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Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin on Sunday sought cooperation and suggestions from the political parties to hold the 13th National Parliamentary Election in a free, fair, and acceptable manner.
He said the Election Commission (or EC) alone cannot arrange the entire process of holding the national election; rather the cooperation of national leaders, who have the direct ability to influence voters, is indispensable.
"One of the major purposes of holding the talks is to seek cooperation from you," said the CEC, adding, "We are committed to the nation for holding a free, fair and credible election."
He made the remarks while he was delivering welcome address during a dialogue between the registered political parties and the EC held at the latter's office 'Nirbachan Bhaban' in the city's Agargaon area on Sunday morning.
Six political parties-Ganoforum, Gano Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party and Bangladesh Jatiya Party joined the morning session of the talks.
Six other parties Bangladesh Jasad, Bangladesh NAP, Trinamool BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis and Islami Andolon Bangladesh joined the second session. EC officials and representatives of the political parties were present.
Speaking at the first session, CEC Nasir Uddin said his team had to accomplish some unique and challenging tasks including voter list update involving about 77,000 field workers, removal of around 2.1 million voters and addition of over 4.0 million previously left-out eligible voters.
Highlighting the importance of the electoral code of conduct, the CEC said that after the code of conduct was prepared, it was made available on the website for a long time and it was adjusted with the written opinions received from the political parties.
"A fair election largely depends on the proper implementation of the electoral code of conduct," he said, adding that the political leaders should go through the code of conduct carefully and make arrangements to disseminate it to their party workers.
In the afternoon session, the CEC said the EC cannot work favouring anyone; rather it will discharge its duty as per the existing laws of the country.
He identified plethora of rumours spread using online platforms as one of the key challenges they are facing for holding election.
"Rumour, not only from home but also that from outside the border has become a major headache for us," he said.
The EC will meet with another 12 parties today (Monday) including Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote, Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Kalyan Party and Bangladesh Muslim League in the morning.
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