Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Wednesday stressed that Bangladesh must deliver a free, fair, and credible national election, warning that failure to do so would tarnish the country’s image on the global stage.
“We have no alternative but to hold a credible election. Under any circumstances, we must ensure a free, fair, and widely accepted election,” he said.
Masud made the remarks while speaking as special guest at the inauguration of a training of trainers (TOT) program on election management for Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) at the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) in Agargaon.
The training is part of preparations for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.
Urging field-level officials to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, he cautioned: “If we fail to hold a credible election, the nation will face ruthless consequences and become disgraced across the world.”
He described election duty as a “sacred responsibility,” adding that those who neglect it would be regarded as hypocrites.
The commissioner further noted that the principle of performing duties with honesty and accuracy is upheld across all religions, not just in Islam.
Calling for the full attention and dedication of UNOs, Masud reiterated that accurate execution of responsibilities is essential to ensuring a widely accepted election.
The program was chaired by Akhter Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, and attended by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin as chief guest.
Election Commissioners Begum Tahmida Ahmad, M Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah also addressed the event.
