Maintaining law and order and tackling AI-based misinformation and rumours will be the biggest challenges for the Election Commission (EC) during the 13th parliamentary elections slated for February next year, senior journalists said on Monday.
At a dialogue hosted by the EC at the EC Secretariat in the capital, they also urged the EC to clarify its stance on voters who support the deposed Awami League.
“Although the activities of the Awami League have been banned, its voters are citizens of this country. The EC has to clarify its stance on how it views these voters. We want to know your stance,” said Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz at the dialogue.
“Otherwise, this election will not be considered legitimate. You cannot exclude Awami League voters,” added Hafiz, who is also editor of the daily Kaler Kantho.
Some 46 journalists participated in the talks as part of the EC’s ongoing discussions with different professional bodies and political parties.
Expressing concerns about the weak law and order situation, Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif said money and force would play a significant role in the upcoming election.
He highlighted the importance of how the EC would handle underhand dealings, vote-buying, and other electoral malpractices.
“The affidavits of the candidates must be checked thoroughly as these affidavits are not reviewed properly. But it is a crucial responsibility for the commission,” he said.
The Daily Star head of news Ziaul Haque urged the EC to ensure that journalists are not obstructed or harassed while entering polling stations.
“The security of journalists must be guaranteed,” he said.
Journalists including Jugantor Editor Abdul Hye Sikder, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Ajker Patrika Acting Editor Kamrul Hasan and Khaborer Kagoj Editor Mostafa Kamal, among others, attended the talks.
Next election to shape country’s future: CEC
Seeking media support in raising public awareness, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasir Uddin said the upcoming election would determine the future shape of Bangladesh.
Emphasising collective effort, he said the EC alone cannot handle all the situations. He added that the media, the public, and political parties play a vital role in shaping opinions and creating equal opportunities.
“The EC’s focus is to generate voter interest, ensure their participation, and create a free and fair election environment within its capabilities,” he said.
“Despite challenges, a method for expatriate voting has been established with the help of experts,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md Sanaullah termed the use of social media, misinformation, disinformation, and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) as a global concern.
He mentioned that the EC held multiple meetings with the Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), police, intelligence agencies, and the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) to address these issues.
“More than 50% of sources cannot be traced as they are outside the country’s borders, making it difficult to hold them accountable,” he said.
He added that the EC is considering two approaches – ensuring a good flow of information or adopting a restricted approach – and the EC has decided not to limit the flow of information.
“The use of social media has already been brought under the code of conduct and there are ICT laws in place for citizens. However, tracking many individuals will not be possible, and media cooperation will be crucial in this regard,” he said.
