Election Commissioner Kobita Khanum said it is not possible to hold a 100% fair election in Bangladesh—or in any country.
She made this remark during the last day of a three-day-long assistant returning officers training event, held Friday, in the Election Commission’s auditorium.
Assistant returning officers from Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna were present at Friday’s session.
She said: "We want to gift the general people of Bangladesh an election which will be acceptable to all the stakeholders involved. It is not possible to hold a 100% fair election anywhere in the world. It is not possible here as well. We want to ensure an up-to-standard election."
“We by no means want the upcoming general polls to be questionable. However, it will be very tough for us to guarantee an election which will satisfy everyone. We urge all the returning officers to make sure that they work independently and have an unbiased approach to the proceedings,” she added.
She also said: “It is the duty of every citizen to make sure that the election is fair and free. Election-related festivity can be felt everywhere and we all have to ensure it stays like this. Assistant returning officers have to abide by their duties all the time.”
Adding to which the Election Commission Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed said: “All the banners and posters related with the upcoming general election are yet to be torn down. All these have to be removed before November 18. All the authorities responsible across the country need to make sure that the nominated candidates have adequate opportunities to carry out their campaign.”
“The election date will not change. It will be on December 30. This election will have all parties participate—which will ensure a very competitive contest.” he added.
He also advised all the assistant returning officers to perform their duties honestly and accordingly.
