United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday called on local election observation organisations not to appoint any person involved in politics or any party as they are field-level observers to ensure their neutral role in the upcoming national election. “Please make sure that your people would be totally impartial,” he said while chairing a discussion with local election observer groups at Nirbachan Bhaban. The discussion began at 10:35am as part of the Commission’s ongoing dialogue with stakeholders ahead of the next national election, expected to be held in early February 2026. Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present. Commonwealth Secretary-General meets CEC, discusses election preparations The CEC said Bangladeshis are highly politically conscious, and therefore any observer who becomes politically involved during the election would ‘damage everything’. “Please check whether those you appoint have any political involvement or have any link and connection with any party. If they have participated in political programmes, processions or meetings, please do not appoint them,” he said. He said the Election Commission wants the observers as partners to deliver a fair and credible election to the nation. “We have promised the nation that we would deliver a fair, beautiful and credible election to the nation. The Election Commission alone cannot ensure this. We all must work together for it, he added. Pointing at the old observer organisations, the CEC said he does not want to revisit past controversies. “I don’t want to dig into the past. I always want to look ahead. Mistakes may have happened for various reasons. Let’s forget about it. Rather, we should take lessons from the past and move forward.” EC committed to neutral role for credible polls: CEC Nasir But he warned that the reputation of observer organisations would be at stake if their field-level staff fail to perform responsibly.  “Reports submitted by observers must be based on reality,” Nasir Uddin said. He said the organisations must take responsibility to monitor whether their field-level observers are reporting properly. “If any report comes that your observer is working in favour of a political party or influencing the process, this will be a great damage done to your reputation. So, please ensure they remain totally impartial,” he said. The CEC said the Commission’s sole agenda is to deliver a “credible, transparent and fair election.” Describing the observers and journalists as the CCTV cameras for the EC, he said “If they keep watch, no one will dare to commit irregularities. Your role is very important. You have a very important role to play.” He reminded organisations that observers must not engage in any election campaigning or influence the vote in any way. “Their duty is just to observe, not to intervene. If they see an irregularity, it is their duty to report it, not to intervene or stop it.” On Tuesday, the EC is holding two separate discussions—one with 40 observer organisations in the morning, and another with 41 organisations from 2:00pm. The EC is holding two discussions on Tuesday --The first discussion with 40 observer organisations, while the second one with 41 other organisations from 2:00pm. Besides, the Commission is going to sit in its second discussion with top representatives of law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces on November 27 and with the top government officials concerned on November 30 next. The meeting with the law enforcement agencies is likely to focus on the deployment of security personnel in every constituency including polling stations, their coordination among the law enforcement members and EC’s instructions to ensure security during the upcoming election. Earlier, the Election held dialogues with 47 registered political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party-NCP on November 13, 16, 17 and 19 last. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. The Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule in early December for holding the next general election in the first half of February 2026.  

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said the Election Commission has been working with a clear conviction and commitment to create a fair and beautiful electoral environment. “We will take all necessary preparations from our side to create a proper and nice election environment. We will keep trying. Our intention and commitment are absolutely clear. And we are working accordingly,” he said while chairing a pre-election dialogue with five political parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital this morning. The discussion was held with five political parties as part of the EC’s ongoing dialogue with registered political parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary election to be held in early February 2026. Later in the afternoon, the Commission sat with six other political parties on Monday. “No matter how many storms, cyclones or turmoil come, we will take every required step to ensure a fair and beautiful environment for the election,” the CEC said. Seeking cooperation from political parties for building a peaceful and proper electoral atmosphere, he said such cooperation is “very essential.” “Please influence your candidates and workers to follow the code of conduct. If we get your cooperation, it will make the enforcement process much easier for us,” Nasir Uddin said, pointing to political parties. Noting that the country belongs to all, the CEC said organising a proper election is a fundamental requirement for leaving behind a nice country for future generations. “If a beautiful election can elect representatives and the country can be entrusted to them, I think a bright future can be ensured for the nation. We seek your full cooperation and hope we will receive it,” he added. Referring to expatriate voting rights, the CEC said although postal ballots for expatriates have always existed in the law, no Election Commission in the past worked with this complex issue. “Postal balloting has always been in the law, but it was never practised. We have taken up this work,” he said. He said many new but “gigantic and complex tasks” have come to the present Commission. Despite many limitations, this Commission has not given up and continues to move forward like a sailor steering a storm-tossed ship through challenges. “InshaAllah, whatever challenges lie ahead, we are prepared to face them. We must move forward overcoming these challenges," he said. Addressing the afternoon discussion, the CEC said his commission has no flaws or lack of sincerity in its electoral preparation. "We’re facing all kinds of challenges with sincerity, patience and courage. We are ready to face all kinds of challenges that come in the future as well," he said. Describing the political parties as the major players in the electoral process, he sought the cooperation from the parties to ensure a friendly atmosphere before and even after the balloting. The five parties that participated in the morning session are Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote (Muktijote), Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Kalyan Party and Bangladesh Muslim League-BML. The six parties that participated in the afternoon session are Zaker Party, Amar Bangladesh Party-AB Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Bangladesh Islami Front, Khelafat Majlish and Jatiya Ganotantrik Party-Jagpa. The political leaders suggested the EC apply its authority strictly to ensure proper implementation of code of conduct and election-friendly atmosphere. Bikalpadhara Bangladesh Secretary General Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan said there is no precedent of revoking the candidature of a person nominated by a major political party for poll code violation. “So, it is important to ensure the strict application of the EC’s authority,” he said, adding that if a few candidatures are revoked for violating the code of conduct, then discipline will be created among the rest. Bangladesh Kalyan Party Chairman Syed Muhammad Ibrahim highlighted the need for social media monitoring and immediate action against violations of poll code. Bangladesh Muslim League (BML) President Sheikh Zulfikar Bulbul Chowdhury stressed creating a level-playing field and eliminating the influence of black money in the elections. Zaker Party Secretary General Shamim Haider urged the EC to ensure transparency and equal access for all parties in media coverage and law enforcement. Amar Bangladesh Party General Secretary ABM Fuad said the commission's rules, although targeting candidates and parties, do not focus enough on voters. He stressed the need for ensuring security during election campaigns, restrictions on government establishments and religious and educational institutions, and effective control over social and online media. Election commissioners Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present in the discussions. On November 13, the EC opened its pre-election dialogue with the political parties and already held talks with a total of 34 ones out of 53 registered political parties on the first three days of the electoral dialogue.  

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday (November 16) sought cooperation from political parties to create a safe environment for voters during the national election to be held in early February 2026. “We need your support in bringing voters to the polling stations and creating a safe environment,” he said while presiding over a dialogue with six registered political parties at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. The discussion began at 10:30 am as part of the Commission’s ongoing electoral dialogue with political parties ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. “We want your suggestions on how we can deliver a free and fair election and ensure a level playing field for all.” The CEC said the Election Commission has already formulated a code of conduct for the upcoming election. “A fair election largely depends on the proper implementation of the code of conduct. If candidates comply with it properly, the election will be fair. In this regard, we seek your cooperation.” Nasir Uddin said the Commission’s main objective is to hold the next election in a fair, acceptable environment. “To achieve this, we need your cooperation,” he said. Read more: EC to sit with 12 more political parties on Sunday The six political parties that joined the talks are Gonoforum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikyajote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party. The Commission will hold another discussion with six other political parties in the afternoon (2pm to 4pm) on Sunday. The six other parties invited for the afternoon session are Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Bangladesh Jasod, Bangladesh National Awami Party-Bangladesh NAP, Trinomul BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. Earlier, on Thursday, the EC opened its much-talked-about pre-election dialogue with registered political parties by holding two separate discussions with 12 registered political parties – six parties in the morning and six others in the afternoon. The 12 parties were Liberal Democratic Party-LDP, Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, National People's Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh Communist Party of Bangladesh-CPB, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal-Basod, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Front-BNF and Bangladesh Nationalist Movement-BNM. Read more: EC awaits formal govt request for its opinion on referendum: CEC The Commission, however, has not announced yet the times for discussions with BNP and Jamaat. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC recognised three new parties, including NCP, as registered parties. The Commission aims to complete the dialogue with all registered political parties within this month before the announcement of the national election schedule in early December. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. Read more: Want to act as real referee in election: CEC Nasir

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has highlighted the importance of building institutional readiness, stressing that effective election management is the foundation of a credible democracy. The EC, with support from the United Nations, has launched a nationwide series of regional trainings aimed at strengthening the capacity of election officials in preparation for the upcoming national elections. “Through these training programmes, we are building not only skills but also the confidence and commitment needed to ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” said the CEC. He said this training marks a milestone in our preparation for the upcoming elections. “The practical modules will enable our officials to replicate lessons across the country, enhancing capacity and confidence at every level.” Next election to determine Bangladesh’s future direction: CEC The first of 10 three-day regional trainings concluded on November 7 in Dhaka, bringing together election officials from the region for hands-on sessions focused on crisis management, cybersecurity, gender equality, human rights and media and elections, said UNDP on Sunday. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed and Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO Dr Susan Vize, UN Women Representative Gitanjali Singh, UNDP Resident Representative, Sonali Dayaratne, were present. The training is part of the UN Electoral Assistance BALLOT and DRIP projects, implemented jointly with UNDP, UN Women and UNESCO. The nationwide training series will continue in nine other regions over the next several weeks, reaching hundreds of EC officials. The initiative, UNDP said, reflects the Election Commission’s strong commitment to professionalism, inclusion, and transparency in the electoral process, ensuring that every vote counts and every voice matters. BNP to meet CEC Thursday to raise concerns over EC’s neutrality

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday asked experts to recommend practical measures to effectively fight misinformation and disinformation ahead of the next national election as the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now emerged as a global concern. “The misuse of AI has now become a global headache. Like any other tool, it can be used for both good and bad purposes—a doctor may use it to save lives, while a criminal may use it to commit crimes,” he said while addressing a workshop at the Election Training Institute (ETI) in the city. The workshop, titled ‘Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Upcoming National Parliament Election to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation’, was jointly organised by the EC’s IDEA and CBTEP projects. The CEC stressed the need for building a round-the-clock monitoring system to fight the misinformation and disinformation. “The Election Commission is taking steps to integrate AI technology to prevent AI misuse and ensure greater transparency in the electoral process,” he said. Election schedule to be unveiled in early December: CEC He said the system must be capable of identifying and countering false or misleading information that emerges even late at night. “This will be a 24-hour job,” he said, adding that the Election Commission needs to decide what kind of professionals will be involved, how quickly the information can be verified and which organisations will assist in this job to fight misinformation. “I don’t just want theoretical guidelines; we need a realistic plan — who will work, how many people will be required, and how we will collect information from remote areas,” the CEC told the participants. Expressing optimism, Nasir Uddin said the workshop will help the Commission formulate effective recommendations to combat electoral misinformation and make the upcoming 13th parliamentary election more credible and transparent. CEC hopes NCP won’t hinder democratic transition over ‘Water Lily’ row All four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present at the event.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission has been seriously working to fight the abuse of artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and disinformation on social media during the upcoming national election slated for February next. “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. The CEC made the remarks while delivering concluding speech at the EC’s dialogue with civil society representatives at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area. With the talks, the Election Commission opened a series of dialogues with different stakeholders ahead of the next general election planned to be held in early February 2026. He said many good suggestions came out from this discussion. “We’ll try to implement these, which are possible for us.” 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.” He said the Commission will later arrange the polls at the constituency by deploying a huge number of security members. Nasir Uddin, in his introductory speech, said the EC 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,” he said. Focusing on the progress of electoral preparations, Nasir Uddin said since assuming office on November 24, 2024, the current Commission has completed a number of tasks keeping eye on the upcoming 13th parliamentary polls. The Commission has updated the voter list, amended the RPO (Representation of the People Order) and revised the electoral code of conduct. The EC worked on amendments on a total of nine laws. “Our procurement process has also advanced,” he added. Turning to the EC’s dialogue, the CEC said, “We sincerely believe that today’s discussion will play an important role in making the upcoming election fair, beautiful and acceptable.” On the postal balloting system for expatriate Bangladeshis, 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. No room for confusion over JaPa’s registration, symbol: presidium member Rezaul “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. Nasir Uddin added that the Commission is working on arrangements for out-of-country voting as well as ensuring the franchise of those engaged in election duty on polling day. “Almost a million people are involved in the electoral process. They cannot vote. Returning officers and presiding officers cannot vote. We will address it, InshAllah, and ensure the voting rights of all,” he assured. He said arrangements will also be made for prisoners, government officials away from their constituencies during polling. These initiatives will become milestones for the Election Commission, he added. Election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present at the discussion moderated by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. Among the representatives of the civil society, former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury, former ambassador M Humayun Kabir, Dhaka University’s Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Robaet Ferdous, Vice Chancellor of Chittagong University Dr Muhammad Yeahia Akhter, Osmani Centre for Peace and Security Studies Lt Gen (retd) Md Mahfuzur Rahman and Police Reform Commission member (Student representative) Zarif Rahman attended the dialogue. Later in the afternoon, the Commission will hold talks with eminent educationists and professors at the same venue. In the electoral roadmap unveiled last month, the Commission said the dialogues with stakeholders—including political parties, civil society members, media persons, observers, election experts and July movement activists—would begin in the last week of September and be completed within one and a half months.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday expressed the hope that the Election Commission would soon receive a letter from the interim government about the timeframe to hold the next general election in ‘early’ February, 2026. “The Chief Adviser said he would send us a letter to hold the election in early February, ahead of Ramadan. I hope we will get the letter very soon,” he told a press conference at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Earlier, on Tuesday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation, marking the first anniversary of July Uprising Day, announced that he would formally notify the Election Commission, on behalf of the interim government, to arrange the national election before Ramadan in February 2026. The CEC said the Commission has already been preparing for the election well in advance. “Despite having various challenges to hold the election in February, we are moving ahead with our preparations. There will be no lack of preparation—InshaAllah as we are taking all necessary preparations to conduct a fair election,” he added. The CEC said the election environment is steadily improving and he currently sees no major problems. “Things have improved much. The election is still a few months away. By then, you’ll see, InshAllah, everything will be in place. I believe the law-and-order situation will not be a problem,” he said. “People have lost trust [in elections]. The number one challenge is now to restore that public confidence. The voters have lost faith in the Election Commission, they’ve lost faith in the electoral system,” said the CEC. The CEC said the Commission would engage in dialogues with stakeholders after political parties complete their discussions with the Consensus Commission. “We’ve planned about a month for this,” he said. He said the EC will begin providing training to 8 to 9 lakh personnel to be involved in election duties and preparations for postal ballots for law enforcement and polling officers. “This time, we’ll try to bring nearly 10 lakh people under the postal balloting,” the CEC said, adding, “Once we receive the letter from the Chief Adviser regarding the election, we’ll hold discussions and fix the polling date. The schedule will be announced two months before that.” The CEC also urged political parties to cooperate in ensuring a level-playing field along with the Commission’s own efforts. He said the EC is committed to arranging a transparent election. “We want to make the election as transparent as possible—like a mirror. We want the people and the world to witness our sincerity and efforts. We want nothing to hide.” About the progress of the pre-election preparatory work, the CEC said an updated voter list would be finalised by August 31 next, and the electoral rolls would be updated further incorporating others who turn voters within a specific time before the election. The CEC also expressed the hope that all necessary procurement for the polls will be completed by September next.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said all confusions about the next national election have been cleared through Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ announcement to send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner to hold the polls in February next year. “He (Yunus) announced that he will send a letter to the Election Commission and the Commission will take the necessary steps to hold the election before the Ramadan in the first half of February 2026,” the BNP leader said. Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after the Chief Adviser addressed the nation, Salahuddin also said the Election Commission will announce the schedule in due time. He said the whole nation and his party have been waiting for such an announcement from the Chief Adviser for a long time. “Through this announcement, the doubts that many people had about the election process in Bangladesh are now gone,” the BNP leader said. CA Prof Yunus to write CEC to arrange national election in February “With this, the confusion that many believed existed regarding the holding of the election in Bangladesh no longer remains. The entire nation will now move forward in an election-oriented environment,” Salahuddin said. He expressed the hope that the upcoming election would be free, fair, neutral and one of the most admired polls in the world. The BNP leader also urged the entire nation and all citizens to prepare for the next national election. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said that he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can holds the national election before the next Ramadan in February. "Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty - holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government," Prof Yunus said, referring to the upcoming 2026 election. In a televised speech, Prof Yunus expressed hope that the people of this country will be able to move forward in building a 'New Bangladesh' by successfully holding the election. July Declaration highlights people’s desire for good governance, fair polls, social justice Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser made two important announcements today: one about the July Charter and the other about the upcoming election. “We welcome both announcements.” He said the July Charter includes commitments that will be recognised constitutionally and officially by the state. “We have pledged to ensure its rightful place in the constitution.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can hold the national election before the next Ramadan in February next. "Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty - holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government," Prof Yunus said, referring to the approaching election to be held in 2026. In a televised speech on the occasion of July Uprising Day, Prof Yunus hoped that the citizens of this country can successfully move forward in the efforts of building a 'New Bangladesh' by conducting the election successfully. The speech was broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar. "We, on behalf of the government, will provide all kinds of help and cooperation so that this election can be conducted in a fair, peaceful and festive manner," Prof Yunus said. Stating that the election is approaching, he urged all those who are now staying away from their constituencies to start visiting them regularly from now on—so that they can be well prepared to elect the best candidates. “As we cast our vote, let the faces of those who shed their fresh blood to restore this precious (voting) right appear before our eyes,” the Chief Adviser said. He said February is not too far away, and by the time preparations for the election get underway, the voting day will arrive. “For many years, no one of us could exercise our right to vote. This time, we all will cast our votes. No one will be left out. Let each of us be able to say, ‘I cast my vote to set the country on the path to building a new Bangladesh. It was my vote that helped the country take that path,’” Prof Yunus said, pointing at the voters. Tarique urges all to stay vigilant against fascism ahead of election “On this July Mass Uprising Day, I urge all citizens—let us pass the first major test of building a ‘New Bangladesh’ together,” he said. Prof Yunus said they will all start mental preparations and institutional arrangements from tomorrow to complete all the arrangements so that this election becomes a memorable event in the history of the country in terms of joy and celebrations, peace and order, voter turnout, harmony and sincerity. Prof Yunus said the desired goal has been achieved in terms of reforms, as under the coordination of the National Consensus Commission, all political parties in the country engaged in continuous discussions over a long period, and as a result, the 'July Charter' has reached its final stage. “The July Charter is a historic achievement. It will be remembered not only in our political history but also in the broader political arena. Not just the document itself, but the process of drafting it will also be remembered,” he said. On behalf of the nation, the Chief Adviser expressed his deepest gratitude and thanks to the leaders of all political parties and the members of the Consensus Commission—especially Professor Ali Riaz, who led this initiative. He said representatives of the political parties took part in the discussions of the Consensus Commission in a very cordial atmosphere. Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul Despite differences of opinion, the Chief Adviser said, there was a sincere effort from all parties to build consensus. “We hope that, based on this consensus, the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and also reach an agreement on its implementation.” He also hoped that the July Charter would ensure the smooth transfer of power in Bangladesh, strengthen the independence and capacity of accountable state institutions, guarantee the genuine implementation of citizens' rights, and ensure proper management of state resources and capabilities. “We must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again. The state must be reformed in such a way that any sign of fascism, anywhere, can be immediately rooted out. We should not have to wait another 16 years, and many people should not have to sacrifice their lives again. We should not need another mass uprising,” Prof Yunus said. Election as per schedule, not a day’s of delay: CA’s press secretary He said the trial in the cases filed in connection with crimes against humanity in July-August last year is progressing firmly. “The formal hearing phase of the trial has also begun. Those involved in the brutal massacres in history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country.” The Chief Adviser said the trial process and its outcomes will gradually be disclosed to the people. “The entire trial procedure is being kept transparent and visible to the people of the country.”

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said restoring public confidence in the electoral process and encouraging voters, particularly women, to return to polling stations remain the biggest challenges in the upcoming national election. “The most pressing challenge for the Election Commission in the upcoming parliamentary election is to regain voters' trust and encourage their active participation at polling centres,” he said while speaking at a views-exchange meeting on the 13th general election, held at the office of the Khulna regional election officer. ‘Even I don’t know election date yet’: CEC “Ensuring the presence of women voters remains a significant hurdle,” he added. Expressing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence, the CEC described it as a more serious threat than conventional weapons. He emphasised the need for heightened vigilance against any technology-driven attempts to influence the electoral process. The CEC also announced that a nationwide drive to seize illegal arms and curb violence would be conducted ahead of the election. “We want a transparent election. No activities will be carried out under cover of darkness. Everything must happen in broad daylight to ensure accountability,” the CEC clarified. EC taking strong steps to curb AI misuse ahead of national election: CEC “We are determined to deliver a fair election. If we fail to do so, it could cast doubt on the future of Bangladesh,” he added. The additional regional election officer of Khulna Division, along with senior district and upazila election officers of the division, were present at the meeting.