EC to enable voting rights for 10 lakh govt employees in upcoming election: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has announced that nearly 10 lakh government officials, who will be engaged in election duties during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, will be brought under a special arrangement to exercise their voting rights.

He made the remarks on Monday while delivering his opening speech at a dialogue with representatives from electronic media held at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The event was attended by all four election commissioners and senior EC officials.

The CEC stated that during the recent update of the voter list, over 21 lakh deceased voters were identified, many of whom had previously been recorded as active voters.

“The Election Commission is firmly committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election,” he said, stressing that cooperation from the media is essential for ensuring a level playing field and creating a favourable electoral environment.

Highlighting the growing challenge of artificial intelligence misuse, he urged the electronic media to play a responsible role in preventing disinformation. “We are also arranging voting facilities for expatriates and for public servants who will be on election duty. Around one million government employees will be able to cast their votes this time,” he said.

Nasir Uddin reaffirmed the Commission’s pledge to conduct the polls with transparency. “We want to make this election as clear as a mirror, ensuring integrity at every stage,” he added.

The Election Commission is holding a series of dialogues with different stakeholders ahead of the national polls. Following Monday’s session with TV journalists in the morning, meetings with print and online media were scheduled for the afternoon. Around 50 media representatives are expected to take part in total.

Tomorrow, the EC will hold discussions with women leaders and election experts, followed by meetings with freedom fighters and political parties in the coming days. The CEC has assured that the Commission will consider and implement constructive recommendations emerging from these dialogues.