National

Search committee soon to form EC

A search committee for the reorganisation of the Election Commission will soon be formed, tasked with deciding the next election commissioners, according to Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Mahfuj Alam. 

He made this statement during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy on Saturday. 

Once the commissioners are appointed, the Election Commission will focus on preparing for upcoming elections, including engaging in dialogue with political parties to ensure a non-partisan process.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus also participated in a dialogue with several political parties on the same day as part of ongoing discussions. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar were present at the press conference.

Mahfuj Alam shared that during these dialogues, numerous political parties raised concerns about elections and potential reforms. 

He mentioned that discussions also addressed issues related to the July-August student movement, particularly the violent crackdown attributed to the Awami League. 

Several parties also spoke about those responsible for inciting violence and the impact of rising commodity prices.

Mahfuj further stated that after the Election Commission is formed, a search committee will be established, and the voter list will be updated. He mentioned that the issue of banning Awami League and its allied parties also came in discussions.

Concerns were raised regarding the legitimacy of three parliaments formed during previous regime, arguing that they were elected illegally. It was discussed that the Awami League provided tacit support to the Jatiya Party during these periods, with the latter being described as a "friend of fascism." The dialogues have also touched on the cancellation of these illegal parliamentary sessions.