Upcoming polls will set tone for Bangladesh’s democratic future, says EC

The upcoming polls will play a crucial role in determining the country's future direction and its democratic journey, said Election Commissioner Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah (Retd).

He noted that Bangladesh's electoral process has been significantly damaged in recent years, and the Election Commission is working to restore it. "But this repair work cannot be done by the commission alone," he said today (3 December) while speaking at the inauguration of a daylong training programme for journalists ahead of the 13th national election.

He said, "In the interest of the nation, we must ensure a good election. Everyone must responsibly carry out their respective duties."

Brigadier General Sanaullah (Retd) also stated that measures have been taken to prevent fake journalists from entering polling centres. "We are introducing a QR code system so that no one can misuse press cards," he said.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed said the upcoming election and the national referendum together constitute a massive undertaking, and one complements the other. He acknowledged public curiosity about the referendum format where there will be four questions but only a single response.

However, he said this approach was discussed by the Advisory Council. "Political parties present long manifestos, sometimes twenty points, and people may not agree with every point but consider the overall package. The referendum is similar. Citizens will vote after considering the entire package," he explained.