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Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday reaffirmed that there is no uncertainty over the upcoming national election as it will be held in free, fair and competitive manners on time, reports UNB.
"InshaAllah, rest assured-- we will rightly see a fair, nice and competitive election at the right time," he said while inaugurating a Youth Voter Festival in the city's Gulshan area.
Referring to the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and an independent aspirant from Dhaka-8 constituency, the CEC described the incident as a stray incident.
Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission remains firmly committed to fulfilling the promise it has made to the nation. "With everyone's participation, InshaAllah, we will present a beautiful election," he said.
Replying to a question, the CEC said there is no uncertainty over the election and the Election Commission is fully prepared to move ahead with the election process.
"There is no uncertainty about the election. We are fully prepared to move ahead. The election will be held inshaAllah...the election will be held with everyone's participation and cooperation. Whatever concerns come to your mind, cast them aside," he added.
Nasir Uddin asked all to prepare for the election so that the Commission can hold a fair election with everyone's support.
In reply to another question if the law and order situation is a barrier on the way to deliver a fair election, he said the overall situation has improved significantly compared to the condition seen in the next week after August 05, 2024.
"Where has the law-and-order situation deteriorated? Only occasional criminal incidents occur," the CEC questioned, adding, the incident involving Hadi is something we think isolated. Such incidents were always seen in the past. There were the killings of former minister ASM Kibria and former MP Ahsanullah Master."
He said the law and order situation has improved considerably compared to the situation in a week after August 5 2024, when police stations were inactive. "Now we can move freely on the streets and sleep peacefully. So, there has been no deterioration in law and order."
The CEC said the Election Commission held a meeting with law enforcement agencies on Sunday and issued necessary directives.
The law enforcement agencies informed the Commission that they are fully prepared to maintain peace and order throughout the election period.
Emphasising the role of young voters, Nasir Uddin urged them not only to cast their own votes but also to motivate others to participate in the election.
"The youth is the symbol of courage and creativity. It is not possible to build the country without you. The upcoming election will be fair, beautiful and transparent, and it will be held with the youths. Bangladesh needs to move forward by relying on the youths. We hope that the next election we hold will be a free, fair and credible election," the CEC described.
described the coming election as historic, highlighting its several unique and important features. "For the first time in 54 years, expatriate Bangladeshis have been brought under the voting process through postal ballots."
The CEC also said arrangements have been made for nearly one million officials and employees involved in the election process, including members of the law enforcement agencies, to cast their votes-many of whom were previously unable to do so.
Besides, the Commission has taken initiative to bring the persons under lawful custody (prisoners) and the government employees posted outside their respective constituencies under the postal balloting system in this election. "In addition, a referendum will be held alongside the national election. Considering all these aspects, this election is undoubtedly historic."
Calling the Commission's initiatives bold and strong, Nasir Uddin said the active participation of young voters would be crucial to the success of the process.
"If you stand with us in this courageous step, InshaAllah, we will be successful in delivering a free, fair and credible election. With your participation in this bold step of ours, InshaAllah we will be successful in delivering free, fair and credible elections," the CEC said.