Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has announced that preparations for the upcoming national election, targeted for December, are already underway, with plans to complete all groundwork by October. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Reporters’ Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, he emphasized the importance of granting the commission greater autonomy and addressing certain legislative proposals to ensure fair and impartial elections.

The CEC highlighted that interference from parliamentary standing committees in the commission’s work would undermine its independence. He stressed that responsibilities like voter list updates and boundary demarcation must remain under the commission’s jurisdiction. He also expressed concerns about the lack of a conducive environment for free and fair elections, as the rules and reforms necessary for such an outcome are yet to be finalized.

Nasir Uddin noted that some proposed reforms could weaken the commission’s authority, adding that past elections during the monsoon months, such as May and June, have been rare. He called for timely legal processes and an October announcement of the election schedule, per the chief adviser’s directives. He also warned that violence and disorder, particularly during local government elections, often overshadow national elections, emphasizing the need for public awareness and social movements to curb these issues.

He affirmed that all registered political parties, not just the ruling Awami League, must participate in the election, though decisions about participation ultimately rest with the government, not the Election Commission. The CEC concluded by reiterating the commission’s commitment to working independently and seeking the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure a neutral and acceptable election.