Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday said foreign diplomats posted in Bangladesh have expressed confidence in the Election Commission’s ability to conduct a free, fair, neutral and credible 13th national parliamentary election.
Speaking to journalists after a briefing with diplomats at a hotel in Gulshan, the CEC said the commission had provided a detailed overview of its preparations and electoral processes to ensure transparency and credibility.
“We informed them about the steps we have taken and the systems we have put in place. They expressed satisfaction with our overall readiness and appreciated our efforts,” Nasir Uddin said.
He added that the diplomats conveyed their confidence in the commission’s commitment to holding a fair election. “We assured them that there will be no vote-buying and that all activities will be conducted transparently. They were optimistic about the process,” he said.
On security arrangements, the CEC said the diplomats were informed that members of the army and the Ansar would be deployed alongside the police to maintain law and order during the polls.
“They clearly understood our action plan and were satisfied that our objective is to ensure a peaceful and orderly election. They also assured us of their continued cooperation,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the Election Commission held a formal briefing for foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh at the same venue, beginning at 10:00 am.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Election Commissioner along with Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah Brigadier General (retd). Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat, Akhtar Ahmed and other senior officials were also present.
Ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives from various countries, as well as officials from the European Union and the United Nations, participated in the briefing.
According to Election Commission sources, the diplomats were informed about overall election preparations, the electoral process, the appointment of international observers, measures to ensure transparency, and the prevailing law and order situation.
