I have worked successfully: CEC Nurul Huda

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda considers himself successful for being able to hold all the elections of the country before the end of his tenure.

"I believe I have discharged my duty successfully, holding all the elections. Not a single election is left due," the CEC said.

He said this talking to reporters after attending a programme at Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Sunday. The programme was organised to distribute Smart National Identity Cards, inscribed with "Bir Muktijoddha", among freedom fighters.

In replying to a query about whether all the elections were held fairly, he said, "No, not all the elections were fair. Violent clashes occurred at places and ballots were snatched away leading to the suspension of polls. And the suspended polls were held again. Therefore, it cannot be said that all the elections have been held fairly. But men and women cast their votes standing in long lines under the sun, and 70% of votes were cast — what better election could there be?"

Commenting on the successes and failures of the election commission, Nurul Huda said, "We have tried our best to be impartial. We have tried to abide by the law alone, instead of being influenced by any party or individual."

He also reminisced about the liberation war and expressed his gratitude to the freedom fighters present at the event.

Speaking as chief guest at the programme, Law Minister Anisul Huq said Sheikh Hasina will cooperate with the Election Commission (EC) as long as she is in power.

He said the government of Sheikh Hasina believes that elections are the foundation of democracy and that is why the government is cooperating in all possible ways to strengthen the Election Commission to hold free, fair, and impartial elections. The government's efforts have resulted in today's smart national identity card, accurate voter lists, electronic voting machines (EVM), the modern infrastructure of an election commission, the Delimitation of Constituency Act, and the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commission Act.

The minister said the outgoing Election Commission has been able to fulfill its responsibilities properly.

Commenting on the EC appointment law, Anisul Huq said, "Parliament enacted this law with the participation of all parties. The search committee is working in the context of the law. Hopefully, we will get an acceptable election commission from the committee."

Terming BNP's non-participation in the president's dialogue 'undemocratic,' he said, "It was definitely not democratic. Dialogue is integral to democracy. If the BNP considers every initiative negatively, if they do not take it positively, I do not think the people will consider it democratic."