Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday emphasized the importance of formulating a clear legal framework for holding a referendum.

Speaking at the second session of a dialogue with political parties on the 13th parliamentary elections at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Nasir Uddin said, “The law on how a referendum will be conducted must be enacted first. Only after the law is in place can we take responsibility for organizing it.”
He noted that many questions have been raised about the referendum, but without a legal framework, it is impossible to decide on the method, ballot, ballot box or other procedures.

Referring to history, the CEC said that past referendum laws were enacted by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad and now it is necessary to legislate a new law. Once the law is passed, the Election Commission will begin preparations and practice for the process.

Drawing from his extensive experience observing elections since Pakistan era, Nasir Uddin said, “We must move forward considering the political and social realities of the country. We are following the policy of ‘less talk, more action.’”

He stressed the importance of transparency in elections, noting that CCTV cameras and journalists will play a key role.

“Good observers increase transparency. I don’t want to conduct elections secretly. Journalists will have cameras, we will have CCTV cameras. We want transparency,” he added.

The CEC also reaffirmed that the Election Commission will uphold justice, laws and rules, remaining impartial while carrying out its duties.

He called for the cooperation of political parties, law enforcement agencies and voters to ensure a smooth process.

In today’s dialogue, the EC met with BNP, Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP) and BSP Marxist (New Party) in the afternoon session.

Morning sessions included Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party, Insaniat Biplob Bangladesh, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), Gana Sanghati Andolan, Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Andolan (NDM) and Bangladesh Labour Party.

Earlier, the EC had held discussions with a total of 36 political parties in sessions on November 13, 16 and 17.