EC pledges to ensure fair vote

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the Election Commission (EC) will not act in favour of any individual or group, nor will it engage in any biased activity during the upcoming national election scheduled for February.

He stated, “Through collective effort, we are determined to hold the 13th National Parliament Election in a fair manner. The whole world is watching us. The election cannot be allowed to happen in any arbitrary way. It is clear that the election will take place in February. There is no doubt about it. The Election Commission will not take any crooked path, nor will it act in anyone’s favour. This is our commitment, and we have the courage to uphold it.”

He made the remarks on Saturday morning, October 18, while inaugurating a workshop titled “Identifying Challenges and Solutions in the Duties of Polling Officials in the Electoral Process” at the FIVDB Hall in Shantiganj Upazila, Sunamganj. The event was organised by the Sunamganj District Election Office.

Commissioner Anwarul added, “The election will be held on schedule, before Ramadan in February. The government is well aware of this. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, are also making adequate preparations.”

He told officials, “The Election Commission stands with you. You will have all necessary support to conduct a fair election. The safety of election officials will be fully ensured. We must remain impartial and courageous. The EC, police, Ansar, and all security forces are with you.”

He also said that a special budget will be allocated for the 509 remote polling centres in Sunamganj.

The commissioner further warned, “Anyone attempting to taint this election will not be spared. No matter how powerful they are, the EC will not compromise. Our concept this time is that the presiding officers themselves are the Chief Election Commissioners. We are taking this very seriously.”