Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to seize ballot boxes or disrupt polling centres ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
“Those dreaming of capturing ballot boxes will see their dreams shattered. Those who want to win elections by brandishing weapons will get bad news. Forget the history of capturing polling centres. If irregularities occur at any polling centre, the entire constituency’s election will be canceled,” he said, addressing election officials at a views-exchange meeting at the Rajshahi Regional Public Administration Training Centre (RPATC). The meeting was presided over by Rajshahi Regional Election Officer Delwar Hossain.
The CEC emphasised the EC’s neutrality, noting the commission would not be swayed by political pressures. “I have taken charge as the Chief Election Commissioner at a crucial time for the country. The future direction of the country depends on this election. Will we walk the path of democracy or not—that will be determined by this election. We are not guided by any political statements. Our job is to organise the election as instructed by law. We will stay within our responsibilities and will not enter political debates,” he said.
Nasir Uddin outlined preparations for a free, fair, and credible election, saying almost all arrangements have been completed. “A major task was updating the voter list. Over 77,000 personnel were deployed, trained, and sent into the field. They updated the list door-to-door, removed deceased voters, and added eligible voters who were previously left out. The voter list has been mostly updated; after some corrections, the final list will be released,” he said.
On the ongoing debate over election systems, the CEC clarified: “The proportional representation (PR) system is not in the constitution. We cannot go beyond the Constitution. Political parties are debating this, but I do not want to get involved. If the law changes, then it will be implemented.”
Regarding security, he announced that the army, navy, air force, and coast guard will be included under law enforcement for election duty, moving beyond their previous role as a striking force. He also warned illegal arms holders: “The campaign to recover illegal weapons is ongoing and will intensify before the election. Those intending to use arms to win votes will face serious consequences.”
Addressing personnel integrity, he said officials previously involved in election fraud would not be assigned to duty. “I have 5,700 officials. But those who were directly involved in fraud of their own accord will definitely not be assigned,” he added.
Reaffirming his independence, the CEC stated he would resign if pressured by the government. “The government has not pressured me about the election so far. If they do, I will resign; I will not remain in this chair,” he said.
On political participation, he noted the Awami League is barred from political activities until ongoing trials conclude. “Until the trial is over, they cannot take part in the election. Let’s see what the verdict says,” he said.
Expressing confidence in law and order, he added: “The government is very vigilant. All agencies involved in the election have been instructed to complete preparations by December. Our home affairs adviser is working tirelessly to improve law and order.”
Nasir Uddin also commented on political disagreements ahead of the election: “Whether all parties will participate or not, time will tell. I believe our political parties want the country’s welfare. At the end of the day, they will come to a position. Until the Awami League’s trial verdict is out, they cannot be involved in politics.”
The CEC is scheduled to meet administration and law enforcement officials later Saturday at the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner’s Office and will leave Rajshahi for Dhaka on Sunday morning.
