'There is no issue of secrecy': CEC at diplomatic briefing

“They are confident that we will be able to conduct a credible election in a safe environment,” he says

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has outlined the steps taken to hold “transparent and credible” elections to foreign diplomats and representatives of various international organisations in Dhaka.

Highlighting the “very pleasant” discussions that took place after the briefing at a hotel in Dhaka, he told reporters: "We have explained to them the preparations we have made for the 13th national election and referendum since taking charge.

"We have briefed them on every step, each of our activities. They are very happy. We want the most transparent election, the most credible election. There is no issue of secrecy here, we have explained that to them and they appreciated it."

The CEC said that the diplomats were very happy after the briefing.

“They are confident that we will be able to conduct a credible election in a safe environment.”

Asked if the diplomats had any suggestions, he said: “They asked questions, but they did not give any suggestions. They asked questions to learn more about the postal voting system, and then they asked about the deployment of our law enforcement forces - how many personnel will there be? What is the plan? Under whom will the law enforcers operate?

“We explained that we will arrange flawless security arrangements here so that everyone can come to their [polling] centres very peacefully, cast their vote, and return after voting.”

A large number of law enforcers will be deployed, with many personnel from the Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh and Ansar alongside the police, he said at the briefing.

“And rest assured, we will do our utmost to create a safe environment for the voters and hopefully we will be able to do this.”

The CEC also described the formation of an investigation agency with judicial judges to resolve complaints at polling stations.

When asked whether the diplomats had asked about the absence of any party from the polls, he said: “No, there were no other questions here because they understand our purpose. They understand that we have a clear intention, a clear objective, and our focus is to deliver a beautiful election.”

After the briefing, the European Union Ambassador to Dhaka Michael Miller, told reporters: “It’s an excellent briefing today from obviously very confident colleagues from working for the Election Commission. And we thank them very much for all of their work with us over the months in preparing this consequential election.”

The EU ambassador did not answer the question of whether he had raised any concerns about security