Staff Correspondent:

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has said the Election Commission (EC) has no other choice beyond holding a good election to reinstate the public trust in the electoral process.

“The EC has no other option than holding a good election. It’s required for the nation and for the people to achieve confidence in the electoral process. There is no scope to retreat as our back is against the wall,” he said.

The Commissioner said this in an interview with journalists at his office in Election Bhaban at Agargaon here journalists.

Masud said the next parliamentary polls will be held prior to the Eid-ul-Fitr in February next.

He said they are going fast for the election and there is no scope to retreat from the journey.

“If you ask me what are we doing to hold a quality election?  Then I will say we are making every possible effort required to hold a free, fair and neutral election,” he said.

Stating that the people have a lack of confidence in the electoral process, he said, “It is a national crisis. We have to create trust upon each other for the welfare of Bangladesh and its people.”

The Election Commissioner has called upon all concerned to perform their duties in accordance with the law to give the nation a free, fair, impartial and festive election, assuring that the EC is doing its own part accordingly.

The execution of the law will not be required if the people behave accordingly, he opined.

About measures to bring back an election atmosphere, Masud said, “We are now in a position where the whole world has a notion that Bangladesh can hold a good election and the Election Commission is influenced and dictated by others.”

“The mindset of the people towards the election should be changed through holding an excellent election,” he said.

Responding to a question about the challenges of holding a good election, Masud said they are prepared to overcome the challenges and hold the election in February.

About the decision of the referendum the Commissioner said there was such plan for referendum when the action plan for next election was finalized.

About the progress of the execution of the action plan, the Election Commissioner said their preparation is good enough.

“We all are prepared.  Law and order is a big issue for holding the election. The law and order is now in a good condition. All assured us that the law and order has improved. The law enforcing agencies will help us to hold a credible election,” he said.

He has called upon all concerned to take unbiased decisions during the election.

“A presiding officer must understand that he is independent. He will perform his professional duties as per the law,” he said.