Civil society leaders and teacher representatives on Sunday urged the Election Commission (EC) to take a firm stance and diligently fulfill its responsibilities to ensure that the next parliamentary election is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.
They also urged the Commission to remain cautious over the postal balloting system, abuse of AI, misinformation and disinformation on Social Media and to stand resolutely against any possible vote fraud.
The recommendations came from two separate discussions--one with civil society members and another with teacher representatives --held at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin chaired both sessions.
With Sunday’s discussions, the Commission formally opened a series of election dialogues with different stakeholders ahead of the next general election, which is planned to be held in early February 2026.
“This election is a transition for Bangladesh. Through it, the country’s future direction will be determined. People want to see you carry out your responsibility sincerely despite the challenges. I believe you can deliver a good election,” said former ambassador M Humayun Kabir, speaking at the first discussion with civil society members.
Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury voiced deep concern over a reform proposal that would make it mandatory for political parties to nominate only 5-7 percent women candidates in direct elections.
“Even after 55 years (since independence), hearing that women get only 5 to 7 percent of seats leaves me stunned. We cannot accept this. Our minimum demand is to ensure 33 percent of seats for women,” she said.
Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammad Yeahia Akhter cautioned the EC against introducing proportional representation (PR) voting without sufficient research or public awareness.
“In such a dangerous political climate, if the EC can deliver a fair election, its name will be written in golden letters in history. But experiments with PR voting without trials and public knowledge would not be wise,” he said, stressing that postal balloting must also be handled carefully to avoid controversy.
Journalist and columnist Sohrab Hasan told the EC that if it felt a fair election was impossible, then it should step down.
He warned that attempts to exclude certain parties from the election would undermine credibility.
“The Chief Adviser has said it would be the best election. So how can it be the best election if you exclude someone?” he asked.
Dhaka University’s Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Robaet Ferdous reminded the EC of the nation’s expectations. “If you have a backbone, if you can take challenges, then you will succeed. The entire nation is watching you,” he said.
He recommended credible electoral rolls, unhindered media access and larger numbers of international observers.
Jatiya Kabita Parishad President Mohan Raihan said the EC’s backbone must be strong to make the election fair and credible. “There are still ghosts of authoritarianism within the administration who may prevent a fair election. So, the EC must be vigilant about this issue,” he added.
During the first discussion, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission is making strong progress to ensure a free, fair and credible national election.
“We have already moved far ahead in making the necessary preparations for holding this election in a fair and proper manner. We are committed to delivering a free, fair and credible election. Our honourable Chief Adviser has also expressed the same,” said the CEC.
On the postal balloting system for expatriates, he said there has been a postal balloting system in the law. “It has been in the book, but not in practice,” he said.
Although the rights of expatriates were recognised in the past, no effective mechanism existed for them to exercise their franchise, said the CEC.
“We are now working vigorously to introduce IT-supported postal ballots for expatriates. After extensive studies and research, the Commission has developed the IT-supported postal ballot system,” he said.
The CEC said the EC is seriously working to fight abuse of artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and disinformation on social media during the upcoming national election.
“We’ve been seriously working on this issue for a long time. InshAllah we’ll develop a central communication cell. We’re fully aware of the consequences of abuse of social media and AI,” he said.
Noting that the Election Commission has brought back its authority to cancel the election of an entire constituency, (which was taken away in 2023), the CEC said, “If we see any problem, we’ll cancel the election of the whole constituency immediately.”
Later in the afternoon, the Commission held talks with teacher representatives.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmad advised the EC to maximise media involvement in election monitoring.
Drawing from his experience in the recent DUCSU election, he said, “We had journalists by our side. We talked to them all the time. Sometimes we had annoying conversations with them. But their support was invaluable. Their role was very important…and the observers were our lifesaver. If they watched the whole process closely, it would be very useful for us.”
“Observers and journalists were our life-saving partners. Their role was invaluable, from ballot casting to counting. The more visible cameras and observers, the greater the credibility.”
He also emphasised rigorous testing of IT systems to avoid breakdowns that could damage trust.
DU Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Gitiara Nasreen warned the EC that now a lot of fake information, misinformation, fake images, and AI-based misleading contents are spreading. “Their impact will increase during the election,” she said.
The CEC said the saboteurs might try to stop the election with all their strengths. “Those who want to sabotage the election, they will try with all their might to stop the election,” he said.
About the cyber-attack or malware attack on the IT-based postal ballot system, he said, “We have to understand that where Bangladesh Bank's reserves are not safe, then how safe is my postal ballot?”
Nasir Uddin said he was instructed to find out what challenges might be faced in the postal ballot. "IT supported postal ballots may raise debates. It might be debated later. It may raise a lot of questions as well. We know this ... .but They (IT consultants) assured me that they will take action."
Only 13 out of 30 invitees from civil society joined the first session, while 15 out of 32 invitees attended the second session.
Election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present at the discussions moderated by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.