Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said there is “no reason for fear” as the Election Commission (EC) remains committed to holding a free, fair and credible election within the bounds of the constitution and the law.

Speaking at a briefing in the capital on Wednesday, organised by the EC Secretariat for foreign election observers and members of the media, Nasir Uddin responded to a question about whether he was concerned about the fate of his predecessors.

A journalist noted that voters appeared to be casting their ballots in a festive atmosphere, while the previous two CECs were now in prison after failing to discharge their duties properly. Asked whether their situation gave him pause ahead of the election, Nasir Uddin said the commission was focused on fulfilling its pledges to the nation.

“We are working within the law and in line with our constitutional obligations to ensure a free, fair and credible election. We are keeping our commitment at the centre of our work. Therefore, we have no reason to fear,” he said.

In his prepared remarks, the CEC said all necessary arrangements had been finalised for Thursday’s vote and that full readiness had been ensured. Public awareness campaigns have been conducted nationwide in coordination with relevant government offices to encourage voter participation.

Voting will be conducted and counted at polling stations by presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers. Candidates or their nominated agents, accredited observers and journalists will be allowed to be present at polling centres during voting.

Nasir Uddin said ballot counting would take place at the polling stations under the supervision of presiding officers immediately after voting concludes. Results will be announced at the centres and later consolidated and formally published by returning officers.

“This process will ensure transparency in both voting and counting,” he said, urging all voters to take part freely, regardless of gender, age or background.

The CEC said transparency had been a guiding principle since the beginning of the commission’s tenure. Representatives from election management bodies and international institutions are participating in the process, including delegates from 45 countries and organisations.

More than 60 officials and nearly 330 international observers are involved, around 220 of them from the European Union. In addition, over 160 international journalists are independently covering the election.

Domestically, 81 registered organisations are expected to deploy more than 45,000 observers, while more than 60,000 journalists have been approved to cover the polls. All accreditations, the CEC said, have been granted following due scrutiny.

To ensure effective coordination, relevant government officials and institutional representatives are also carrying out assigned duties. The commission has allowed journalists access to polling centres while safeguarding voter secrecy to prevent any inconvenience to voters.

Domestic and international observers have been welcomed to monitor the process in accordance with the commission’s guidelines and will be able to publish their observations after the election.

“From the very beginning of our journey, we have prioritised transparency,” Mr Nasir Uddin said. “Journalists play an important role in identifying any irregularities. Your engagement is highly significant in ensuring the highest level of transparency and public confidence in this election.”

He thanked members of the media for their professionalism, neutrality and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that their reporting would contribute to strengthening transparency and democratic trust.