বুধবার, ১৩ মে ২০২৬, ০৩:০১ পূর্বাহ্ন
DHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BASS) – Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud today said there is no pressure on commission regarding 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS)
elections and referendum-2026. “We have not faced any pressure from anyone. We are carrying out our constitutional duties independently and taking all necessary measures to ensure a free, fair, and credible election,” he said while talking to journalists at his Nirbachan Bhaban Office in the city’s Agargaon.
Addressing voters, Masud said, “I would like to tell voters to come to the polling centers without fear and vote for the candidate of your choice. You should elect the person you prefer, but you must fulfill your civic duty. You must participate in voting. You will be able to do so without hindrance. As far as we know, the law and order situation is very good.”
In response to another question, he said people were reluctant to vote for a long time and it will take time to change the mindset.
“However, we need everyone’s cooperation to build public confidence so that people believe they can vote freely and vote for whoever they wish,” he
added.
Regarding loan defaulters, Masud said direct loan defaulters have beenidentified and measures have been taken to invalidate their candidacies.
“However, in the case of guarantors, we have declared them eligible under thelaw. Those whom the courts have declared eligible are being treated as eligible for now. If any disqualification is found even after the election, the case will be sent to the Election Commission, which will take action
accordingly,” he said.
Therefore, if anyone wins an election despite being a loan defaulter or otherwise disqualified under the law, the Election Commission can take action
after the election on its own initiative or based on information received, he said.
Mentioning that electoral inquiry committees are working in all 300 constituencies, Masud said that legally, one judge-led Electoral Inquiry
Committee is functioning in each of the 300 seats.
“If anyone believes that the level playing field is being disrupted or that the code of conduct is being violated, they can lodge a complaint with the
concerned committee,” he added.
He said complaints can be submitted in three ways: directly, by sending information, or the committee can take complaints on its own initiative.
“If anyone feels that violations are occurring or the election environment is being disrupted, please file a complaint with our inquiry committees,” he
said, adding that they will investigate and forward recommendations for punitive action to the Election Commission, which will then take action
accordingly.
