Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud -File photo

DHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BASS) - Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud today 
said there is no pressure on commission regarding 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) 
elections and referendum-2026.

"We have not faced any pressure from anyone. We are carrying out our 
constitutional duties independently and taking all necessary measures to 
ensure a free, fair, and credible election," he said while talking to 
journalists at his Nirbachan Bhaban Office in the city's Agargaon.

Addressing voters, Masud said, "I would like to tell voters to come to the 
polling centers without fear and vote for the candidate of your choice. You 
should elect the person you prefer, but you must fulfill your civic duty. You 
must participate in voting. You will be able to do so without hindrance. As 
far as we know, the law and order situation is very good."

In response to another question, he said people were reluctant to vote for a 
long time and it will take time to change the mindset.
 
"However, we need everyone's cooperation to build public confidence so that 
people believe they can vote freely and vote for whoever they wish," he 
added.

Regarding loan defaulters, Masud said direct loan defaulters have been 
identified and measures have been taken to invalidate their candidacies.
 
"However, in the case of guarantors, we have declared them eligible under the 
law. Those whom the courts have declared eligible are being treated as 
eligible for now. If any disqualification is found even after the election, 
the case will be sent to the Election Commission, which will take action 
accordingly," he said. 

Therefore, if anyone wins an election despite being a loan defaulter or 
otherwise disqualified under the law, the Election Commission can take action 
after the election on its own initiative or based on information received, he 
said.

Mentioning that electoral inquiry committees are working in all 300 
constituencies, Masud said that legally, one judge-led Electoral Inquiry 
Committee is functioning in each of the 300 seats. 

"If anyone believes that the level playing field is being disrupted or that 
the code of conduct is being violated, they can lodge a complaint with the 
concerned committee," he added.
He said complaints can be submitted in three ways: directly, by sending 
information, or the committee can take complaints on its own initiative.

"If anyone feels that violations are occurring or the election environment is 
being disrupted, please file a complaint with our inquiry committees," he 
said, adding that they will investigate and forward recommendations for 
punitive action to the Election Commission, which will then take action 
accordingly.