Dhaka, Oct 11 (V7N) – Labor and Employment Advisor Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain has called on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to ensure that election monitors remain “crystal clear-eyed” in observing the upcoming polls. He also urged the media not to be constrained by restrictive regulations during election coverage.

The advisor made the remarks during a view-sharing meeting on the Election Commission’s (EC) media guidelines held at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Saturday (October 11).

Dr. Hossain criticized the proposed rule requiring journalists to obtain permission from presiding officers before reporting from polling centers, calling it an unnecessary restriction. “This is not the government’s statement—this is my personal opinion,” he clarified. “The issue of journalists taking permission from the presiding officer needs to be reconsidered.”

He emphasized that if fake ballots are detected, voting should be halted immediately to maintain fairness and impartiality.

Highlighting the critical role of the press, Dr. Hossain said, “The role of journalists in ensuring free, fair, and acceptable elections is undeniable. The interim government also wants to hold such an election.”

He also suggested that the Election Commission should engage directly with journalists, noting the importance of understanding the distinction between a polling station and a polling booth. “If the Commission truly wants a fair election, it must take the help of journalists,” he said.

Dr. Hossain added that the media had been unable to perform its role effectively in previous elections and should be allowed to do so this time.

Referring to Bangladesh’s electoral history, he remarked, “This is the first time since the ninth national election that a fair and participatory election is being anticipated. Many voters were unable to cast their ballots after 2008, and many young people have never experienced voting. The country has been governed by excluding the majority of voters — not just by the Awami League, but with shared responsibility across society.”

“I hope the Election Commission wants the next election to be as fair and inclusive as the government envisions,” he concluded.

END/SMA/AJ