BNP today urged the Election Commission (EC) not to involve "controversial or questionable" officials from the government and administration in the process of the upcoming national election.
Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon today, BNP leaders informed reporters that the commission assured them it remains cautious about the issue.
BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan said, "We have requested the EC to ensure that officials with controversial or questionable backgrounds are not engaged in any stage of the electoral process."
He also said that the party expects the commission will take necessary measures to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
Abdul Moyeen Khan said, "The administration has been moulded over the past 15 years to act loyally towards one political party. As a result, it is widely known that voters were victims of mockery in the last three elections. Even in this reality, the EC must remain vigilant to ensure that no controversial or questionable officials are involved in the electoral process. The commission must establish a transparent system that can restore public confidence."
The BNP leader said it is unrealistic to exclude all officials who served in the past from the upcoming election process.
"Rather, those who may have acted unjustly under pressure or fear in the past should now be encouraged to discharge their duties properly in a democratic manner. I believe the people of Bangladesh are inherently democratic. When they realise the election will be fair, it will turn into a celebratory event," he said.
He added, "Our objective is not personal or partisan -- we met with the Election Commission to protect national interests. After a 17-year struggle to restore democracy, especially following the people's uprising on August 5, 2024, we want to ensure that 18 crore citizens can live in a truly democratic environment, journalists can speak freely, and 12 crore voters can exercise their right to vote without fear."
The BNP leader said, "We have urged the Election Commission to set an example so that both the nation and the international community can see that Bangladesh is moving towards democracy."
He further said the interim government must play a role during the election that convinces the public it has no partisan interests. "If the government and the Election Commission can visibly convey that message of neutrality, political stability and a peaceful voting atmosphere will prevail in the country," he added.