The members of the new Election Commission have promised to do their best to ensure that polls under their tenure are free and fair.
Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique administered the oath to CEC Kazi Habibul Awal and Election Commissioners Begum Rashida Sultana, Brig Gen (retd) Ahsan Habib Khan, Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman at the Supreme Court Judges Lounge on Sunday.
Following the oath-taking, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal told media he would do his best to make the next election acceptable.
Supreme Court Registrar General Md Ali Akbar conducted the oath-taking ceremony. Judges of the Appellate Division and officials of the apex court were present at the function.
The CEC said: “We have been given responsibilities with the taking of our oaths. We hope for everyone’s support and blessing in fulfilling our responsibilities as per the Constitution.”
He also said: “Our main objective is to hold elections with all political parties. If only the Election Commission wants a fair election, it is not possible. We need everyone's cooperation. I am hopeful that the next general election will be held with the participation of all political parties.”
Responding to a question, the CEC said: “Every election is a challenge. Human life is also a challenge. Elections are also a challenge. You don't have to be afraid of any challenge. The challenge has to be tackled. An election is an important thing regardless of whether it is a local government or general election,”
He also said that an official press conference would be held on Monday in consultation with all the election commissioners.
Talking to journalists, the CEC sought prayers from all so that they can discharge all of their duties properly with efficiency and honesty remaining obedient to their oath.
Asked whether it is possible for the EC alone to hold a fair election, Kazi Habibul Awal said the EC alone doesn’t hold elections rather it has many stakeholders, reports BSS.
“Election is a massive task and many stakeholders remain involved with it,” he added.
CEC Kazi Habibul Awal also sought cooperation from all stakeholders in holding every poll in a free and fair manner.
“I have trust in my other colleagues. Hopefully they have also trust in me. We will make our best efforts,” he observed.
He mentioned that they will take all decisions in concerted ways.
“We will take any decision in unison after holding discussions with all of our colleagues. Then, we can talk in a more dependable way.”
President M Abdul Hamid on Saturday named the members of the new EC. He selected the names from among 10 recommended by a search committee formed under a recently enacted law.
This is the first time that the members of the EC have been appointed under a law in Bangladesh.
The search committee had received 315 names from political parties, eminent citizens and other individuals.
CEC Kazi Habibul Awal is a former secretary of the Defence Ministry, while Begum Rashida Sultana is a retired district and sessions judge, and Md Alamgir and Anisur Rahman are former senior secretaries.