Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission has been working with a clear conviction and commitment to create a fair and beautiful electoral environment.
“We will take all necessary preparations from our side to create a proper and nice election environment. We will keep trying. Our intention and commitment are absolutely clear. And we are working accordingly,” he said while chairing a pre-election dialogue with five political parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital this morning.
The discussion was held with five political parties as part of the EC’s ongoing dialogue with registered political parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary election to be held in early February 2026. Later in the afternoon, the Commission sat with six other political parties on Monday.
“No matter how many storms, cyclones or turmoil come, we will take every required step to ensure a fair and beautiful environment for the election,” the CEC said.
Seeking cooperation from political parties for building a peaceful and proper electoral atmosphere, he said such cooperation is “very essential.”
“Please influence your candidates and workers to follow the code of conduct. If we get your cooperation, it will make the enforcement process much easier for us,” Nasir Uddin said, pointing to political parties.
Noting that the country belongs to all, the CEC said organising a proper election is a fundamental requirement for leaving behind a nice country for future generations.
“If a beautiful election can elect representatives and the country can be entrusted to them, I think a bright future can be ensured for the nation. We seek your full cooperation and hope we will receive it,” he added.
Referring to expatriate voting rights, the CEC said although postal ballots for expatriates have always existed in the law, no Election Commission in the past worked with this complex issue.
“Postal balloting has always been in the law, but it was never practised. We have taken up this work,” he said.
He said many new but “gigantic and complex tasks” have come to the present Commission. Despite many limitations, this Commission has not given up and continues to move forward like a sailor steering a storm-tossed ship through challenges.
“InshaAllah, whatever challenges lie ahead, we are prepared to face them. We must move forward overcoming these challenges," he said.
Addressing the afternoon discussion, the CEC said his commission has no flaws or lack of sincerity in its electoral preparation.
"We’re facing all kinds of challenges with sincerity, patience and courage. We are ready to face all kinds of challenges that come in the future as well," he said.
Describing the political parties as the major players in the electoral process, he sought the cooperation from the parties to ensure a friendly atmosphere before and even after the balloting.
The five parties that participated in the morning session are Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote (Muktijote), Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Kalyan Party and Bangladesh Muslim League-BML.
The six parties that participated in the afternoon session are Zaker Party, Amar Bangladesh Party-AB Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Bangladesh Islami Front, Khelafat Majlish and Jatiya Ganotantrik Party-Jagpa.
The political leaders suggested the EC apply its authority strictly to ensure proper implementation of code of conduct and election-friendly atmosphere.
Bikalpadhara Bangladesh Secretary General Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan said there is no precedent of revoking the candidature of a person nominated by a major political party for poll code violation.
“So, it is important to ensure the strict application of the EC’s authority,” he said, adding that if a few candidatures are revoked for violating the code of conduct, then discipline will be created among the rest.
Bangladesh Kalyan Party Chairman Syed Muhammad Ibrahim highlighted the need for social media monitoring and immediate action against violations of poll code.
Bangladesh Muslim League (BML) President Sheikh Zulfikar Bulbul Chowdhury stressed creating a level-playing field and eliminating the influence of black money in the elections.
Zaker Party Secretary General Shamim Haider urged the EC to ensure transparency and equal access for all parties in media coverage and law enforcement.
Amar Bangladesh Party General Secretary ABM Fuad said the commission's rules, although targeting candidates and parties, do not focus enough on voters.
He stressed the need for ensuring security during election campaigns, restrictions on government establishments and religious and educational institutions, and effective control over social and online media.
Election commissioners Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present in the discussions.
On November 13, the EC opened its pre-election dialogue with the political parties and already held talks with a total of 34 ones out of 53 registered political parties on the first three days of the electoral dialogue.