Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Nasir Uddin on Sunday reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to holding a transparent and credible national election, saying it will not allow any polls to take place “in secrecy or under the cover of darkness.”

We want a clean and transparent election that everyone can witness with their own eyes,” he told reporters after a views-exchange meeting with divisional administration and law enforcement officials at the Chattogram Circuit House.

The CEC said the Commission wants to ensure full cooperation for journalists during the upcoming election.

We don’t want to create any barriers for journalists in gathering news. Rather, we want to work with them as partners,” he added.

Regarding the election atmosphere, Nasir Uddin said, “Our goal is to deliver a fair and beautiful election and to create an environment where every Bangladeshi can cast their vote freely.”

We want this election to be participatory, where both men and women can vote safely and peacefully. Law enforcement agencies are working to ensure that no illegal arms are used during the polls,” he said.

The CEC also mentioned that expatriates and returning officers will be able to vote in this election.

Asked about the party symbol of the National Citizens Party (NCP), he said, “Since the ‘Shapla’ (water lily) symbol is not included in our approved list, we could not allocate it.”

The NCP is aware of our limitations, and I believe the party will not act as an obstacle to the democratic process,” he added.

Referring to misinformation and rumors, Nasir Uddin urged all to verify facts before believing or spreading anything about the Commission. “We are setting up a fact-check cell for this purpose,” he said.

When asked whether the Internet would be shut down during the election to curb misinformation, the CEC clarified, “Some have suggested shutting down the Internet, but we are not in favor of that. I want the flow of information to remain open.”