Rangpur: Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has emphasized the need for restoring the image of institutions, including the Election Commission (EC), by ensuring fair elections. He stressed this commitment while addressing journalists after participating as the chief guest at the voter list update program and views exchange meeting related to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, held at the Regional Election Officer’s Office auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Brig Gen Sanaullah reiterated the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to conduct elections and confirmed that preparations are underway for the upcoming parliamentary elections. He assured that if the government decides to proceed with local government elections, the Election Commission would extend necessary support.
Brig Gen Sanaullah highlighted that the elections will proceed with registered voters prior to the announcement of the election schedule. He emphasized the importance of considering the overall political and judicial processes for the participation of political parties. He mentioned that the Chief Advisor indicated the possibility of holding elections either in December this year or by June next year, contingent upon the progress of ongoing reform efforts.
The Chief Advisor is set to form a national consensus commission to gather opinions on electoral priorities, which will guide necessary amendments to laws and regulations. Brig Gen Sanaullah mentioned that while preliminary election processes have commenced, the reform commission has recommended against the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the upcoming national elections, a decision the Election Commission has opted to uphold.
He further elaborated on the voter list update, stating that the process marks the beginning of conducting fair elections, ensuring transparency from the voter list to voting and result announcements. Earlier in the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, District Superintendent of Police Abu Md Saim, and election officials shared their perspectives, with the session chaired by Rangpur Regional Election Officer Mohammad Azizul Islam.
Following the meeting, Brig Gen Sanaullah inspected the voter updating activities at Lions School and College in the city.