Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture and the country’s future will depend on those assigned to conduct the upcoming national election.
“The future direction of Bangladesh depends on those who will be responsible for carrying out the election,” the CEC said while addressing members of the Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) during a polling centre security drill and training programme for the fourth phase of Ansar company/platoon members on Monday (3 November).
Nasir Uddin said he did not take the position of CEC as a routine job but as a challenge to bring meaningful change.
He emphasised that a free and fair election is not possible without the cooperation of political parties, noting that around one million people will be directly involved in the electoral process.
Highlighting new initiatives, the CEC said this will be the first election where prisoners and expatriates will be able to cast their votes through online registration via an app.
“In addition, those who will be on election duty will also be able to vote. We will launch the postal ballot app on 16 November and the ballots will be delivered directly to the registered addresses of election officials,” he said.
Expressing concern over the current situation, Nasir Uddin remarked, “Bangladesh is at a crossroads. How we move forward in the path of democracy will depend on this election.”
He called on Ansar-VDP members to play a significant role, saying the force represents the largest manpower in the field.
“Traditional methods will not work this time. You must go beyond the ordinary to fulfill your duty,” he said.
Urging everyone to be cautious about misinformation, the CEC advised citizens to cross-check social media content before sharing.
“It has become a habit to share without verification. Please check authenticity first,” he added.
He also warned about the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), announcing that a special verification cell has been established to help the public confirm the accuracy of any circulated content.
At the same event, Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, said that about five lakh members will be deployed during the upcoming parliamentary election.
He also added that 1.45 lakh new members have been recruited over the past year and provided with basic training, which will continue until December.
“The Ansar force is fully committed to supporting the Election Commission in ensuring a smooth election,” he added.
In addition to assisting with election security, Ansar members will also support voter awareness campaigns and promotional activities across the country.
“This time, the Ansar force will play a more robust role than in any previous election,” the DG said, adding that digital registration will be used to assign election duties.
Those with complaints or allegations against them will be screened and excluded from election responsibilities, he noted.
FP/MI
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