Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission will not bow to any pressure in conducting the upcoming general election, calling for lawful conduct from officials.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a training workshop for upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) on election management at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon this morning (22 October), Nasir urged all officials of the field administration to carry out their electoral duties with honesty and integrity, in accordance with the law.

Addressing UNOs, the CEC said, "The Election Commission will not yield to any undue pressure from anyone. Our message to you is this: do not bow to any pressure, remain firm in your lawful and independent decisions."

He assured the officials that the commission would provide all necessary support during the election, adding, "We will not issue any illegal orders, and we expect you to follow our lawful instructions accordingly."

Four election commissioners and the EC secretary were also present at the event.

The CEC directed UNOs to carry out their election duties responsibly and in coordination with relevant agencies.

"We dream of a new Bangladesh. One of our biggest weaknesses is that we often fail to respect the rule of law. The more a nation respects the law, the more civilised it becomes.

"We must all remain respectful of the law. Coordination during elections is crucial, and much of that responsibility lies with you at the upazila level."

The CEC emphasised the need for close coordination among law enforcement agencies, presiding officers and monitoring cells at central, district and upazila levels.

"If any crisis arises, try to address it immediately," he told UNOs, telling them not to wait until after the situation escalates.

He also asked them to ensure that polling centres are protected before any chaos begins.

Reiterating his message to UNOs, the CEC said, "You are the key coordinators at the upazila level."

Coordination must be taken seriously, he said, adding, "The responsibility lies on your shoulders."

'Backs against wall'

During the workshop, the election commissioners provided officials with various guidelines.

They said no posters would be allowed in the upcoming polls, although digital boards and banners could be used.

They also instructed election officials to maintain strict neutrality, adding that mobile court proceedings during the election must be as transparent as a "mirror."

Election Commission Abdur Rahmanel Masud said, "Our backs are against the wall," leaving no alternative but to ensure a good election.

Masud noted public confidence in elections had eroded, mentioning public complaints about previous "night-time voting."

"If we fail to hold a free, fair and acceptable election this time, we will stand ashamed as a nation before the world."

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker said political parties must be motivated to reach out to voters, emphasising that a disciplined environment was essential for a fair election.

He added that officials who performed their duties well during the election would be rewarded.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Begum Tahmida Ahmad said, "We must be brave, but not reckless."

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the National Consensus Commission is working in parallel on certain election-related matters, adding that the amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) has been sent to the law ministry for approval.

He added that a voting app for expatriates would be launched on 16 November, mentioning that they will cast votes using a separate ballot system.

Expatriate voters would be able to see the final list of candidates for their constituencies through this app, he said.

Sanaullah announced that another app, called ICPV, was being developed for prisoners and election officials on duty so they could register and vote remotely through the platform.

CEC AMM Nasir Uddin / Election Comission / Political pressure