Will step down if there's pressure from govt: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday said there is no pressure from the government on the Election Commission. Should there be any interference, he said he will step down rather than remain in office. 

He made the remarks before a view-exchange meeting with election officials at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre at around 10am on Saturday. 

Addressing the election process, the CEC said that the existing Constitution does not allow for proportional representation and, as such, the Election Commission (EC) is bound to follow the current legal framework. "If the law changes, we will act accordingly," he added.

"We don't want to get tangled in the discussion of any political party about holding the election. We are performing our constitutional duties," he added.

About the ongoing election preparations, CEC Nasir Uddin stated that all necessary measures are being taken under the guidance of the Chief Adviser to ensure the national election is held in February, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Bangladesh Army, CEC Nasir Uddin said, would not serve as a striking force but would support law enforcers. There are no current plans to reshuffle Deputy Commissioners (DCs) or Superintendents of Police (SPs), he added.

He issued a stern warning against any attempts to seize control of polling centres during the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, saying that such actions would lead to immediate cancellation of votes from the affected centres.

"Anyone dreaming of capturing polling centres will face consequences. Their dreams will be shattered this time as we are fully prepared to respond," the CEC said.

The Commission, he said, has around 5,700 trained officers, many of whom have experience from previous elections. However, those who were found involved in past irregularities will be excluded from election duties this time.

About the participation of political parties, CEC Nasir Uddin said the Awami League is currently facing trial, and their participation in the election will depend entirely on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

With Regional Election Officer Delwar Hossain in the chair, the meeting was concluded with the CEC issuing several directives to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the Rajshahi region.