CEC urges parties to help ensure a fair and inclusive election

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (16 November) sought cooperation from political parties to create a safe environment for voters during the national election scheduled for early February 2026.

"We need your support in bringing voters to the polling stations and creating a safe environment," he said while presiding over a dialogue with six registered political parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.

The six parties are Gonoforum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikyajote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party.

The discussion began at 10:30am as part of the commission's ongoing electoral dialogue with political parties ahead of the 13th general election, reports UNB.

"We want your suggestions on how we can deliver a free and fair election and ensure a level playing field for all," he added.

The CEC said the Election Commission has already formulated a code of conduct for the upcoming election.

"A fair election largely depends on the proper implementation of the code of conduct. If candidates comply with it properly, the election will be fair. In this regard, we seek your cooperation."

Nasir said the commission's main objective is to hold the next election in a fair, acceptable environment. "To achieve this, we need your cooperation," he said.

Noting that the dialogue with parties should have begun earlier, the CEC said the National Consensus Commission and the Election System Reform Commission have already made significant progress.

"Updating the voter list, enabling expatriates to vote via postal ballots, and facilitating the voting rights of polling officials and government employees have all been completed within the stipulated time," he said.

According to the EC, nearly 40 lakh new voters were added to the list, while 21 lakh deceased voters were removed.