Can Bangladesh hold ‘free and fair’ elections? Poll body vows ‘impartial, credible’ vote’

With just one day to go before Bangladesh’s highly anticipated national election, the Election Commission (EC) has assured voters that the poll scheduled for Thursday will be “free, fair, impartial and credible.” Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin made the promise during a briefing for foreign journalists and international observers in the capital.

“Preparations followed a coordinated and multi-dimensional approach encompassing legal reforms, institutional readiness, stakeholder consultations and operational planning,” he said.

The comments come as Bangladesh prepares to hold its 13th national parliamentary election alongside a national referendum, an event that marks a major milestone following political upheaval in recent years.

The EC has worked to enrol millions of new voters, including women and expatriates, with over 127 million registered to vote, including nearly 800,000 abroad voters who can cast ballots by mail.

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Wide preparations, international oversight

Polling materials, including ballot boxes, were distributed nationwide on Wednesday as officials finalised logistical arrangements. The EC says all polling centres have been verified, polling staff trained, and security arrangements coordinated with law enforcement to ensure smooth voting.

“Presiding officers, assisted by polling staff, will manage polling and counting at stations in the presence of candidates’ agents, accredited observers and journalists,” Nasir Uddin said, emphasising transparency and procedural integrity.

The commission expects robust turnout and has invited observers from over 45 countries to monitor the process. “Observers from 45 countries and organisations… expressed satisfaction with our overall readiness and appreciated our efforts,” he added.

With ballots set to open at 7:30 am on Thursday and close at 4:30 pm, Bangladeshis from all walks of life are poised to cast their votes in what officials hope will be a peaceful and credible democratic exercise.

Also read | Yunus vows smooth power handover to elected govt as Bangladesh heads to historic polls

Tight security as over half of polling centres flagged high-risk

More than half of Bangladesh’s polling centres have been classified as “risk-prone” ahead of the national election.

Officials say nearly 90% of polling stations will have CCTV cameras installed, and many police in Dhaka will wear body cameras as part of efforts to deter violence and ensure safety.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah noted that security deployments are based on local risk assessments, while law enforcement and technology are being used more widely than ever before. Authorities have also deployed a record number of personnel to maintain peace before, during, and after voting.