Close polling centre if any disturbance, says CEC to polling officials

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (11 October) noted that ensuring security remains the biggest challenge in Bangladesh's elections. While various administrative, legal and technological challenges persist, he identified security management as the most complex issue, stressing the need for stronger coordination between the administration and law enforcement agencies.

Issuing a strict directive to election officials, he warned, "If there is any disturbance on polling day, close the polling centre. If necessary, suspend voting in the entire constituency. The law grants you full authority — you are in charge of the centre. We will not tolerate any deviation."

He said that presiding officers at each polling station will serve as the 'Chief Election Officer' of their respective centres, fully empowered to exercise all legal authority necessary to ensure a fair and lawful polling process.

"Our aim is to build empowered presiding officers, polling officers and returning officers. The Presiding Officer will have full authority under the law. If required, they can suspend polling or take any lawful measures. But they must discharge their duties with courage, integrity and impartiality," he said while addressing a workshop with polling officials at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre in Chattogram.

If there is any disturbance on polling day, close the polling centre. If necessary, suspend voting in the entire constituency

CEC AMM Nasir Uddin

"To deliver a credible and acceptable election, both administrative efficiency and moral integrity are essential.

"Trained, neutral and responsible officials form the backbone of this structure. As long as you perform your duties within the law, the Election Commission will provide you with full support and protection," he added.

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Reiterating the importance of decisive action, he added, "We are entrusting you with all powers. If you fail to exercise those powers, that will be your offence. Should you neglect to take timely action, we will not take that lightly either."

The CEC also informed that a special cell has been formed to curb misinformation and rumours. "The public is not yet fully aware of the work of this cell. We need to strengthen our campaign so that people know where to find accurate information," he said.

Highlighting efforts to enhance the voting process for expatriate citizens, he said, "The ballot management and counting system for voters residing abroad will be further improved in coordination with the postal department. We want the public to witness an election marked by discipline, transparency and fairness—one that convinces everyone that the law applies equally to all."

The event was organised by the Election Commission and presided over by Senior District Election Officer Mohammad Bashir Ahmed.