Will do everything to hold free, fair and credible polls: Newly appointed CEC 

The newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission will take all necessary steps to ensure a free, fair, and credible national election.

Today, the interim government formed a new five-member Election Commission, which will serve for the next five years, with CEC AMM Nasir Uddin at the helm.

Following the formation of the new commission, the newly appointed CEC told the media, "Since the responsibility has been entrusted to us, we must fulfill it properly with everyone's cooperation." 

"The position of chief election commissioner is a crucial responsibility. I have taken on this role at a time when expectations are very high, especially regarding the election. I pledge to fulfill my duties with the utmost dedication and sacrifice."

He added, "Our first priority will be to create an accurate voter list. We want to ensure the environment so that everyone can practice his franchise unbar." 

"I believe in free, fair and credible elections. This is my mission and vision. This is my responsibility and commitment to the nation," Nasir stressed while speaking about the new commission's responsibility to hold the next 13th parliamentary polls.

Replying to a question, he said they would move forward towards the election with all parties, taking lessons from the previous commission's wrongdoing, and added that the result of the forced election was clear, as those responsible had to flee the country.

Earlier in the day, the interim government, which took over on 8 August after the AL government fell following a student-led uprising, officially formed the new Election Commission with retired secretary Nasir as the chief election commissioner.

Along with Nasir, retired additional secretary Md Anwarul Islam Sarker; retired District and Sessions judge Abdur Rahmanel Masud; retired joint secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmed, and Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were appointed as election commissioners.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed all five in line with Article 118 (1) of the constitution. The orders came into effect immediately, according to two separate gazette notifications issued by the Cabinet Division.

Addressing the challenges ahead, he said, "There will be challenges. I have previously served as the secretary in the health, energy and information ministries. There were challenges there too. More will come in the future. We have to face them and fulfill our duties."

In 2007, following the political changes after the 1/11 crisis, a commission was formed under the leadership of ATM Shamsul Huda during the army-backed caretaker government.

At that time, there was a lack of trust and interest in the election process and the Election Commission. 

The Shamsul Huda Commission itself faced criticism. Despite criticism, the commission overcame these challenges and became widely accepted by the general public.

The commission conducted the 9th National Election in December 2008, which was accepted by all parties. In that election, the Awami League came to power.

EC Secretary Shafiul Azim told The Business Standard, "We have written to the Supreme Court registrar to schedule the swearing-in ceremony for Sunday or a date deemed suitable by the chief justice".

Former CEC Kazi Habibul Awal and four other election commissioners resigned on 5 September, a month after a mass uprising led by students ousted the Awami League government.

Later on 31 October, the government formed a Search Committee in line with 'Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022', to recommend the election commissioners to form the EC.