Dhaka: Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker emphasized that officials tasked with election duties for the upcoming referendum are prohibited from campaigning for or against any side. ‘Our position on the referendum is that we are encouraging people to participate in it. However, those entrusted with election duty will not legally work in favour of or against any side,’ Anwar stated during a press briefing at the Nirbachan Bhaban office.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Anwarul Islam clarified that while election officials, including returning officers and assistant returning officers, will engage in publicity related to the referendum, they will remain neutral, not supporting any party. ‘No returning officer or assistant returning officer is campaigning for any side. Those appointed as returning officers cannot do that,’ he asserted.
Addressing potential delays in publishing election results due to the inclusion of postal ballots, Anwarul Islam assured that the Election Commission aims to release results within the customary timeframe. ‘In previous elections, we usually saw that most unofficial results came in by midnight. This time as well, it will be similar-at most by late night or by the following day,’ he explained.
The Election Commissioner also responded to inquiries regarding demands to exclude the Jatiya Party from the election. He emphasized that all registered political parties with valid nominations are eligible to participate. ‘We believe that all registered parties with nominations will contest the election,’ he noted.
Discussing the enforcement of the electoral code of conduct, Anwarul Islam reported that mobile courts have conducted operations in 128 constituencies. These efforts have identified 144 violations, resulting in fines totaling Tk 905,500 and 94 cases filed since January 8.
In response to allegations from Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) regarding an uneven playing field, Anwarul Islam affirmed that the Election Commission has addressed their concerns. ‘We have forwarded every specific complaint they submitted to the concerned returning officers and the Electoral Inquiry Committees, and action will be taken in accordance with the law,’ he stated.
The Election Commissioner expressed confidence in the current election environment, describing it as better than many previous elections. He emphasized the public’s active participation and the festive nature of election campaigns as indicators of confidence in the Election Commission. Anwarul Islam concluded by affirming that the Commission has implemented all necessary measures for a fair and neutral election on February 12, assuring, ‘Inshallah, you, the nation and the world will see that a fair election is held on February 12.’