STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin yesterday said they are facing “many seen and unseen challenges” as they are preparing for the upcoming national polls.

He said it is very “difficult” to work in Bangladesh, particularly considering the current situation in the country.

“While a few find it easy to get work done, the majority struggle with it. This is the reality we face today,” the CEC said while addressing the Election Officers’ Conference 2025 at the EC headquarters yesterday afternoon.

Urging election officials to remain impartial, Nasir Uddin said, “You have pledged to work with neutrality and professionalism. You must act in accordance with the law. We will issue instructions -- but never unlawful ones. We will not direct you to favour anyone, nor will we issue orders on behalf of any particular side.”

The CEC said the EC would provide “full legal and procedural directives” and ensure their proper implementation.

“This election is going to be held under a unique situation. Therefore, we must face it specially. Special arrangements must be made to move forward,” the CEC also said.

Calling the upcoming election “historic,” he said, “No matter what has happened in the past, we must prove that we can do this. There is no room for exception, and with your cooperation, I am confident that we will succeed.”

Meanwhile, the EC will begin its dialogues today ahead of the national polls, starting with civil society, academicians, and intellectuals, according to EC Assistant Public Relations Director Md Ashadul Haque.

He said the stakeholders’ dialogue with the EC will be broadcast live on the EC’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel (@BangladeshECS).