AL fit to join polls if not banned by govt or court

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that Awami League (AL) will be able to participate in the next national election if the current government or court does not imposed ban on it.

He made the remark while speaking to journalists at the view-exchange meeting organized on the occasion of 'Voters' List Update and Thirteenth National Parliament Election' at the Chittagong Circuit House on Monday morning (December 30).

"The Election Commission is fully independent now. There is no pressure from the right, the left, or externally. However, we are now under the pressure of our conscience," he said.

AMM Nasir Uddin in response to a question said, "We will address the lack of confidence among voters. For this, we will go door to door. We aim to complete this work within six months. We will include those who have been excluded from the voter list."

When asked whether there are any plans to bring the previous Election Commission under punishment, he said, "This is a matter for the Election Reform Commission. We have not yet received their recommendations. However, our commission has not given any such consideration."

He said, "I want to assure you that this election will not be like the ones before. We will make our utmost efforts for this, and everyone's cooperation will be necessary."

Back in October, the interim government had banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of Awami League, as a terrorist organisation – citing various reasons including murder, torture, common room-based oppression, seat trading in dormitories, tender bidding, rape and sexual harassment during various times in the post-independence of Bangladesh, especially during the last 15 years of dictatorial rule.