to Master Trainers (ToT) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to prepare polling agents.
In addition to the core training, senior officials such as Divisional Commissioners, DIGs, Police Commissioners, Regional Election Officers, Deputy Commissioners, and Police Superintendents will receive training or briefings. Online training sessions will be conducted for executive magistrates to ensure adherence to the code of conduct during the election.
The proposal also includes training for members of the Electoral Inquiry Committee between December 1 and December 25. Judicial and executive magistrates will receive training five to seven days before the voting, and judicial magistrates will be on duty before, during, and after the election day.
Asaduzzaman emphasized the importance of completing 23 types of election-related training within the limited timeframe. Core training will focus on senior officials of the Election Commission Secretariat, who will subsequently conduct ToT training for district and upazila-level officers.
The training program also encompasses law and order training for Divisional Commissioners, DIGs, Police Commissioners, DC-SPs, and UNOs, along with technical training for programmers and assistant programmers in various districts.
The training activities, which began on August 29, are designed to conclude just days before the elections. Asaduzzaman noted the introduction of innovative training methods, including a focus on electoral laws, work procedures, and building confidence among officials. The training aims to prepare presiding officers to function effectively as the ‘Chief Election Commissioner’ for their respective centers and address potential challenges based on previous election experiences.