EC pledges to restore electoral credibility

Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) wants to shed the stigma of failing to deliver acceptable elections in the past by holding a free, fair and credible national election next year, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said on Tuesday.
"As a whole, blame is being levelled that we have absolutely failed in our responsibility, particularly in delivering free, fair and credible elections," he said.
"It is also being said that we conducted managed elections through collusion. We want to get rid of this stigma and remove this disgrace. We want to prove that we can organise a fair and acceptable election," the CEC added.
Mr Nasir Uddin made the remarks while addressing senior officials of the public administration and Bangladesh Police at an exchange-of-views meeting held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon area.
The EC convened the meeting following separate discussions on Monday with the chiefs of staff of all armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, aimed at ensuring better preparations for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February next year.
The CEC said there was no scope for even minor mistakes, given the heavy responsibility placed on the commission. He instructed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to take firm action against any offenders.
"Those officials working at the field level must ensure the rule of law-this is my bottom line," he said.
Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker, Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam were present at the meeting, among others.
IGP Baharul Alam said effective cooperation with the Election Commission would not be possible unless law and order could be maintained across the country. He added that the police would require strong backing from the EC to take strict measures in carrying out their responsibilities.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Hoque said civil servants could discharge their duties with the highest level of integrity and dedication if a conducive environment and adequate protection were ensured.

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