Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Monday said there was no pressure on the commission regarding the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections and the Referendum 2026.
“We have not faced any pressure from anyone. We are carrying out our constitutional duties independently and taking all necessary measures to ensure a free, fair and credible election,” he told journalists at his office at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon area.
Addressing voters, Masud said, “I would like to urge voters to come to polling centres without fear and cast their votes for the candidate of their choice. You should elect the person you prefer, but you must fulfil your civic duty by participating in the vote. You will be able to do so without any hindrance. As far as we know, the law and order situation is very good.”
Responding to another question, he said people had been reluctant to vote for a long time and that changing this mindset would take time.
“However, we need everyone’s cooperation to build public confidence so that people believe they can vote freely and vote for whomever they wish,” he added.
Regarding loan defaulters, Masud said direct loan defaulters had been identified and steps had been taken to cancel their candidatures.
“However, in the case of guarantors, they have been declared eligible under the law. Those whom the courts have declared eligible are being treated as eligible for now. If any disqualification is found even after the election, the matter will be referred to the Election Commission, which will take action accordingly,” he said.
He added that if anyone wins an election despite being a loan defaulter or otherwise disqualified under the law, the Election Commission can take action after the election either on its own initiative or based on information received.
Noting that electoral inquiry committees are working in all 300 constituencies, Masud said one judge-led Electoral Inquiry Committee is legally functioning in each of the 300 seats.
“If anyone believes that the level playing field is being disrupted or that the code of conduct is being violated, they can lodge a complaint with the relevant committee,” he said.
He added that complaints can be submitted in three ways: directly, by providing information, or on the committee’s own initiative.
“If anyone feels that violations are taking place or that the election environment is being disrupted, please file a complaint with our inquiry committees,” he said, adding that the committees would investigate and forward recommendations for punitive action to the Election Commission, which would then take action accordingly.
