'Polls to be free, fair': CEC assures foreign observers ahead of tomorrow's vote
He said the EC maintained structured dialogue with political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to strengthen confidence and participation
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (11 February) assured foreign observers and journalists that the referendum and the 13th National Parliament Election will be free, fair, impartial and credible.
He made the remarks while briefing foreign and local journalists and election observers at a special Election Commission (EC) event held at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka ahead of the vote tomorrow (12 February).
"Our preparations have followed a coordinated and multi-dimensional approach encompassing legal reform, institutional readiness, stakeholder consultations and operational planning," the CEC said, outlining the commission's overall readiness for polling day.
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He said the EC maintained structured dialogue with political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to strengthen confidence and participation, while amendments to electoral laws and regulations were undertaken where necessary to enhance clarity, accountability and compliance.
For the first time, out-of-country voting has been introduced through IT-supported postal ballots for Bangladeshi diaspora voters.
Despite a limited preparation period, around eight lakh expatriate voters completed registration, he said. In-country postal voting has also been arranged for eligible voters, with a significant number of mail ballots already returned.
All preparations finalised
The CEC said all operational arrangements have been finalised. Polling centre lists were completed after multiple rounds of field-level verification, and electoral materials, including ballot papers, have been distributed to returning officers and are being sent to polling centres.
Training programmes for polling personnel have been conducted nationwide to ensure professionalism and adherence to electoral procedures. Public awareness campaigns are also underway in coordination with relevant government departments.
Both today and tomorrow have been declared government holidays to facilitate voter turnout. Voting will take place in a single day from 7:30am to 4:30pm.
Presiding officers, assisted by assistant presiding officers and polling officers, will manage voting and counting at polling stations in the presence of candidates or their authorised agents, as well as accredited observers and journalists.
After polling ends, vote counting will be conducted at polling stations under the supervision of presiding officers.
Results will be announced at polling stations upon completion of counting and later compiled and declared by returning officers.
"This will ensure transparency in the voting and counting process," the CEC said.
He added that voters, regardless of gender, age or background, are encouraged to participate freely.
Ballots will be issued only after proper identification, and voting will be conducted by secret ballot in accordance with prescribed rules.
Any electoral dispute will be addressed through established legal and constitutional procedures.
Strong international and domestic presence
Nasir Uddin said transparency remains a cornerstone of the commission's election management.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) said the commission remains committed to delivering a free, fair and credible election within the law and constitutional obligations, adding, "We are focused on our commitments and have no reason to fear."
Representatives from 45 countries and organisations are participating in the process, with around 330 international observers engaged, including nearly 220 from the European Union.
More than 160 international journalists are independently covering the election.
At the national level, over 45,000 local observers from 81 registered Bangladeshi organisations have been accredited. All accreditation processes followed due diligence, he said.
Media personnel have been granted access to polling stations while maintaining the confidentiality of voting compartments to avoid inconveniencing voters.
Observers, both domestic and international, are welcome to monitor the process in line with EC guidelines and may publish their findings after the election.
Reaffirming the commission's commitment to a peaceful and credible vote, the CEC said comprehensive security and coordination arrangements are in place with the support of law enforcement agencies and the government.
He thanked journalists and observers for their professionalism and constructive engagement, expressing hope that their reporting would contribute to transparency and public confidence in the election.
