Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin said on Saturday morning (August 9) that public trust in the Election Commission, as well as in the police, administration, and law enforcement agencies responsible for conducting elections in the country, has eroded. People have seen that these institutions do not function properly, he said, adding that restoring their confidence has now become the biggest challenge.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the conference room of the Rangpur Regional Election Officer’s office.

The CEC added that the commission is seriously reconsidering the use of presiding officers, polling officers, and teachers who were on duty in previous elections. “We are trying, as far as possible, not to use them. But we cannot recruit new people or bring them from abroad. We have to conduct the elections with the people of this country, making adjustments among them,” he said.

“As long as I am in my senses, I will not take sides with anyone,” he continued. “We are committed to holding the elections professionally and impartially in compliance with the election laws and regulations. I am motivating the officers on this. I believe they too will not work in favor of any party. They will work for the 180 million people of the country.”

A M M Nasir Uddin added that the commission will run awareness campaigns regarding elections. “Through all our activities, we will give assurance of a free, fair, and impartial election. The playing field will be level for all parties,” he added.

Later, under the chairmanship of Regional Election Officer Md Dulal Talukder, the CEC exchanged views with district- and upazila-level election officials from the eight districts of Rangpur division.