Foreign diplomats express full confidence in EC: Nasir Uddin

Bangla Press Desk:  Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said foreign diplomats in Bangladesh have expressed full confidence in the Election Commission's ability to hold a free, fair, neutral, and credible 13th national parliamentary election.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after meeting diplomats from various embassies and missions at the Westin in the capital's Gulshan area at 12:15 pm.

"We briefed them on all preparations and processes we have undertaken to ensure a transparent and credible election. They expressed satisfaction with our overall readiness and appreciated our efforts," the CEC said.

Nasir Uddin added, "They also conveyed their full confidence in the commission regarding a free and fair election. We presented our activities in detail and assured them that there is no vote-buying. Insha'Allah, we will deliver a credible election, and they are optimistic about it."

On law enforcement deployment during the polls, he said the commission informed the diplomats that the army and Ansar forces would assist the police to ensure security.

"They understood our action plan clearly and are satisfied that our objective is fully transparent, aiming for a smooth election. They also assured us of their future cooperation," he added.

Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) briefed foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh on preparations for the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum in a meeting that began at 10:00 am at the Westin Hotel's Ballroom in Gulshan.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin attended the meeting along with Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah Brig Gen (retd).

Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed and other senior officials of the commission were also present.

Ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives of various countries, as well as officials from the European Union and the United Nations, participated in the meeting.

According to EC sources, the diplomats were briefed on the overall election preparations, the electoral process, appointment of international observers, measures to ensure transparency, and the prevailing law and order situation, among other issues.

BP/SP