Sunday, 10 August, 2025
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the next national election is likely to take place in the first half of February, with the Election Commission ramping up preparations nationwide.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon after a meeting with Rangpur divisional officials, the CEC said the Commission was working closely with local election authorities to ensure the polls are conducted smoothly. He warned that voting in any constituency would be suspended immediately if disorder occurred at a polling centre, and any official accused of irregularities, corruption or bribery would be barred from election duties.
He confirmed that action would be taken against presiding officers found guilty of misconduct in previous elections. Admitting that public trust in the electoral process had been eroded, the CEC acknowledged that restoring confidence and encouraging voter turnout were among the Commission’s biggest challenges. While the election schedule has yet to be announced, he indicated the date would be declared two months in advance, and preparations are under way to hold the polls within a tight timeframe.
On security, Nasir Uddin said the current law-and-order situation was satisfactory but should improve further to allow citizens to vote without fear. He voiced concern over widespread voter apathy, noting that many people now stay home on election day, believing their vote will not count or that someone else will cast it. Changing this mindset, he said, was a priority, and he appealed to journalists to help raise public awareness.
Addressing the spread of misinformation and digital manipulation, the CEC warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence was becoming “more dangerous than weapons”. While he did not see professional journalists as a threat, he criticised unethical and untrained individuals who circulate misleading content online, including videos targeting himself and the Chief Adviser. He urged the public not to share unverified material and said the Commission was taking steps to combat harmful content.
Nasir Uddin stressed that officials who engaged in past electoral misconduct, whether presiding or administrative, would be excluded from the upcoming polls. He reaffirmed the Election Commission’s neutrality, emphasising it would work for the people, not for or against any political party.
Highlighting the importance of participation, he described voting as both a civic duty and a moral responsibility, pledging that the 13th National Parliamentary Election would be transparent, free and fair.
Earlier in the day, the CEC chaired a coordination meeting with regional, district and upazila election officers in Rangpur as part of his three-day visit to review preparations and meet with election administrators and law enforcement agencies ahead of the polls.
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Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the next national election is likely to take place in the first half of February, with the Election Commission ramping up preparations nationwide.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon after a meeting with Rangpur divisional officials, the CEC said the Commission was working closely with local election authorities to ensure the polls are conducted smoothly. He warned that voting in any constituency would be suspended immediately if disorder occurred at a polling centre, and any official accused of irregularities, corruption or bribery would be barred from election duties.
He confirmed that action would be taken against presiding officers found guilty of misconduct in previous elections. Admitting that public trust in the electoral process had been eroded, the CEC acknowledged that restoring confidence and encouraging voter turnout were among the Commission’s biggest challenges. While the election schedule has yet to be announced, he indicated the date would be declared two months in advance, and preparations are under way to hold the polls within a tight timeframe.
On security, Nasir Uddin said the current law-and-order situation was satisfactory but should improve further to allow citizens to vote without fear. He voiced concern over widespread voter apathy, noting that many people now stay home on election day, believing their vote will not count or that someone else will cast it. Changing this mindset, he said, was a priority, and he appealed to journalists to help raise public awareness.
Addressing the spread of misinformation and digital manipulation, the CEC warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence was becoming “more dangerous than weapons”. While he did not see professional journalists as a threat, he criticised unethical and untrained individuals who circulate misleading content online, including videos targeting himself and the Chief Adviser. He urged the public not to share unverified material and said the Commission was taking steps to combat harmful content.
Nasir Uddin stressed that officials who engaged in past electoral misconduct, whether presiding or administrative, would be excluded from the upcoming polls. He reaffirmed the Election Commission’s neutrality, emphasising it would work for the people, not for or against any political party.
Highlighting the importance of participation, he described voting as both a civic duty and a moral responsibility, pledging that the 13th National Parliamentary Election would be transparent, free and fair.
Earlier in the day, the CEC chaired a coordination meeting with regional, district and upazila election officers in Rangpur as part of his three-day visit to review preparations and meet with election administrators and law enforcement agencies ahead of the polls.
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