Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced that the Election Commission (EC) has regained the power to cancel elections in entire constituencies if irregularities are detected, pledging that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election will be transparent and credible.
"We want everyone to see that the election is fair.
Foreign observers will be welcomed, and as many local observers as possible will be registered. If irregularities occur, we now have the authority to annul the election in that constituency. This time, it will not be like the past," the CEC said on Sunday while delivering his concluding remarks at a dialogue with civil society representatives at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Earlier, Nasir Uddin highlighted key achievements ahead of the polls. "The biggest task we have completed is updating the voter list through door-to-door visits, successfully removing nearly 21 lakh deceased voters," he said. He added that nine electoral laws are being amended to strengthen transparency and efficiency.
The CEC stressed that every eligible voter-including expatriates, government employees, election officials, and individuals in legal custody-will be able to cast their ballots. "The inclusion of expatriates will be a milestone for Bangladesh's electoral system," he noted.
Civil society representatives, however, warned of the immense challenges ahead. Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Yahya Akhter described the current situation as "alarming," saying, "If you can hold a free election in this environment, your names will be written in golden letters in history. If you fail, the consequences are well known." He also urged careful handling of postal ballots to avoid disputes.
On the debate over proportional representation (PR), Professor Akhter cautioned against introducing new voting systems without adequate trial or public awareness. Former ambassador Humayun Kabir called the upcoming polls a "transition point" for Bangladesh, urging the EC to deliver with integrity to determine the nation's future direction.
Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K. Choudhury criticised the low level of women's representation, calling it "unacceptable" that only 5-7 percent of seats are reserved for women. "At least 33 percent of parliamentary seats must be guaranteed for women," she said, also urging measures to protect the voting rights of children of expatriates studying in Bangladesh.
Dhaka University journalism professor Rubayet Ferdous emphasised the need for transparency, a credible voter list, free media, and wide engagement of international observers. "Marginalised women and minorities must be empowered in the electoral process," he added.
