Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday reaffirmed that the Election Commission (EC) is making comprehensive preparations to hold the next national election whenever the government sets the date, stressing that the commission will not allow itself to be blamed for lack of readiness.

“We will make preparations to deliver whenever the government wants. We are not willing to accept any kind of blame. I have told her (US Charge d’Affaires),” Nasir told reporters after a meeting with Tracey Ann Jacobson, the US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires in Dhaka, at Nirbachan Bhaban.

The CEC emphasized that the EC’s priority is to ensure full electoral preparedness so that no party or observer can question its capability. “No one should be able to say that the commission is unprepared or that its preparations are insufficient,” he said.

On the issue of election-time security, Nasir expressed confidence that political parties would eventually prioritize national interest over partisan differences. “I believe our political parties will put the country first. In the end, they will reach a position that serves the interests of Bangladesh,” he remarked.

Addressing concerns about possible unrest, the CEC dismissed fears of mob violence, noting that Dhaka typically empties out during polling as voters travel to their home constituencies. “During elections, the city becomes largely deserted as people go to the 300 constituencies. Those who intend to create mob violence will not find the chance, based on our past experience,” he explained.

Jacobson was accompanied at the meeting by David Moo, the embassy’s Political Chief, and Firoze Ahmed, Political Specialist.