Country has boarded the democracy train: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said on Thursday that the country has finally boarded the democracy train. 

After casting his vote at Eskaton Garden High School center in the capital at 9:30 am on Thursday, he spoke to reporters and described the election as unfolding in a festive atmosphere across Bangladesh. 

He noted that people have travelled to their villages and towns by train, bus, and launch to cast their votes, much like they do during Eid celebrations, and that after a long time voters are participating happily and enthusiastically.

The CEC said reports from various sources indicate that voting is proceeding in a joyful, festive mood nationwide. 

While minor disturbances occurred outside one or two polling centers, those issues were quickly resolved. 

He highlighted a positive scene from a center in Thakurgaon, where candidates from Jamaat and BNP stood side by side, speaking to journalists with smiles, calling it a true reflection of democracy’s beauty. 

He expressed hope that Bangladesh will remain on this democracy train and reach its destination successfully.

Nasir Uddin described the 2026 election as one of the largest in the world, an event unmatched in scale elsewhere. 

He mentioned receiving appreciative messages from election commissions and chief election commissioners of various countries who were impressed by the preparations. 

Around 1.7 million people are working under the Election Commission to manage this massive exercise.

Emphasising the Election Commission’s commitment, he said the institution has worked tirelessly for a free and fair election, remaining neutral and not favouring or opposing any party. 

The goal has been to create a beautiful election environment where rigging, center occupation, or ballot-box seizure becomes history and is forgotten forever. 

He added that a staggering 254 million ballot papers were printed for both the referendum and national elections and successfully distributed to all centers.

Addressing journalists’ questions about rumours spreading on social media, the CEC identified social media and AI-generated content as the main challenges. 

Although the commission has made extensive preparations to counter misinformation, some rumours persist, often originating from outside the country’s borders where control is limited. 

In response, the strategy has been to combat false information with accurate facts, relying on credible first-tier media to disseminate the truth rather than depending on social media.