EC begins dialogue with political parties

Dialogue of the Election Commission (EC) with the registered political parties began on Thursday at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.

On the first day, dialogue was held with six political parties. The parties are: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, National Peoples Party, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolon, and Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh.

In an introductory speech in the dialogue, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin hoped that the Commission, out of its responsibility to the nation, will play an impartial role in the coming election.

The CEC also called upon the political parties to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct.

Leaders of the political parties shared their opinions to ensure that the upcoming election is held in a free and fair manner.

The political party leaders urged the CEC to ensure the highest security in every polling centre and a neutral role of the EC.

They urged for strict execution of the electoral rules, equal opportunities for all political parties, and reducing poll expenditure.

To keep the election free from the influence of money and muscle, they urged the EC to take tough action against ‘vote rigging’.

Urging all to abide by the electoral code of conduct, the CEC said, “If someone thinks that they will not comply with the electoral rules, then a ‘conflicting’ situation may arise.

“We don’t want any conflict; we never want to face anybody. We want to go ahead with all. The political parties will have to play a key role here,” he said.

“This election is totally different from any other elections in the past. So, your close cooperation is exclusively needed for us,” the CEC added.

Election Commissioners (ECs) Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaulla, Tahmida Ahmed, and M Anwarul Islam Sarker, EC Secretary Akhter Ahmed, and other officials were present.

The EC is scheduled to hold dialogue with six political parties this afternoon. The parties are: Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD), Biplobi Workers Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF), and Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Andolon (BNM).