Consensus key to free, fair elections: Badiul Alam

Election Reform Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumdar has emphasized that free and fair elections in Bangladesh can only be achieved through broad political consensus.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at the Gangni Upazila Parishad auditorium in Meherpur on Friday morning, Majumdar outlined the framework of proposed electoral reforms.

He explained that the envisioned system would include a bicameral parliament, where the lower house is constituency-based and the upper house operates under proportional representation. “Both models have their advantages and disadvantages,” he said. “But we believe this arrangement is essential.”

Majumdar, who also serves as secretary of SHUJAN (Citizens for Good Governance), engaged in an in-depth dialogue with youth leaders, representatives of The Hunger Project Bangladesh’s PFG, and local SHUJAN activists on how to strengthen the electoral process.

The discussion centered on practical steps to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and fairness in upcoming elections. Majumdar reiterated that without political consensus, reforms would remain incomplete and elections could not be considered truly participatory.

Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar was also present at the event.