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Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday said the Election Commission is seriously working to contain the misuse of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on digital platforms during the next parliamentary election.
The commission has also sought assistance from Canada in preventing the abuse of AI, he told reporters after a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital.
“The misuse of AI may be a big threat for us. We’ve sought their (Canada’s) assistance on how to address this issue because Canada had an election last year. So, they had to face such issues as well. We’ve sought suggestions based on their experiences. We are seriously working on this issue,” said the CEC.
What About Foreign Observers?
CEC Nasir Uddin said this time the EC will not invite the foreign observers who certified the last three general elections as acceptable and credible.
In response to a question, the CEC said, "Why should we invite those foreign observers who certified the last three elections? Should we take all the observers who certified that the last three elections were very good elections—acceptable, credible elections?”
Nasir Uddin said the commission will invite foreign observers who are dependable and reliable, and who also have experience in observing elections in different countries. “So, we will take (invite) them and will exclude those who certified the previous three elections," he said.
He also expressed optimism that a large number of foreign observers would come to watch the next general election.
The CEC said that when the Canadian diplomats wanted to know about election preparations and whether this commission will be able to deliver the next election properly, the commission provided full details of the preparations.
He said they also inquired about the areas where they can assist the Election Commission.
Nasir Uddin said the Commission will launch a nationwide awareness-raising campaign and voter education initiative.
The EC also informed that there will be training programmes for polling staff, election observers, and polling agents ahead of the next election, he added.
In this regard, the envoy said Canada stands with the Bangladesh Election Commission. “Canada is ready to help you, and it will continue,” he was quoted as saying.
“They want us to have free, fair, and credible elections,” said the CEC, adding that they emphasised the inclusion of women in voter registration and asked about the campaign in the hilly areas.
“They (foreign countries) have full confidence in the Election Commission—that this Commission is capable of delivering a free, fair, and credible election. Canada is very happy to hear about our commitments. They are highly satisfied,” said Nasir Uddin.
No Election Date
“When they (Canadian diplomats) asked if there is any specific date for the next general election, I said no,” the CEC said.