News Flash
BARISHAL, Oct 18, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the schedule for the next Jatiya Sangsad election should be announced in the first half of December if the election is held in first half of February.
“If we have to hold election in the first half of February next, we will have to announce polls schedule in first half of December. We are proceeding with that goal,” he said.
The CEC was briefing journalists after exchanging views with divisional and district-level officials on next election at the Circuit House auditorium here.
He said, “Our main message to everyone is that we will work according to the law to hold a free and fair election.”
Nasir said the Commission and the local administration will work together to ensure a fair election as they are all committed.
“There is no reason to think that forthcoming election will be like the previous two or three ones,” he added.
Nasir said, “Challenges will come, but we will face them. Whatever problems may arise in holding a fair election, we will handle them with positive attitude.”
The CEC also emphasized on the role of journalists in the upcoming election saying “If anyone spreads rumors without verifying the truth, it can lead to serious incident. I seek journalists support in this regard to debunk the rumors,” he said.
The Election Commission has enacted laws to address this issue, and strict measures have been included in those laws, he said adding a special cell has been opened in the Election Commission office to combat misinformation.
Regarding the NCP’s request for the ‘Shapla (Water Lily)’ symbol, the CEC explained, according to law and regulations, political parties must choose their symbols from the Election Commission’s official list. The symbol they requested is not on that list, so we cannot allocate it, he said.
On the issue of Proportional Representation (PR), he said, “There is currently a political debate going on about it. It has become a political issue. However, we do not wish to get involved in any political controversy. We are proceeding strictly according to the law.”
The CEC said arrangements are being made for Bangladeshi expatriates to cast their votes.
“At the same time, those who are officially engaged with election duties will also have the opportunity to cast their vote. Registration will be done digitally, but voting will take place manually. Since expatriates are very eager to participate in voting, we are making this possible,” he said.
About the possibility of Awami League to take part in the electoral race, the CEC said the party’s activities were banned by the government. So they cannot participate in the election as a political party until the matter is resolved. He made it clear that the Election Commission will not work under the influence of any organization.
Divisional Commissioner of Barishal, Deputy Commissioners of six districts, and senior officials from the administration and law enforcement agencies attended the meeting.
