EC capable of holding free and fair election, it tells foreign journalists, observers

Highlights

• 197 foreign journalists arrive to cover Bangladesh election
• 394 international observers also in Bangladesh to monitor polls
• They raise concerns over incidents of violence and code of conduct breaches
• EC says a force actively trying to sabotage or question election
• It dismisses allegation that EC is institutionally weak
• EC says it is confident of holding a free and fair election

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has firmly defended its independence and capacity to deliver a free, fair, and credible election, dismissing concerns from international observers and journalists regarding potential institutional weakness.

At a press conference organised by the EC Secretariat at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka yesterday, several foreign journalists raised concerns over violence, alleged breaches of the code of conduct and the Commission's overall authority in ensuring a credible election.

A total of 197 foreign journalists from different countries have arrived in Dhaka for the polls and received accreditation cards from the EC, while 394 international observers are also present. Many of them attended the briefing.

One journalist noted that under previous political governments, national elections were often criticised for the EC's perceived weakness in enforcing the electoral code. Despite the polls now being held under an interim administration, he observed little visible change in the Commission's role, citing incidents of violence and code violations, and directly asked whether the EC was weak.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah rejected the claim, stating that "a force is actively trying to sabotage or question the election," which has made it difficult to maintain control over every incident.

He argued that historically, Bangladesh has witnessed its strongest and most credible elections during caretaker or interim governments. "In living memory, there has never been a more suitable environment for an election than at present," he said, adding that there was no reason to consider the Commission weak.

Sanaullah highlighted the use of drones, body-worn cameras and CCTV surveillance for the first time in a national election. He also referred to ongoing "Devil Hunt" operations aimed at recovering illegal and looted firearms, which he said were being prioritised to ensure security.

A BBC World Service representative raised concerns over the absence of a major political party – an apparent reference to the Awami League – and questioned whether an election could be considered inclusive if supporters of that party did not have a symbol on the ballot paper.

In response, Sanaullah said the political context of this election was different. He claimed that democracy had been constrained over the past 15 years and that young voters had been deprived of their right to vote. Referring to the July 2024 movement, he said the current election was a continuation of that political development.

"The absence of a large political party is not a problem," he said. "What matters is whether people are casting their votes." He added that in every election, some parties choose not to participate for political or practical reasons, yet voter participation has continued.

A journalist from Pakistan asked whether the EC anticipated further incidents such as the reported arson attack at a polling centre in Netrakona. 

Sanaullah confirmed that an incident had occurred but said there had been no significant damage. Law enforcement agencies had been instructed to ensure maximum security at all polling stations on the night of 11 February, he added.

Another question from Pakistan's G News concerned how an elected government would implement the results of any referendum and what would happen if it failed to do so. 

Sanaullah replied that the EC's mandate was limited to organising the election, ensuring proper voting and announcing the results. For matters related to referendum implementation, he suggested consulting Ali Riaz, vice-president of the Consensus Commission, who was present at the event.

Responding to concerns about dual citizens voting or contesting the election, Sanaullah said Bangladeshi law permits dual nationals to vote. Regarding candidacy, he cited Article 66 of the Constitution, which states that dual citizens are ineligible to contest parliamentary elections unless they renounce their foreign citizenship.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin was asked whether the imprisonment of two former CECs for failing to discharge their duties properly caused him concern as the country heads to the polls.

He replied that the Commission had acted within the law and in accordance with its constitutional obligations to deliver a free, fair and credible election. "We are working with our commitments in focus. There is no reason for us to fear," he said.

In his speech, the CEC said all arrangements for Thursday's election had been finalised and full readiness ensured. Public awareness campaigns have been conducted nationwide in coordination with relevant government agencies to boost voter turnout, he said.

Voting and counting will be conducted at polling stations under the supervision of presiding officers, assisted by polling officials, said the CEC. Candidates or their authorised agents, accredited observers and journalists will be allowed to be present during voting and counting to ensure transparency, he said.

Nasir said after the close of polling, votes will be counted at the centres under the supervision of presiding officers. The results will be announced at the polling stations and later consolidated and formally declared by returning officers, he said.