Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that there is no uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election and that the Election Commission is fully prepared to move forward.
“We are committed to delivering a free, fair, and credible election. We hope to have young voters with us. You will vote yourselves and also encourage others to cast their votes,” he said.
Addressing a youth voter program in Gulshan, Dhaka on Monday, the CEC said that young people are symbols of courage, energy, and creativity. “Without your creativity, ideas, and energy, nation-building is not possible. When I think about our vast youth population, it gives me confidence about the future of Bangladesh,” he added.
CEC said the recent shooting of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson and prospective Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate Sharif Osman Hadi would have no impact on the upcoming national election, describing the incident as an isolated one.
He added such incidents occur occasionally and should not be viewed as factors influencing the electoral process. “From time to time, there are one or two incidents of violence. The attack on Osman Hadi is an isolated incident and will not affect the election,” he said.
Nasir Uddin dismissed concerns over the polls, stating that the Election Commission is fully prepared and determined to conduct the election with the participation of all stakeholders.“We are fully prepared to move ahead. The election will be held, Inn-sha-Allah. It will be held with everyone’s participation and cooperation. No matter what concerns may arise, put them aside and prepare for the election so that together we can hold a beautiful and credible election,” he added.
Commenting on the country’s overall situation, the CEC said law and order conditions are far better than in 2024. “At that time, people could not sleep peacefully. Now people are sleeping in peace,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared for the election and that a free and fair poll will be held on schedule.
Highlighting the role of young people, Nasir Uddin said the dream of a ‘new Bangladesh’ depends on the strength of youth. He noted that young people have demonstrated their power in key moments of the nation’s history, including 1969, 1971 and 2024.
Describing the upcoming polls as a “historic election,” the CEC explained why it is unprecedented. “For the first time in 54 years, expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to vote through postal ballots. For the first time, nearly one million officials and employees involved in the election process—including members of the law enforcement agencies—who previously could not vote, will be able to do so through postal ballots. We are also making arrangements for incarcerated individuals to vote. In addition, government employees posted outside their constituencies will be able to cast their votes,” he said.
He further noted that the referendum will be held nationwide on the same day. Therefore, in all these respects, it is indeed historic.
“We have taken a bold step. If you participate alongside us, Inshallah, we will succeed in delivering a free, fair, and credible election. This is not something the Election Commission can do alone; it requires collective effort,” he said.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
