Dhaka, Oct 6 – At a time when the nation’s political future appears to hinge on the next national election, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday voiced a clear message that there is no alternative before the Election Commission but to ensure a fair and credible election.

This election is probably going to shape the future of the country,” Nasir said, his tone firm yet reflective, while addressing a dialogue with senior journalists at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. 

There is no other option before us other than making this election a good one. As a nation, we have no other alternative to this option. Arrangement of a fair election this time is very essential not only for the Election Commission, but also for our country and nation.”

The dialogue, attended by editors and senior journalists from leading print and online media outlets, was part of the EC’s continuing effort to engage key stakeholders ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, planned for early February 2026. 

The session was chaired by the CEC and joined by Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.

Engaging Media in Critical Moment

Describing the upcoming polls as a defining moment, the CEC emphasised the importance of media partnership in the Commission’s mission to conduct an election that will be “most acceptable, credible, free, fair, and participatory.”

It won’t be enough to arrange an election just for holding an election like the past,” he said. “We want to move forward for holding a fair election taking the media men with the EC in this critical junction of the country.”

Nasir urged journalists to help shape public understanding of the EC’s initiatives and to encourage a positive, participatory atmosphere around the polls.

You please mobilise public opinion towards ensuring a level-playing field for voters and the candidates. We want the election to be held amid a festive mood in a nice environment,” he said.

The CEC also appealed to the journalist community to help restore public trust in the electoral process and motivate citizens to exercise their right to vote.

Progress in Preparation

Turning to the EC’s preparation, Nasir shared that the electoral rolls have already been updated, with deceased voters removed and new ones added.

He highlighted a major step forward, introducing the long-discussed postal balloting system for expatriate Bangladeshis and officials who will be stationed outside their constituencies during the election.

The postal balloting system has long been in the paper (the law) but not in practice,” he said. “Despite many challenges, we’ve found an appropriate option for the postal balloting system – a blend of digital technology and manual method, particularly for the expatriates. It (postal balloting system) is a mixed system.”

He expressed hope that this initiative, once implemented, would make the voting process more inclusive and accessible for citizens away from home.

Fighting Misinformation  

Earlier in the morning, during a separate dialogue with television media professionals, the CEC reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to holding a credible election.

“We are committed to the nation for a credible election. This dialogue is not a ceremonial one; we want to move forward with your (media) valuable advice. We seek your cooperation in ensuring a level playing field,” Nasir said.

He also underscored the role of journalists in countering misinformation and disinformation during the election period — a growing challenge in the digital age that, he said, could distort the public’s perception of the electoral process.

At both sessions, Nasir’s message was consistent: the Election Commission cannot succeed alone. Ensuring a credible election, he stressed, will require cooperation, vigilance, and a collective commitment from all, especially the media, to protect the integrity of one of the nation’s most important democratic exercises.