BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi -File Photo

DHAKA, Aug 31, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today hoped that the Election Commission (EC) has the capacity to hold a free, fair, and inclusive election, saying, "So far, I haven't seen any lack of their sincerity."

He expressed his optimism while talking to reporters after meeting Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud and Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker at the EC headquarters in the capital's Agargaon.

Ismail Zabiullah, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson, was also present during the meeting.

Rizvi said they had discussions with Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar, who is responsible for parliamentary constituency demarcation, to understand the Commission's preparedness and its ability to ensure a genuinely free, fair and credible election. 

"We still have doubts about how far such an election is possible under the current circumstances," he said, adding, "We asked whether this Election Commission truly has the capacity to ensure it."

However, the commission conveyed (us) that they are fully prepared, he said.

He also said the EC, though functioning as an administrative body, is constitutionally enshrined as an independent institution of the state.

Rizvi said that incidents across sectors, including the civil administration, have raised concerns. "We asked the Commission about the degree of influence (by fascist's collaborators) if these elements may exist and whether they are creating barriers to a fair election," he said.

He added that the Election Commissioners assured them that all aspects of the electoral process are being closely monitored to prevent irregularities and uphold transparency. 

"They expressed confidence in their preparations and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a genuinely fair election," Rizvi said.

The BNP leaders also discussed the issue of expatriate voting. "We inquired about the current status and progress in enabling overseas Bangladeshis to vote," he said, adding, "The Commission informed us that they are working to facilitate postal ballot voting for expatriates."

Regarding parliamentary seat demarcation, Rizvi said the Commission briefed them on the latest developments and overall preparedness. "We sought clarity on their readiness, and they provided as much detail as possible," he added.

Responding to a question on the proportional representation (PR) system proposed by some parties, Rizvi said, "The Commission is undertaking necessary steps to ensure a free and fair election and is fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities accordingly."

He continued, "Our visit was aimed at understanding the Commission's level of preparation. We emphasized that laws and provisions under the Representation of the People Order (RPO) must be applied to restore public trust."

Rizvi further said, "The erosion of electoral trust over the past 16 years must be addressed, and the Commission has expressed its commitment to that goal."

Condemning the recent attack on former DUCSU Vice President and Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, Rizvi said, "He is a prominent political figure and has contributed to the anti-autocratic movement. The attack on him is deeply condemnable."

"This kind of incident has no place in a democratic society," he said, adding, "Our party's Acting Chairman and Secretary General have already spoken out. A fair and impartial investigation demanded along with appropriate action against those responsible."