New CEC, 4 ECs Sworn in Today

The newly formed Election Commission, including the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), and the remaining four Election Commissioners (EC) took oath today (November 24).

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the swearing-in ceremony in the afternoon at the judges’ lounge of the Supreme Court.

Earlier on Thursday (November 21), former Secretary AMM Md Nasir Uddin was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner. The names of four Election Commissioners were also announced along with him.

The four commissioners are former additional secretary Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, former district and sessions judge Abdur Rahman Masud, former joint secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmad, and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed them following section 118 (1) of the Constitution.

In an immediate reaction after being appointed, newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasir Uddin said, "I will do whatever is necessary for a free, fair, and acceptable election, In Sha Allah. We have to fulfill the responsibility that has come to us properly with everyone's cooperation."

Incidentally, the Awami League-led government was forced to leave power on August 5 in the face of a mass uprising by students and the public. After that, the party's influential MPs, ministers, leaders, and activists from all levels of the party went into hiding. Later, on September 5, the members of the Election Commission led by Kazi Habibul Awal resigned together.

In such a situation, on Thursday (November 21), the President formed a new five-member Election Commission under the leadership of retired Secretary AMM Nasir Uddin. This new commission will be responsible for organizing the next National Assembly elections.