Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud yesterday observed that the Election Commission was not yet functioning independently in true sense.
Speaking at the BBC Bangladesh Sanglap at BIAM auditorium, the minister said there remained some weaknesses in the EC as it had not yet to be developed as a truly independent institution.
He was responding to questions from the audience whether the role of the EC during the Upazila elections was fair.
The EC must be independent in appointing its own manpower, deciding its own budget and enjoying the full control over the relevant activities, he added.
Anisul Islam also stressed on ensuring fair appointment of the chief election commissioner.
Responding to a query whether he was embarrassed by news reports on various incidents of vote rigging during the national election on January 5, he admitted: “It led to embarrassment.”
