DHAKA, March 16, 2026 (V7N) – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today declared that the Election Commission has successfully delivered a peaceful and credible national election, crediting the achievement to the cooperation of all stakeholders and the active participation of citizens across the country.  

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting marking International Women’s Day at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, the CEC reflected on the election process, saying: “Through our collective efforts, we have been able to fulfill the promise we made to the nation.” He emphasized that during his visits to polling centres, he personally asked voters whether they faced difficulties in casting their ballots. “Not a single person told me that they encountered any problem,” he said, adding that even elderly women reported voting peacefully alongside their families.  

Nasir reiterated his objection to the use of the term “minority,” stressing that Bangladesh’s identity is rooted in unity. “We are all Bangladeshis. Religiously there may be divisions, but I personally believe everyone is equal and everyone has equal rights,” he said. His remarks reflect a broader effort by the Election Commission to frame democratic participation as inclusive and free from discrimination.  

The CEC highlighted the immense but often overlooked economic value of women’s household work. “If the value of women’s household work were monetized, Bangladesh’s GDP would be three times higher than it is now,” he noted, underscoring the need to recognize women’s contributions beyond formal employment.  

He praised the role of female election officials in the recent polls, pointing out that while allegations of irregularities were lodged against some presiding officers, none involved women. Plans are underway to introduce special awards for female election officials in recognition of their impartiality and dedication.  

Nasir also highlighted progress in voter registration, noting that the gap between male and female voters has been reduced from three million to one million through door-to-door campaigns. This achievement, he said, reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring gender balance in democratic participation.  

The CEC observed that when elections are conducted well, political objections often arise after voting, which has become a cultural pattern in Bangladesh. However, he stressed that he has not heard any complaints from grassroots voters about being unable to cast their ballots. By linking electoral credibility to inclusivity and women’s empowerment, Nasir positioned the Commission’s work as part of a broader national commitment to justice and social progress.  

The programme, held under the slogan “Ensure equality – men and women together to build the future,” was chaired by EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmed, and Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar also spoke, highlighting the role of women in strengthening democratic institutions.  

International representatives including UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, UN Women Country Representative Gitanjali Singh, and UNESCO Country Representative Dr. Susan Vize attended alongside senior EC officials, reflecting global interest in Bangladesh’s democratic process and gender equality initiatives.  

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