Chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said that the Election Commission would make a decision regarding the reported ban on the Awami League鈥檚 political activities only after receiving official documentation.
Speaking to journalists at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, following a meeting with representatives from the US-based Carter Center, the CEC said, 鈥榃e have not yet received the gazette. Once we have the official documents in hand, we will discuss and come to a decision.鈥�
鈥楲et the notification arrive first. We are waiting for the gazette. The Election Commission is committed to serving the nation, and we are equally concerned about this matter. When the sun rises, everything will become clear,鈥� he said.
Commenting on the Carter Center鈥檚 involvement, the CEC said that while the organisation had not participated in observing the previous three elections, it had now expressed interest in doing so.
鈥榃e have welcomed them and made it clear that anyone with relevant experience is invited. We encourage all parties working towards free and fair elections,鈥� CEC said.
鈥楾hey wanted to understand our level of preparedness for the upcoming national election. We briefed them on all necessary steps we are taking to ensure a free and credible election,鈥� he said.
Jonathan Stonestreet, head of the Carter Center鈥檚 delegation, confirmed that their team was conducting pre-election assessments through holding meetings with key stakeholders.
鈥楢s part of this, we have met with the CEC today. We place great importance on observing elections and sharing our experiences with Bangladesh,鈥� he said.