Dhaka, July 05 (V7N) — Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) ATM Shamsul Huda has passed away at the age of 83. He was declared dead by doctors after being taken to United Hospital in the capital from his Gulshan residence on Saturday (July 5).

His body is currently kept at United Hospital. The funeral will be held upon the return of his daughter from the United States, family sources said.

Born on July 10, 1943, ATM Shamsul Huda had a distinguished career in public service. He completed his secondary education in 1958 and higher secondary in 1960, both with first class results. He went on to earn his graduate and postgraduate degrees in history from Dhaka University.

Shamsul Huda joined the Pakistan Civil Service in 1966, and after Bangladesh’s independence, he became part of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration). Over his career, he served as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Bagerhat, Managing Director of Bangladesh Krishi Unnayan Bank, and Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of Finance, among other key positions. He retired from government service in 2000.

In 2007, amid a state of emergency, Shamsul Huda was appointed Chief Election Commissioner. His commission introduced significant electoral reforms, including photo voter lists and transparent ballot boxes, to enhance the credibility of the election process. The landmark ninth national parliamentary election was held in 2008 under his leadership. His colleagues in the Election Commission at that time were Muhammad Sohul Hossain and Brigadier General (retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain.

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