Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that the upcoming election will be held in a festive, Eid-like atmosphere. “We want to observe election day in a celebratory mood. It will be like Eid — people will go to polling centers joyfully, without fear or hesitation, to vote for their preferred candidates. This time, there is no chance of daytime voting taking place at night,” he said.

The CEC made these remarks on Monday (May 5) during a views-exchange meeting with election officials from the Mymensingh region, held at the Mymensingh City Corporation conference room. The meeting was organised in the context of updating the voter list and preparations for the upcoming national polls.

Nasir Uddin emphasised that the Election Commission (EC) will not bow to any form of pressure or influence. “We are working in a completely neutral manner and will continue to do so. I have instructed all officials involved in the electoral process to make decisions based on three criteria: first, whether the action is legal; second, whether their conscience supports the decision; and third, that we are all accountable to 180 million people. If we fail in our duties, we must be accountable,” he said.

He added that election officials have pledged to remain uninfluenced and conduct the election impartially, in line with laws and regulations. “Political parties are also committed to ensuring a free and fair election,” the CEC noted.

cec

“We have taken an oath to conduct a neutral election,” he reaffirmed. “The Election Commission is and will remain a completely neutral institution. We can assure that. The Commission will not engage in political controversies. All decisions are made collectively—no unilateral decisions are taken. The EC is ready to conduct the election at any time.”

Regarding the swearing-in of Dhaka South City Mayor Ishraque Hossain, the CEC clarified, “The responsibility for administering the oath lies with the Ministry of Local Government. The Election Commission has no role in this matter.”

When asked about the Awami League’s participation in the upcoming election, Nasir Uddin said, “These matters are under discussion. We do not wish to comment on issues still being debated. Some are disappointed that we are not following the recommendations of the Reform Commission. Let political decisions come first. In this country, laws and regulations are shaped by political decisions. We cannot work outside that political framework.”