Dhaka, Sep 28 (V7N) – The Election Commission (EC) has begun its series of dialogues ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election, starting Sunday with representatives of civil society.

In his opening remarks, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced that, for the first time, all individuals involved in election duties, along with eligible prisoners, will be able to cast their votes. “Earlier, those directly engaged in elections could not vote. This time, nearly one million such people will have that right,” he said.

The CEC also confirmed that arrangements are being made to ensure voting rights for those in jail, as well as government officials deployed away from their constituencies. He described the move as a “milestone in electoral inclusiveness.”

Highlighting reforms undertaken since the current commission assumed office, the CEC said:

  • The voter list has been updated to reduce the gender gap, previously showing 3 million fewer women voters than men.

  • Over 2.1 million deceased voters have been removed from the rolls, eliminating what critics once called “grave dwellers.”

  • Amendments have been made to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), including steps to enforce the postal ballot provision that had long existed in law but remained unimplemented.

“Today’s dialogue is not a formality,” he stressed. “It will play an important role in organizing fair elections.”

According to the EC’s announced work plan, further dialogues will be held in phases with registered political parties, university teachers, women’s groups, media editors and journalists, observer organizations, election experts, and injured July fighters. The full dialogue series is expected to conclude within one to one-and-a-half months.

END/SMA/AJ