The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda, setting the stage for the 13th parliamentary election under the newly formed Election Commission (EC).
The timeline for the elections will depend on achieving a "minimum consensus" among political parties, as emphasized by the interim government.
The government appointed them through two separate gazette notifications signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid on Thursday.
This new Election Commission is expected to oversee the 13th parliamentary election, a crucial step in the nation’s democratic process, following significant reforms.
Former secretary AMM Nasir Uddin has been appointed chief election commissioner (CEC) while four Election Commissioners are former additional secretary Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, former district and sessions judge Abdur Rahman Masud, former joint secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmed and Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.
On November 7, the six-member EC was finalized after a rigorous process overseen by a search committee led by Appellate Division Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury.
Other members of the committee included High Court Justice AKM Asaduzzaman, former Public Service Commission Chairperson Professor Zinnatun Nessa Tahmida Begum, former Dhaka University International Relations Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Comptroller and Auditor General Md Nurul Islam, and PSC Chairperson Mobasher Monem.
The newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner and the commissioners bring a wealth of experience from diverse fields.
Below are the profiles of the key members:
Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam
Anwarul Islam, the newly appointed Election Commissioner (EC), is a distinguished public servant from Kutubdia, Cox's Bazar. Born on July 1, 1953, he holds a Master's degree in Economics from Chittagong University and began his professional career as a teacher in 1977.
He joined the administrative cadre of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) in 1979 as part of the 79th batch and had a remarkable career spanning multiple ministries. He served as Secretary of the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Health, as well as a Planning Commission member. He retired from government service in 2009, but his leadership in roles such as Chairman of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC) reflects his commitment to public welfare.
Election Commissioner Tahmida Ahmad
Tahmida Ahmad is currently serving as a member of the new Election Commission under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. Her extensive experience in public administration and governance has positioned her as a key figure in ensuring transparency and integrity in the nation’s electoral process.
She also holds the rank of Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, Public Administration Computer Centre (PACC), in Dhaka. Tahmida has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to public service, contributing to various government ministries and offices throughout her career.
Born in Sunamganj, she is the daughter of Late Ali Farid Ahmad and Late Arfa Ahmad.
Tahmida holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Soil Science, earning second-class honors in her educational endeavors. Her academic excellence laid the foundation for her professional journey.
Joining the Bangladesh Administrative Cadre on October 4, 1993, as part of her cadre batch, she was confirmed in service in April 2001. Over the years, she has held numerous key positions, beginning her career as an Assistant Commissioner at the Dhaka Division Commissioner's Office. She has also served in districts like Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, and Netrokona, showcasing her versatility and dedication.
Her ascent through the administrative hierarchy includes roles as Senior Assistant Secretary in ministries such as Agriculture, Fisheries & Livestock, and Education. She has also served as Deputy Secretary in various ministries, including Public Administration, Industries, and Civil Aviation & Tourism. Most recently, she was attached as OSD (Joint Secretary) to the Ministry of Youth & Sports.
Tahmida's training portfolio is extensive. Locally, she has completed courses on Foundation Training, Law & Administration, Water Management, and Computer Applications. She has also participated in international training programs in Malaysia, Denmark, and Thailand, focusing on subjects like Human Resource Development, Public Finance, and Sustaining Competitive Edge.
Her dedication, coupled with diverse expertise, underscores her contribution to the administrative framework of Bangladesh. Now, as a member of the Election Commission, Tahmida Ahmad plays a pivotal role in shaping the democratic processes of the country under the interim government’s guidance.
Election Commissioner Brigadier General Fazal
Brigadier General Fazal is now a member of the newly formed Election Commission under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. With nearly 35 years of distinguished service in the Bangladesh Army, Brig Gen Fazal brings unparalleled expertise in leadership, administration, and strategic planning to his new role in ensuring free and fair elections.
Throughout his military career, Brig Gen Fazal held a range of prestigious command, staff, instructional, intelligence, and diplomatic appointments. Known for his professional and academic achievements, he consistently excelled in every assignment. He graduated at the top of his class from the Defence Services Command and Staff College and the National Defence College. His academic excellence extends to his Master’s in Defence Studies from National University, where he secured a first-class first position. He also earned a Master’s in Management Studies with distinction from Osmania University in India, receiving the ‘Best International Participant’ award, and completed a Master’s in Military Arts and Science from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth.
Brig Gen Fazal’s extensive training includes the Mid-Career Course from the School of Infantry and Tactics, Quetta, Pakistan, and the International Intelligence Directors’ Course from the Defence Intelligence School, Chicksands, UK.
His expertise spans disaster relief and management, UN Peace Operations, international negotiations, strategic planning, leadership, and security assessment.
His contributions to the military extended beyond his assignments. He was a director of the Bangladesh Army’s flagship housing project, Jolshiri Abason. In the realm of sports, he served as Club Captain of Kurmitola Golf Club, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Golf Federation, and held leadership roles in Army Golf Club and Rangpur Golf Club. Notably, he designed the current golf course of Rangpur Golf Club and remains an avid golfer.
As a blue helmet, Brig Gen Fazal served in Somalia (1994-95) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2003-2004), gaining invaluable experience in international peacekeeping operations. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at the Bangladesh University of Professionals, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and research.
Brig Gen Fazal is married to Shahida Chowdhury. They are proud parents of a son, a second-generation Army officer, and a daughter pursuing her undergraduate studies in the USA.
With his vast experience in military leadership, international diplomacy, and strategic planning, Brigadier General Fazal now plays a pivotal role in upholding the democratic process as part of the Election Commission.
The new Election Commission, under the interim government's leadership, is tasked with conducting free and fair elections while ensuring national consensus. This diverse and experienced team is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining transparency and accountability in Bangladesh's electoral process.
