He came up with the remarks while responding to queries from reporters at the secretariat.
Mahbub on Wednesday underscored the need for reforming the election process and said public representatives who are elected illegally have no commitment to people or democracy.
Hasan Mahmud said, “I think his statement about his failure is just a self-deception. He should have quit before making such comment.”
Replying to a query, he said Mahbub Talukder's statement will not harm the normal environment of the Election Commission.
About the reforms of the Election Commission as well as the electoral system, the minister said the electoral system was reformed following demand of Awami League. The reform process is underway. It’ll take place keeping pace with the era.”
Welcoming BNP’s decision to participate in the city corporation polls, the minister said all the city corporation elections held under the Awami League government had been free and fair. “Awami League also lost in several cities.”
He also expressed the hope that elections to the two Dhaka city corporations will also be free and fair.
Hasan Mahmud said he believes the Election Commission is working neutrally and independently. “That’s the reason behind AL’s defeat in many elections in the past.”
Responding to a query about who will get AL nomination in the city corporation polls, he said the AL nomination board will select the candidates. “Time has not come to disclose this.”
Also read: EC Mahbub pushes for election process reform