Highlights
- The Chief Election Commissioner says young people will be at the center of the next national election
- Youth voters are encouraged to vote themselves and motivate others
- The upcoming election is expected to be fair, peaceful, and transparent
- Several new voting facilities are being introduced for the first time
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) ASM Nasiruddin has said that the upcoming national election will be led by young voters, stressing that the country’s future depends on their active participation.
He made these comments on Monday (15 December) while speaking at a Youth Voter Programme held in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Youth Are the Symbol of Courage and Creation
The CEC said young people should not only cast their votes but also encourage others to participate in the election. CEC stated,
“তরুণরা সাহসের প্রতীক, সৃষ্টির প্রতীক। আপনাদের ছাড়া দেশ গড়া সম্ভব নয়। আগামী নির্বাচন হবে সুষ্ঠু, সুন্দর এবং স্বচ্ছ। তরুণদের নিয়েই হবে এবারের ভোট।”
Translation: “Youth are a symbol of courage and creativity. It is not possible to build the country without you. The next election will be fair, peaceful, and transparent. This election will be carried out with the youth.”
He also recalled the role of young people in major movements in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1990, and 2024, saying youth power has always driven national change.
Historic Election with New Voting Opportunities
Calling the upcoming vote a historic one, the CEC highlighted several new steps taken by the Election Commission. Said,
“এই নির্বাচন হবে একটা ঐতিহাসিক নির্বাচন। পোস্টাল ব্যালটের মাধ্যমে প্রবাসীদের ভোটের আওতায় এনেছি, যা গত ৫৪ বছরে হয়নি।”
Translation: “This will be a historic election. We have brought expatriates under the voting system through postal ballots, something that has not happened in the last 54 years.”
He added that election officials, government employees, and even prisoners will be able to vote this time through postal ballots. A referendum will also be arranged alongside the election.
Read More: Dhaka to Launch 400 Electric Buses to Modernise City Transport
No Fear About the Election Process
The CEC said there is no reason to worry about the election environment and assured that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared. He said,
“নির্বাচন নিয়ে কোনো শঙ্কা নেই। নির্বাচন হবে ইনশাল্লাহ। সবাইকে সাথে নিয়েই নির্বাচন হবে।”
Translation: “There is no fear regarding the election. The election will take place, Inshallah. It will be held with everyone’s participation.”
He emphasized that security forces are ready to handle any situation until the election is completed properly and on time.
Violence Incidents Are Isolated, Says CEC
Referring to the recent shooting of Osman Hadi, the CEC described it as an isolated incident. Said,
“ভোটের সময় দুই একটা বিচ্ছিন্ন ঘটনা ঘটে থাকে। আইনশৃঙ্খলা পরিস্থিতির কোনো অবনতি হয়নি।”
Translation: “One or two isolated incidents can happen during election time. The law and order situation has not worsened.”
He mentioned past election-time incidents, including the killings of Ahsanullah Master and former finance minister Shah A M S Kibria, saying such incidents, while unfortunate, are not new in election periods.
Source: Somoy TV
