CEC seeks media support for fair election environment in BD

“We are committed to the nation for a credible election. This dialogue is not a ceremonial one; we want to move forward with your (media) valuable advice. We seek your cooperation in ensuring a level playing field,” he said.

The Election Commission (EC) on Monday began a series of dialogues with editors, senior journalists, and news executives from print, television and online media, seeking their cooperation in creating a fair environment ahead of the next polls.

The dialogue, held at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, was chaired by CEC Nasir Uddin, with four election commissioners and senior officials in attendance.

During the opening discussion, the CEC said the commission is committed to holding a free, fair and peaceful election, describing the dialogue as a sincere effort to gather meaningful advice rather than a formality.

He acknowledged that ensuring equal opportunities for all contestants is not possible for the EC alone. Rather it requires cooperation from the media, law enforcement agencies, political parties, candidates, voters and the public.

He laid emphasis on the role of the media in tackling misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process.

Highlighting the EC’s progress since taking office in November, the CEC said several significant reforms and technical updates have been completed to ensure transparency and credibility.

He noted that the voter list update has been finalised, removing over 21 lakh deceased voters and adding more than 43 lakh new voters.

“The gender gap in voter numbers has also narrowed—from around 30 lakh to 18 lakh—as more women have been enrolled. We have successfully reengaged women who had lost interest in voting,” the CEC said.

To expand voting accessibility, Nasir announced that an IT-supported postal ballot system is being introduced for Bangladeshi expatriates, describing it as a hybrid model. Postal voting will also be available for law enforcement members, polling officials and detainees under lawful custody.

“We have nothing to hide. We want to show the nation and the world a transparent election—clear as a mirror. For that, we need the media’s assistance. We’ll soon launch voter awareness programs across the country,” the CEC said.

Representatives from leading television channels participated in the first round of discussions, including Shafik Ahmed (Ekattor TV), Ziaul Kabir Suman (Boishakhi TV), Touhidul Islam (Jamuna TV), Mostafa Akmal (Independent TV), Ferdous Mamun (Global TV), Jahid Newaz Khan (Channel i), Loton Ekram (DBC News), Shahidul Azam (ATN News), Mahmud Hasan (Green TV), Gausul Azam Bipu (GTV), SM Akash (Deepto TV), Zohurul Islam Jony (Somoy TV), Shariful Islam Khan (News24), Niaz Morshed (Maasranga TV), Zainal Abedin (Ananda TV), Ikramul Haq Sayem (ATN Bangla) and Monir Islam (BTV).

The ongoing series of dialogues began on September 28 with civil society representatives and academics. The discussions will continue for one to one-and-a-half months, with upcoming sessions scheduled with registered political parties later this month.

According to EC sources, the poll schedule is expected to be announced in early December, with the election likely to be held in the first half of February, before Ramadan begins, reports UNB.