Dhaka, Nov 25 (V7N) – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has emphasized the vital role of election observers, stating that the Election Commission (EC) wants to engage a strong and credible observer organization as an associate in the upcoming national polls.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during a dialogue with representatives of 40 domestic observer organizations.

“We will have an official mechanism in place for this election. Even then, we want to see the election through the eyes of observers,” the CEC said. “Those who are new observers must train their manpower as soon as possible. If they fail to perform their duties properly, it will tarnish the reputation of their organization.”

Reiterating the EC’s commitment to a transparent and participatory election, he added:
“We want to give the nation a fair, beautiful and credible election. We want to forget the mistakes of the past and move forward by learning from them. Everyone's cooperation will be needed for a good election.”

The CEC reminded that the primary responsibility of observer groups is observation only, stressing that their reporting must reflect ground realities.
“Observers’ reporting will be smart reporting. Their job is to observe. They must not take any action on their own,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of neutrality, Nasir Uddin urged observer groups to ensure that their appointed personnel are not involved in political activities.
“Bangladeshis are very politically aware. If the observers themselves get involved in politics, everyone will suffer. They must check whether those they appoint have any political affiliation,” he cautioned.

The EC is expected to finalize accreditation procedures for both local and international observers ahead of the national election.

END/SMA/AJ