I feel the 'heatwave' of political reality: CEC
Will act after referendum ordinance is issued, he says
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (19 November) said he cannot avoid feeling the burn of the "heatwave of political reality," noting that Bangladesh's political environment is far from smooth.
Speaking at the conclusion of the fourth day of the Election Commission's dialogue with political parties, Nasir Uddin said the commission must work within Bangladesh's socio-economic and political realities.
"I feel the heatwave of those sitting here. Political reality is not smooth, nor is social reality. We have to move forward keeping these in mind," he said.
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The CEC also said the commission will determine its next steps once the government issues the ordinance on holding a referendum.
Nasir Uddin said, "Politicians are asking many questions—how it will be done, how we will answer people, how many ballot boxes there will be. We will start thinking through these issues only after the ordinance on referendum is issued."
Representatives of five political parties, including a BNP delegation led by Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, attended today's session.
The CEC reminded the participants that previous referendums in Bangladesh — such as those held under former presidents Ziaur Rahman and HM Ershad — were conducted under martial law.
"The referendum ordinance must be issued first. Once it becomes law, we will be able to work accordingly," he said.
"The law will define what issues may be put to referendum, how it will be held, and will authorise the Election Commission," the CEC added.
Reflecting on his long experience, the CEC said he had observed the country's political leadership from the Pakistan era to the present.
"I have seen the politicians of this country since my youth. I worked under Manna Bhai (Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna) during my university days and even worked with Sir (Moyeen Khan). From basic democracy to today, I have witnessed every phase," he noted.
He added that the commission is proceeding "slowly and steadily," prioritising action over rhetoric. "So far, by the grace of Allah, we have been able to move forward successfully."
The EC held today's dialogue from 2pm to 4pm with BNP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist).
