Dhaka: Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Monday emphasized the crucial role that deputy commissioners can play in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Bangladesh. As returning officers in every national election, their involvement is pivotal in upholding democracy in the country. The Speaker’s remarks were made during the ‘Deputy Commissioners Conference 2026’, organized by the Cabinet Division at the oath room of the Jatiya Sangsad, where he served as the chief guest.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad reflected on the past political climate, noting that the election system during the Awami League government’s 16-year tenure was plagued by ‘unprecedented corruption and irregularities.’ He urged the deputy commissioners to adopt a firm and effective stance in facilitating a fair electoral process for the national parliamentary elections. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of the state bureaucracy adopting a role as public servants rather than rulers to ensure meaningful democracy.
The Speaker also recognized the dedication of the Bangladeshi people to democracy, which has been revitalized through their significant sacrifices and struggles. He referred to the historical democratic movements from 1971 to 2024 as evidence of the people’s commitment. He paid homage to the courage and self-sacrifice demonstrated by the Bengali nation during the liberation struggle of 1971.
The conference commenced with a welcome address by the Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan. Deputy commissioners, including Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md Toufiqur Rahman, and Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner A N M Bazlur Rashid, delivered speeches on behalf of their peers. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal reiterated the role of Parliament as the hub of democracy, asserting that democratic debates serve to strengthen the legislature. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam added that deputy commissioners serve as a crucial link between the government and the citizenry, playing a vital role in implementing government policies and programs at the field level.