'Ghosts of authoritarianism' within admin threaten fair polls, civil society members tell EC

Highlights

• EC dialogue warns that remnants of authoritarianism could hinder free and fair polls
• CEC AMM Nasir Uddin emphasises preparedness and bridging gaps through dialogue
• Poet Mohan Raihan urges EC vigilance, citing administrative obstacles to fair elections
• TIB and BGMEA officials call for 'No' vote provision and barring financial offenders from elections
• Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury demand 33%  reserved seats for women
• Further talks with educationists and professors scheduled for the afternoon

Civil society members at a dialogue with the Election Commission (EC) today (28 September) cautioned that remnants of authoritarian practices within the administration could hinder efforts to conduct a free and fair election.

They urged the EC to remain vigilant and demonstrate goodwill in ensuring an inclusive electoral process during the talks, which commenced at 10:40am at the commission's office, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin presiding over the session. 

Election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah, and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, were also present.

At the outset, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin said, "We are committed to holding a free, fair and acceptable election. Preparations for the polls are already well advanced. We hope this dialogue with you will help bridge the existing gaps."

Poet Mohan Raihan remarked, "The ghosts of authoritarianism still exist within the administration, and they will obstruct the path to a fair election. The Election Commission must remain vigilant about this. To ensure a free election, the first requirement is your goodwill."

Former ambassador Humayun Kabir said, "Given the overall situation, the public has many expectations of you. Over the past 15 years, or even now, violence has become normalised. The question is how you will address this during the election period."

Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Yahya Akhter said, "In previous dialogues, we also came and made constructive suggestions, but they were not taken into account. Now we have come again, and only time will tell how much will be implemented. Still, it is positive that discussions are being held. Let us work together to make the upcoming election an example of a fair and credible election."

He added that Election Commission officials should be appointed as returning officers and assistant returning officers during the national election. 

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"They work on election matters throughout the year and have the necessary experience. General bureaucrats do not have the same expertise in electoral affairs as Election Commission officials do," he said.

TIB Director Mohammad Badiuzzaman said, "There should be a provision for a 'No' vote in every constituency. Under the new regulations, if there is only one candidate in a constituency, he or she must contest against the option of a 'No' vote."

Former caretaker government adviser and civil society representative Rasheda K Chowdhury has expressed outrage over the proposal to allocate only 5–7% of parliamentary seats for women, despite women making up 51% of the country's population.

"I was shocked to hear that even after 55 years, only 5–7% of seats are being considered for women. This is unacceptable. Our minimum demand is that 33% of seats must be reserved for women," she said.

Rasheda K Chowdhury further noted that women are not only voters but also contributors at every level of society, yet political parties continue to view their participation as marginal. 

She urged the Election Commission to ensure women are given due recognition and their security is guaranteed before, during, and after the elections.

Highlighting the importance of expatriates and marginalised communities, she added, "The children of expatriates often live in the country for their studies. Their security and participation must also be prioritised."

She reminded that without ensuring the safety of women and children, elections cannot be meaningful.

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BGMEA Director Rashid Ahmed Hossaini said, "It is not only loan defaulters, but also those involved in money laundering who should be barred from contesting elections. Laws must be enacted to ensure this."

Among those present were former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury, Professor Robayet Ferdous, and around 12 others.

The Election Commission's first dialogue concluded at 1:40pm.

Later in the afternoon, the commission will hold talks with eminent educationists and professors at 2:30pm at the same venue.