Voting may be suspended if security fails: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday (October 11) identified security as the biggest challenge in Bangladesh’s elections and said voting could be suspended if required.

Speaking at a workshop with polling officials in Chattogram, the CEC emphasised the authority of the Presiding Officer, calling them the “Chief Election Officer” at each center. He urged them to use their powers confidently and impartially.

“You’ll be given power, and failure to exercise it when necessary will not be tolerated,” the CEC said. “We want to demonstrate what ‘law and order’ means in this election.”

Nasir Uddin stressed the importance of coordination between the administration and law enforcement agencies, noting that security management is tougher than administrative or technological challenges in the electoral process.

He also underlined the need for tailored training for officials: “One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Training must match participants’ backgrounds, especially for those new to election duties.”

The CEC reiterated the Commission’s commitment to a free, fair, and inclusive election.