Free, fair election must to save democracy, economy, our future: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal yesterday said the upcoming national election must be free, fair and credible to salvage Bangladesh's democracy, safeguard the nation's economy, and secure its future.

"It is unfortunate that outside forces are trying to influence our election. If we want to protect our economy, and our future, the election must be fair, acceptable and credible. That is why we want a free, fair and credible election," he said.

While addressing members of the election inquiry committee at the opening ceremony of a workshop on electoral rules and code of conduct at the Electoral Training Institute, he said the political division in the country over the election is undesirable.

Mentioning that the country is in a crisis over the election, he said, "We have to get out of here."

He said the foreign countries' only demand is that the elections in Bangladesh should be free, fair and credible.

"We want to see undisputed results in the elections. All agents should accept the results," he added.

The CEC also directed those who have been assigned election duties to monitor if anyone is violating the code of conduct.

"You should perform the election duties with honesty and bravery. We expect everyone to perform their duties impartially and faithfully. You will apply the law correctly. You will help as much as you can to protect the electoral system of the country," added the CEC.

"Elections must be ensured to keep democracy alive. We, the administration, could not control irregularities during the by-elections, we have to come out of this practice," Kazi Habibul Awal said.

The CEC told the judges that they should have honesty and courage in performing their duties during the election.

"Bangladesh is a republic. Bangladesh can never be a republic without elections. If democracy is to be saved, elections must be held. Disputes over elections are unexpected," he said.

The 12th Jatiya Sangsad election will be held on 7 January, the Election Commission announced on 15 November amid staunch objections from the opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Even if BNP joins, elections cannot be held after 28 Jan: Rashida

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana yesterday said the elections must be held by 28 January, at the latest, even if the BNP decides to participate in the polls.

"It is imperative that the BNP participate within the stipulated election period, as outlined in the constitution. There is no provision to extend the schedule beyond 28 January," she said at a preparation meeting in Bogura ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections.

In response to a query, Rashida said, "We encourage all registered parties to participate in the elections. We remain optimistic that the BNP will join. If they decide to join, it will be duly acknowledged."

Earlier on 20 November, Rashida Sultana indicated the potential reconsideration or extension of the election schedule should the BNP and its allied parties express intentions to join the electoral process.

Regarding the installation of CCTV cameras in polling centres, she said, "We are currently not in a position to proceed with this decision. The logistics involved in providing cameras for 42 lakh rooms are a significant challenge, as no company currently has the capacity to install such a vast number of cameras at once."

EC sincerely trying to hold participatory, fair polls: Ahsan Habib

Election Commissioner Md Ahsan Habib Khan said the EC is sincerely trying to hold a participatory, fair and credible election.

"Since we took oath, our sole aim is to give the nation a fair and impartial election. It is our sincere endeavour to present a participatory and inclusive election," he said while exchanging views as chief guest with government officials at the deputy commissioner's conference room in Khulna on Monday.

"All government officials must remember that they are the employees of the republic. The EC expects everyone to perform their duties impartially, never be biased or influenced by political party leaders."

Members of the law enforcement agencies shall never behave in an overzealous manner, which may raise questions regarding their impartiality and tarnish the image of the EC, he added.

"Media personnel are engaged in collecting election related stories following the guidelines given by the EC across the country. So, EC officials should ensure their cooperation, so that newsmen do not face any barrier during the collection of information at the vote centre," he said.