TDS Desk:

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said people have confidence in the Election Commission (EC) and that the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum would be held in a “festive” atmosphere.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting a Bangladesh Post Office in Tejgaon, the CEC said the country currently has an environment conducive to voting and that the law and order situation would improve further as polling day approaches.

“The election will be held in a festive atmosphere. We have not given up, and we will move forward,” the CEC said.

Responding to questions about whether prospective candidates were feeling unsafe following the recent shooting incident involving Sharif Osman Hadi, CEC Nasir Uddin said there was no reason for fear.

“This fear will fade away. The law and order situation will improve as polling day draws closer,” he said.

When asked whether there was a conducive environment for voting, the CEC replied in the affirmative and reiterated his confidence that the polls scheduled for February 12 would be peaceful.

Addressing concerns over public trust in the EC, Nasir Uddin said confidence already existed and did not need restoration.

Referring to a recent joint message by the heads of law enforcement agencies, the CEC said all agencies were united in ensuring a fair election.

During his visit, Nasir Uddin also commented on the role of the postal department in the electoral process, saying officials appeared motivated and committed to their responsibilities.

On postal voting, he acknowledged the presence of challenges but said the EC had been working on the issue for a long time. He added that the commission had sought assistance from experts, university specialists, and local and foreign ICT firms to develop a workable solution.