The Election Commission (EC) has begun consultations with stakeholders ahead of the upcoming national election, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin reiterating the commission’s commitment to holding free, fair, and inclusive polls.
On Sunday, the first round of talks was held with civil society representatives at the EC headquarters in Dhaka. “This dialogue is not a formality. It will play a vital role in ensuring a transparent and participatory election,” said the CEC.
He said the commission has already taken several new initiatives since his appointment, including steps to update the voter list, which has led to a significant increase in female voters.
The CEC also highlighted amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), as well as arrangements for postal ballots. “For the first time, election officials will be able to cast their votes through postal voting. This is a milestone for future elections,” he added.
Four election commissioners – Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah – along with EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, were present at the meeting.
According to the EC’s announced work plan, dialogues will be held in phases with political parties, academics, women’s groups, the media, election observers, experts, and representatives of those injured during the July protests.
The exercise is expected to continue for one to one-and-a-half months. Later on, Sunday, the EC leadership is scheduled to sit with educationists.
At least 30 prominent figures were invited to the first day’s session, including Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, TIB Director Muhammad Badiuzzaman, CPD Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya, former caretaker adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, photographer Shahidul Alam.
Professor Dilara Chowdhury, journalist Sohrab Hasan, and rights activist Rani Yan Yan were also invited.
Earlier, EC officials had said the election is likely to be held in the first half of February, with the schedule to be announced at least two months before polling day. They expressed hope that broad participation and cooperation would help create the conditions for a free, fair, and peaceful election.
