Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Sept 19, 2025 (BSS)- Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman today said the Election Commission (EC) can hold fair elections if it wants.

He made the remark while speaking at the inaugural session of an election news reporting training workshop, organised by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the TIB office here.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the central role of the EC is the most important and there is a responsibility of journalists too.

"We want fair polls. We want neutral elections. We want to back the people to exercise their franchise," the TIB chief said.

“It is not possible to change the entire administration in a day. Stability and professionalism should be established gradually,” he noted.

“The recommendations of the reform commissions have not yet been fully implemented. Even if there is a little progress, it is not enough,” he said.

The TIB executive director said journalists' access to polling centres must be protected during the elections. 

He observed that the obligation of a journalist to inform concerned authorities before entering the polling centres can be used as a tool for harassment.

Iftekharuzzaman said the governance system of Bangladesh has been destroyed for a long time through politicisation and weakening of the institutions. 

“This has destroyed the professionalism and impartiality of the administration. However, there are still some officials in the administration who are trying to work professionally from an impartial position,” he said.

Iftekharuzzaman said journalists have to work keeping these weaknesses in mind and it is their responsibility to highlight where the law is being implemented, where the rights of voters are being ensured and where failures are occurring.

“If we prepare reports impartially, based on the truth and continue to demand transparency, then it is possible to create opportunities for fair and impartial polls,” he added.

Former EC additional secretary Jasmine Tuli spoke at the event, while RFED President Kazi Jebel and General Secretary Golam Rabbani were present.