CEC Vows to be 'True Referee' in Upcoming Polls, Seeks political Parties Cooperation

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin stated on Thursday that the Election Commission (EC) is committed to acting as a "true referee" in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, likely to be held in early February 2026. He stressed that cooperation from all political parties is essential for holding a free, fair, and credible poll.

The CEC addressed political party representatives, saying, "You are the players... We really want to be in the role of referees. Without your cooperation, it is difficult to play the role of referees and hold fair elections."

Nasir Uddin underscored that lack of cooperation from the "main players" (political parties) would inevitably question the election's credibility.

He assured attendees that all 54 registered political parties are considered equal by the EC, regardless of their size or influence, and solicited "thoughtful suggestions and opinions."

Regarding the widely discussed possibility of a referendum on the July National Charter 2025, the CEC confirmed that the Commission has not yet received any official communication.

The CEC addressed the recent surge in political posters across Dhaka, which he noted are currently illegal. He vowed that the EC would be "strict" and "will not spare anyone" for these violations, promising immediate action once the election schedule is announced.

The CEC's remarks came during the EC's views-exchange meeting, part of an ongoing dialogue process, in Morning Session Invitees (6 parties) as such Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, National People's Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, and Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh. The Afternoon Session Invitees (6 parties) are Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Basod), Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF), and Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM).

The EC aims to complete its dialogue with all registered parties within this month before the election schedule is announced in early December.