Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has said that the Election Commission is facing a series of new and evolving challenges ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election.

Speaking on Tuesday (Oct 7) at the start of a dialogue with election experts at the Election Commission headquarters, the CEC said he considers this responsibility his last opportunity to do something for the country.

“I’m treating this as the final chance in my life to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” he added.

He said the Commission has already held discussions with university academics and members of civil society, and further talks with political leaders are planned.

Addressing former EC officials present at the event, Nasir Uddin asked them to identify existing loopholes that could lead to electoral fraud and manipulation.

“You have experience in how irregularities take place. Tell us where intervention is needed to prevent them,” he said.

The CEC noted progress in updating the voter list, saying interest in voting has increased, especially in rural areas. He also said the gender gap between male and female voters, once 3 million, has been reduced.

He announced the development of a hybrid, IT-supported postal ballot system to allow voting access for expatriates, public servants, and inmates.

“We’ve created a model. I can’t say for certain whether we’ll succeed, but we’re making the effort,” he said.

Nasir Uddin also pointed to emerging concerns such as the misuse of artificial intelligence and the spread of misinformation through social media.

He said the current period is a critical juncture for the country, and delivering a fair, transparent election is his key goal.

“I have nothing left to gain personally,” he added. “This is about giving the country a proper election. For that, we’ll need support from all levels of society.”

The dialogue was moderated by Acting EC Secretary KM Ali Newaz and attended by four election commissioners, EC officials, and electoral specialists.

SMS/