Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain on Saturday emphasised the importance of journalists’ cooperation to ensure a fair election process.
He made the statement during an exchange of views on the Election Commission’s (EC) guidelines for media coverage of the upcoming election.
“The issue of journalists obtaining permission from presiding officers should be reconsidered. Ensuring free, fair, and acceptable elections is impossible without the critical role of journalists,” said the adviser.
He further noted, “The interim government aims to hold a fair and acceptable election, and the EC should engage with journalists to address concerns, particularly the distinction between polling centers and polling rooms. This is my personal opinion, not the government’s stance.”
Sakhawat also pointed out the persistent issue of voter disenfranchisement, stating that many voters have not been able to cast their ballots since 2008.
He highlighted that many young people lack knowledge of the voting process, stressing that one person has been leading the country while excluding the majority of voters.
He stated that the responsibility for this lies not only with the Awami League but with everyone in the country.
