CEC Declares Bangladesh at a ‘Critical Juncture,’ Future Depends on Election
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has stated that Bangladesh is standing at a “critical juncture.” He emphasized that the country’s future path, particularly how it progresses toward democracy, hinges on the upcoming election. He stressed that the trajectory of Bangladesh depends on those tasked with conducting the polls.
The CEC made these remarks on Monday (November 3rd) at a training program and security drill for Ansar-VDP members preparing for poll-centre security ahead of the national election.
Key Statements from the CEC
• Addressing Challenges: “We must find solutions that go beyond the conventional approach to our work. I have taken the challenge of the Chief Election Commissioner’s chair.”
• Need for Political Cooperation: He emphasized, “It is never possible to deliver a fair election without the cooperation of political parties.”
• Scale of Operation: “Ten lakh [one million] people will be involved in the election process.”
• Voting Accessibility: He noted that arrangements have been made for those who are imprisoned and for expatriates to vote by registering through an app.
• Warning on AI Misuse: The CEC urged everyone to be vigilant against “mischievous elements” who might cause election incidents by misusing Artificial Intelligence (AI). He warned that measures would be taken to stop the misuse of social media, advising everyone to verify information and remain alert.
Ansar-VDP Readiness
In the same event, Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), acknowledged the challenges:
Major General Mahmud said: “There are challenges in this election. This force is being prepared to confront those challenges.”
He also confirmed that approximately five lakh (500,000) members of the Ansar-VDP will be deployed in the upcoming parliamentary elections, noting that 145,000 new members have been recruited into the force over the last year.
