Parties' support needed to ensure fair election

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission (EC) has been working with a clear conviction and commitment to create a fair and beautiful electoral environment, report agencies.
"We will take all necessary preparations from our side to create a proper and fair election environment. We will keep trying. Our intention and commitment are absolutely clear. And we are working accordingly," he said while chairing a pre-election dialogue with five political parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on Monday.
The discussion was held with five political parties as part of the EC's ongoing dialogue with registered political parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary election to be held in early February 2026.
"No matter how many storms, cyclones or turmoil come, we will take every required step to ensure a fair and conducive environment for the election," the CEC said.
Seeking cooperation from political parties for building a peaceful and proper electoral atmosphere, he said such cooperation is "very essential."
He stressed that the collaboration of political parties would be required to ensure enforcement of the electoral code of conduct.
"Please influence your candidates and workers to follow the code of conduct. If we get your cooperation, it will make the enforcement process much easier for us," Nasir Uddin said, pointing to political parties.
Noting that the country belongs to all, the CEC said organising a proper election is a fundamental requirement for leaving behind a nice country for future generations.
"If a beautiful election can elect representatives and the country can be entrusted to them, I think a bright future can be ensured for the nation. We seek your full cooperation and hope we will receive it," he added.
He said a fair election would not be possible without the cooperation of political parties and their members.
If political parties want to create problems, there will always be possibility and concern about a questionable election, he warned.
Referring to expatriate voting rights, the CEC said although postal ballots for expatriates have always existed in the law, no Election Commission in the past worked with this complex issue.
"Postal balloting has always been in the law, but it was never practised. We have taken up this work," he said.
He said many new but "gigantic and complex tasks" have come to the present Commission. Despite many limitations, this Commission has not given up and continues to move forward like a sailor steering a storm-tossed ship through challenges.
"InshaAllah, whatever challenges lie ahead, we are prepared to face them. We must move forward overcoming these challenges," he said.
Election commissioners Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present.