Dhaka: Election Commissioner M Anwarul Islam Sarker emphasized today the necessity of conducting free and fair elections, stating there is no alternative to this fundamental democratic process. "We will not compromise . we are doing everything to hold a free, fair and good election. We have no alternative . . . for holding a fair election we want cooperation from all political parties," he asserted during a view-exchange meeting with registered political parties at the Nirbachon Bhaban conference room in Agargaon, ahead of the 13th national parliament election. The session was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, nearly nine lakh members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed to ensure security during the elections. The Election Commission (EC) is also planning to employ electoral inquiry committees, judicial magistrates, mobile courts, executive magistrates, monitoring teams, and observer teams to maintain order and transparency throughout the electoral process.
The EC has selected approximately 43,000 presiding officers nationwide, recognizing their vital role in the elections. Measures are being implemented to ensure these officers can perform their duties impartially and effectively. The electoral code of conduct incorporates commitments from both political parties and individual candidates, with strict provisions for the cancellation of candidatures.
Anwarul Islam Sarker noted, "We have enough laws and good elections were held in the past with these laws. There is a rule of cancellation of candidature and rule of cancelling polls of entire seat and these rules have been incorporated according to system." He reiterated the need for cooperation from all sectors to conduct a free and fair election.
The view-exchange meeting included participation from Gono Forum, Gano Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), and Bangladesh Jatiya Party, held from 10.30am to 12.45pm. The EC continued its dialogue in the afternoon with Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASOD), Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP), Trinomool BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League (KSJL), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.
On the third day of the dialogue, the EC is scheduled to meet with representatives from 12 registered political parties, including Jamaat-e Islami.