Election Commission to ensure transparency in polls: EC Commissioner

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has said the Election Commission is committed to ensuring complete transparency in the upcoming national election.

Speaking at a meeting with law enforcement agencies, digital monitoring cell and observer teams at Barishal Circuit House on Sunday (1 February) morning, he emphasised: “We will work with full transparency. Everything will be open and clear—no hiding anything. The Election Commission has taken and will maintain a firm, neutral position. Our duty is limited to enabling every citizen to cast their vote freely according to their choice. We must discharge our responsibilities with 100 per cent professionalism.”

He warned that any official who fails to rise above personal likes and dislikes and is proven to have shown bias will face severe consequences. “The Election Commission will be very strict in this regard,” he added.

Addressing law enforcement personnel, the commissioner said: “You must act firmly. If you remain resolute, no one will dare take advantage. But force should not be the only tool—adopt a balanced, middle-path approach.”

On postal ballots for expatriate voters, he noted that the presence of 119 symbols may cause counting to take longer than usual. Intelligence personnel will be responsible for the security of postal ballots, and live verification is mandatory, leaving no scope for fraud.

He issued fresh instructions on the use of stationery at polling stations: only presiding officers will be allowed to use pens; all other officials must use pencils.

He informed the meeting that 10 executive magistrates will be deployed in each constituency.

Special monitoring is already in place through mobile financial services to prevent vote buying. Multiple meetings have been held on this issue, and limits on financial transactions may be imposed if necessary.

The commissioner reiterated that no election official should accept any form of hospitality. He stressed the need to counter misinformation by quickly disseminating accurate information. Special arrangements will be made for elderly, disabled and injured voters to cast their ballots easily.

To maintain transparency, CCTV cameras will be installed at every district headquarters and polling centre.

The meeting was presided over by Returning Officer Khairul Alam Suman. Police Super and other officials were present.