EC Sanaullah likens 2026 elections to putting a derailed train back on track

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah described the upcoming parliamentary election as an effort to put a derailed train back on the rails.

He put stress that the 2026 polls represent a critical step toward restoring the country's electoral system.

Speaking metaphorically about the February 12, 2026, election, he said, "This election will be like putting a derailed train back on track—an attempt to at least get it moving again through minimal repairs and replacing some parts. If we can achieve this, it will be our first major success. Afterward, we must pursue further improvements."

Sanaullah made these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration of the project "Citizen Observation for Inclusive and Accountable Parliament Election-2026." 

The event was organised by the Alliance for Fair Elections and Democracy (AFED), a coalition of 81 election monitoring organisations. 

The occasion took place on Wednesday afternoon at the NGO Affairs Bureau conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka. 

The project is funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with EPD.

Criticising the performance of observer organisations in the previous three elections, Sanaullah noted that 300 groups had applied for accreditation, but only 81 were approved due to various constraints. He stressed that past observers had not fulfilled their roles properly.

Addressing the newly registered organisations, he urged as saying, "You must not repeat the mistakes of past groups. Ensure your duties uphold the fundamental principles of the election to avoid biased reports that could tarnish the Commission's reputation. You will have the freedom to work fairly, with full support from the EC."

He described observers as the "third eye" of the Election Commission, calling for high-quality, unbiased monitoring while assuring full policy-based cooperation. 

Sanaullah reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to making the February 12 elections free, fair, and acceptable.

Harun Ur Rashid, Member Secretary of AFED, delivered the keynote address, pledging impartial reporting without favouritism toward any party. 

He outlined a code of conduct for observers and plans to gather information through long-term, medium-term, and short-term methods.

Anastasia S. Ubaya, Project Director of IPAD, emphasised that the focus is on the overall election process in line with voters' needs, rather than who wins or loses.

Deepak Elmer, Charge d'Affaires of the Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh, expressed commitment to supporting transparent, accountable, and impartial elections.

Other speakers included Democracy Watch Chairperson Taleya Rahman and Khan Foundation Co-Chair Roxana Khandaker.