‘Constituency’s polls may be revoked if anomalies occur’

Staff Reporter :

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission has regained the authority to annul the election of an entire parliamentary constituency if serious problems arise.

“If we find irregularities, we will cancel the polls of the entire constituency. Later, the Army will be deployed and the election will be
held again,” he said.

Besides, the CEC has admitted that he deliberately avoids telephone conversations, even with political leaders, fearing that his call records might be leaked.

Speaking on Sunday during his closing remarks at an electoral dialogue with intellectuals and civil society members in Dhaka, the CEC said “If you have advice, please share it in writing, in person, or through any other medium. Our doors are always open.

But I do not use the phone because whenever I do, there are claims that my conversations have been leaked. For that reason, I prefer face-to-face discussions at the office.”

He acknowledged that this personal policy has invited criticism. “I have been accused of many things simply because I refuse to hold discussions over the phone. In reality, I avoid telephone conversations purely out of concern for leaks,” he clarified.

Beyond his remarks on communication, Nasir Uddin addressed several pressing electoral issues, including voting rights for individuals directly engaged in the electoral process.

He noted that nearly one million people, such as returning officers, presiding officers, and election staff, are currently unable to vote while performing their duties on polling day.

“This is a serious gap. We are working to make sure everyone, including those conducting the election, can exercise their franchise. Inshallah, we will resolve it,” the CEC pledged.

He also revealed that the Election Commission is exploring arrangements for Bangladeshis living abroad to cast their votes, as well as for prisoners and government officials who are away from their constituencies during polling.

Such initiatives, he said, would mark important milestones for the Election Commission in ensuring inclusivity and fairness.

Nasir Uddin’s remarks come at a time when questions of transparency and accountability dominate public discussions ahead of the upcoming national elections.

His emphasis on avoiding call leaks underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding electoral communication, while his pledges on voter inclusion highlight ongoing reforms within the Election Commission.