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ballots, as there is a high risk of disputes.

Adopting the proportional representation system in the upcoming polls without prior testing or public awareness would not be wise, he added.

“The EC must ensure that voters feel secure at the local level -- this must be visible now,” said Mohammad Harun Chowdhury, member of the Police Reform Commission.

Many candidates are unable to appoint polling agents because major parties resort to intimidation. “The EC must prevent this,” he said.

It seems that preparations are underway for an election excluding certain parties, said journalist and columnist Sohrab Hasan.

“The chief adviser has said it will be the best election. But how can it be the best if some are excluded?”

Ensuring voting rights is the responsibility of the government, the EC and the law enforcement agencies.

Arrangements must be made so all candidates can campaign on the same platform as it would reduce the influence of black money, he said.

“The entire nation is watching you. The EC must be transparent,” said Robaet Ferdous, professor at the University of Dhaka’s mass communication and journalism department.

International observers should be engaged as much as possible, he said.

Transparency International Bangladesh Director Mohammad Badiuzzaman called for a system to verify the affidavits submitted by candidates.

He also called for the inclusion of a “No Vote” option in all constituencies.

“If this election is to be free and credible, you must stand strong,” said Mohon Raihan, president of Jatiya Kabita Parishad.

Once the EC announces the election date, many regular activities will come to a halt and the entire administration will come under the EC’s authority, said Abdul Wazed, senior fellow at Power and Participation Research Centre.

“It’s crucial that the EC officials can command and control the field administration if it is to conduct the election properly,” he added.

Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Choudhury demanded ensuring 33 percent of representation of women in parliament.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the EC will try to implement all suggestions made during the series.

“This time, it will not be like in the past. We have reinstated the authority to cancel an entire constituency’s election if irregularities take place at any centre,” he said, adding that the EC has taken preparations in case of technical failures too.

In the second session, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan said that caution is needed regarding IT-supported postal ballots.

Election responsibilities must be entrusted to morally sound individuals, said Kamrul Ahsan, vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University.

“It is essential to examine who is being placed where and what their track record is,” he said.

The experts and resources of different universities must be engaged to prevent fake news and AI-generated false content during the election, said Gitiara Nasreen, a professor at the University of Dhaka’s mass communication and journalism department.