We believe EC committed to holding free, fair election: BNP's Moyeen after meeting CEC
Moyeen Khan also called for press freedom, saying journalists should work without restrictions
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has expressed the belief that the Election Commission is committed to holding a free and fair election.
After a two-hour meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (23 October), BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said, "We have come here not for any personal or party interest, but for the sake of the nation. We wanted to ensure that voters can cast their votes without fear in the ongoing struggle to restore democracy in Bangladesh.
"The election must be such that the international community can see Bangladesh is on the path of democracy."
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He added, "We have urged the Election Commission to remain vigilant so that those who are controversial or have questionable backgrounds cannot participate in this election in any way."
In response to a question, he said, "From what we observed, we believe the Election Commission is committed to holding a free and fair election."
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said the last three elections were a mockery carried out by politically influenced officials. He urged the Election Commission (EC) to be extremely cautious about controversial and questionable officials involved in election duties.
He said a general election is a massive one-day operation requiring about one million personnel from civil administration, police, and judiciary across 42,000 polling centres in 300 constituencies. "Ensuring a free and fair election is the EC's key responsibility. The right preparation and transparency can turn voting day into a peaceful, festive event," he added.
Moyeen Khan also called for press freedom, saying journalists should work without restrictions.
He expressed hope that visible efforts by the government and EC to conduct a fair election will remove fear, ensure law and order, and create a celebratory atmosphere on polling day.
He stressed that combining the parliamentary vote with a referendum should also be managed carefully to maintain fairness and transparency.
The meeting began around 11am today (23 October) at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The BNP team was led by the party's Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan. Among others, BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Ismail Jabeeullah and former additional secretary Mohammad Zakaria were present at the meeting.
According to sources, The discussion covered the election environment, law and order, public confidence in the EC, and BNP's stance on holding the parliamentary election alongside a referendum.
