Dhaka: Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud expressed optimism on Monday about the Election Commission’s ability to conduct fair elections, citing complete cooperation from political parties ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12. ‘We think they (political parties) are fully cooperating with us in all aspects and we firmly believe that we can hold a good election,’ he stated while addressing reporters at his office in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the election commissioner emphasized that the commission has not faced any pressure or non-cooperation from any political party. ‘We have not received any pressure at all. We are working with full independence to perform the constitutional responsibilities bestowed upon us. We are taking all necessary steps to hold a fair election,’ he asserted.

Rahmanel Masud also commented on the electoral environment, describing it as stable. ‘We are very optimistic. Considering the environment we have observed so far, I think the situation is quite good.’ He encouraged voters to exercise their voting rights freely in the upcoming elections. ‘I would like to request voters to come to polling stations freely, vote for the candidates of their choice and fulfil their civic responsibility,’ he urged.

The election commissioner highlighted that even if an ineligible candidate manages to contest and win, the Election Commission retains the authority to take action post-election. ‘Even if someone passes through the process despite being unqualified and wins the election, we still have the scope to take action against them afterwards,’ he explained.

He addressed the issue of candidates providing incorrect information in affidavits or asset statements, noting that a new legal provision, Article 91F, was incorporated in the Representation of the People Order in 2025. Under this article, if the Election Commission discovers post-election that a candidate provided false information in their affidavit or income and expenditure return, the EC has the authority to cancel the candidate’s candidature.