Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has expressed deep concern over various political parties beginning to announce candidates for upcoming local government elections, despite the law stating these polls should be non-partisan.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected committee and the reception for the outgoing committee of the Election Training Institute (ETI) in Agargaon on Monday, the CEC said, “I see in the media that different parties are already announcing nominations. This is a matter of concern for me; it has brought a frown to my forehead.”
Call for political consensus for elections
Addressing the political parties, the CEC urged for their cooperation, suggesting that they sit together to reach a consensus. “We do not want to see any bloodshed. We want a completely bloodless local government election,” he stated.
While noting the interim government’s full support for the fair administration of the 13th Parliamentary Election, the CEC added that necessary laws and rules for the upcoming local government elections are currently being reformed.
He mentioned that leaders from two political parties have already expressed their concerns regarding these polls, reiterating that no election can be conducted fairly without the cooperation of political parties.
‘Karbala’ if fights occur
Highlighting the history of violence and grassroots conflicts in Bangladesh’s local elections, the CEC noted that many killings have occurred in the past, often involving family members contesting against each other with very slim margins of victory.
Referring to the traditional clashes in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, the CEC remarked, “There, fights occur between two neighbourhoods using spears (Teta). Now, if two candidates stand from two different neighbourhoods, what will the situation be? The situation will turn into a Karbala.”
Consequently, he urged parties to work through mutual understanding at the local level to avoid such conflicts.
CEC ‘not hurt’ by Nasiruddin’s remarks
Expressing his hope to successfully conclude local elections after a fair national election, the CEC stated that his goal is to establish a culture of good elections in the country where all types of polls – not just national ones – are beautiful and acceptable.
Focusing on recent comments made by Nasiruddin Patwari, the Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), the CEC shared that he personally likes him.
“Nasiruddin Saheb is an extremely important leader. I personally like him very much. He can speak the truth to people’s faces. We are used to hearing this kind of talk from him,” the CEC said.
Recalling memories of a meeting with the NCP before the election, the CEC jokingly remarked that Patwari would meet with the commission and then “insult” them outside the door.
“Therefore, this insult is not new from him. It might seem new to many, but I am used to it,” he added.
The CEC further clarified, “Believe me, I am saying this with total sincerity – I do not have the slightest resentment regarding his remarks. Proper evaluation does not come from praise alone.
He spoke what he felt from his perspective and what he believed in his heart. I am not hurt the least bit by it.”
