Diplomats voice confidence in EC ahead of nat'l polls

Foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh have expressed strong confidence in Election Commission (EC)’s capacity to conduct a free, fair, neutral and credible 13th national parliamentary election.

Speaking to reporters after a briefing session with diplomats in Dhaka, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said on Sunday that representatives of various embassies and international missions were satisfied with the commission’s overall preparedness and transparency measures. 

The meeting was held at a city hotel in Gulshan around midday.

According to Nasir Uddin, the EC provided a comprehensive overview of its preparations and electoral processes, assuring participants that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure credibility and prevent irregularities such as vote-buying. He said the diplomats welcomed the detailed briefing and conveyed optimism about the upcoming election.

“They expressed full confidence in the commission’s ability to deliver a credible election,” the CEC noted, adding that the foreign representatives appreciated the clarity of the commission’s plans and its commitment to neutrality.

On election-day security, Nasir Uddin said the diplomats were informed that, alongside the police, members of the army and Ansar forces would be deployed to help maintain law and order. 

He added that the visiting diplomats clearly understood the security framework and were reassured by the commission’s transparent approach. 

They also pledged continued cooperation in the lead-up to the polls.

Earlier in the day, the EC formally briefed foreign diplomats on preparations for the national parliamentary election and an accompanying referendum at a session that began at 10:00 am in the ballroom of the Westin Hotel in Gulshan.

The meeting was attended by all members of the commission, including Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah Brigadier General (retd). Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed and other high-ranking officials were also present.

Ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives from various countries, along with officials from the European Union and the United Nations, took part in the briefing.

EC sources said the diplomats were updated on key aspects of the electoral roadmap, including polling preparations, the overall voting process, accreditation of international observers, measures to ensure transparency, and the current law and order situation across the country.