The newly appointed chief election commissioner, AMM Nasir Uddin, has said decisions regarding election opportunities for the Awami League and its allied parties will be made after a resolution at the national level.
"We are also waiting for a resolution on the matter concerning the Awami League. Let us see what the resolution is. Once a decision is made at the national level, we will act accordingly," Nasir said during an exchange with journalists at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday after being sworn in.
The other four commissioners were also present at the event.
When asked about the Awami League's participation in the election, the CEC said: "There is serious debate surrounding the Awami League... Let this debate reach a resolution."
"The election is not happening tomorrow or the day after; there is still time," he added.
The CEC said he did not want to comment on the previous ruling party or its allies. "Once a decision is reached nationally, Inshallah (God willing), you will see our actions at the appropriate time."
He said the interim government had no personal agenda, and therefore, "we are under no pressure."
At the beginning of the briefing, the CEC said: "For the first time, we have been appointed through a very transparent process. The recruitment process was confidential, and I was not aware of my appointment until the announcement. I first found out through television."
"From what I have learned about my team members, I am confident we can work effectively with a solid team," he said.
The CEC also said they had introduced themselves and developed an initial understanding of how to proceed.
Nasir reiterated that his commission was committed to conducting free, fair and impartial elections for the nation, and would take every necessary step to ensure this.