CEC appeals to parties for bloodshed-free local polls

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday made an urgent appeal to political parties to ensure the upcoming local government elections are entirely free of bloodshed.

Expressing deep anxiety over historical electoral violence, the CEC noted that past local polls had frequently been marred by killings. 

“We have seen intense rivalries, even within families, triggering fatal clashes,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) event in the capital’s Agargaon.

Nasir Uddin stressed that the Election Commission could not deliver a fair vote in isolation.

 “No election can be held fairly without the cooperation of political parties. If necessary, sit together and reach an understanding. We do not want to see bloodshed.”

The CEC also voiced serious concern over political parties unofficially backing candidates in what are legally non-partisan contests, admitting the trend had “put wrinkles on my forehead”. 

Referencing notorious factional violence in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, he warned that unchecked rivalries could turn local areas into a “Karbala” if mutual understandings are not reached.

While the interim government has signalled that local elections could take place by the end of the year, the CEC confirmed the schedule remains unfixed. Because party symbols are banned in these polls, statutory reforms must be finalised before consulting the government.

Acknowledging the interim administration’s full backing for the 13th parliamentary election, the CEC emphasised that the goal is deeper than a single successful vote. 

“We want to introduce a sustainable culture of credible elections,” he concluded.

The event, marking the induction of the new RFED committee, was also addressed by Chief Whip Miah Nur Uddin Ahmed Apu and senior politicians from Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP.