President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday asked the Election Commission to play a responsible role with courage and sincerity to make the next general election fair by following the constitutional rules and norms.

He made the call when a delegation of the Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, met him, said President's press secretary Joynal Abedin.

During the meeting, the CEC informed the president about the overall preparations for the upcoming 12th national election.

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The president said the democratic trend will have to be upheld in order to continue the development of the country.

Noting that it is not possible for the Election Commission alone to conduct an election in a fair manner, the president said active cooperation from the people including the executive department is required for a fair and nice election. “Political parties should come forward in this regard,” he said.

President Sahabuddin hoped that the government would extend full cooperation to the Election Commission to complete the upcoming national parliamentary elections in fair and nice manners.

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People elect their representatives through elections, and the expectations of people are fulfilled through representatives, he said.

Election Commissioners and secretaries to the president were present on the occasion.