Polls mark 'step forward' in democracy for Bangladesh, says CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has said Bangladesh has taken a step forward in its democratic journey through the parliamentary elections, expressing satisfaction with what he described as a festive voting atmosphere.

After casting his ballot at Eskaton Garden High School in Dhaka at 9:45am on Thursday, he said he was “very happy” with the overall environment surrounding the polls.

Referring to the day’s voting, the CEC said Bangladesh had moved ahead on the path of democracy and expressed optimism about the process.

“I promised that we would give the nation an election in a festive mode,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with major religious holidays, the CEC said the mood resembled Eid travel, with people moving across the country to take part in voting.

“Like Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Azha, people have travelled to villages by train, bus, launch and boat. I have spoken to people in my own village and in other areas -- they are rejoicing in the joy of this festival,” he said.

He added that voters appeared energised after what he called a long gap in participatory voting.

“People are excited about the voting atmosphere that has been created after a long time.”

Nasir Uddin reiterated the Election Commission’s pledge to ensure credibility, saying officials had worked tirelessly since taking office in November 2024.

“There will be no more rigged elections in this country. We are in favour of fair and impartial polls.”

Referring to reports from a polling station in Thakurgaon, he said he was encouraged to see political rivals interacting amicably.

“I am very happy that a Jamaat leader and a BNP leader were standing side by side at a polling centre and speaking cheerfully to journalists. This is the beauty of democracy,” he said.

“We hope the train to democracy that Bangladesh has boarded will reach its destination with everyone’s cooperation.”

“Bangladesh is holding the biggest election in the world in 2026,” he said.

Referring to his meeting with foreign journalists and election observers, Nasir Uddin said they had exchanged views the previous day and that visiting officials expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

Highlighting the scale of the operation, the CEC pointed to the massive workforce involved in conducting the polls.

“Can you imagine that about 1.7 million people are working. To conduct this election, there are 0.95 million law enforcing agencies and about 0.8 million polling personnel. Imagine how difficult it is to weave these 1.75 million people into one thread,” he said.

“Members of various forces are here, there are people from various educational institutions, and there are people from different organisations. Everyone has been trained and assigned duties through election-oriented preparation. I think there is no greater coordination task than this,” he said.

Expressing hope at the end of his remarks, Nasir Uddin said the commission remained prepared to face challenges ahead.

“We have faced all the challenges so far with your cooperation. We do not know what more challenges will come. We will face them together,” he said.

“Bangladesh has set off on the path of democracy. God willing, the train of democracy will reach its destination. I seek your cooperation.”