Dhaka, Sep 15 (V7N) – Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the interim government, stated that a strong Election Commission (EC) alone would not ensure a free and fair election without the establishment of an interim government. His comments were made during a dialogue on the recruitment process of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners, organised by Democracy International on 14 September.

The event saw political leaders, advisers to the interim government, and prominent citizens expressing concerns about the transparency of the current legal framework for EC appointments. Brig Gen Sakhawat proposed the formation of a three-tier search committee for a proper selection process.

Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the EC reform committee, criticised the 2022 law that grants impunity in recruitment, allowing anyone to be appointed without adequate scrutiny. He called for reforms based on political consensus and transparency.

Several political parties, including BNP, Jatiya Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, and others, also voiced concerns, with BNP's Selima Rahman calling for a balanced EC that includes both youth and experienced members.

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