Search Committee: Next EC to be composed of competent individuals

The Cabinet Secretary, Sheikh Abdur Rashid, assured that the next Election Commission (EC) will consist of individuals who are honest, fearless, and efficient, in accordance with the law. 

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, he mentioned that the EC’s search committee would convene in the Supreme Court later in the afternoon.

"The law mandates the appointment of honest, fearless, and efficient people," Abdur Rashid said. "While I’m not a member of the search committee, we will provide necessary secretarial support to facilitate their work."

The Cabinet Secretary explained that the committee would establish its procedures during today’s meeting and take subsequent steps based on their discussions. 

When asked about the timeline for forming the EC, he noted that the search committee, by law, has 15 working days to submit recommendations. "After that, it’s up to the President to finalize the appointments," he added.

Last Thursday, the government established a search committee to recommend candidates for the roles of Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners. 

Headed by Justice Zubair Rahman Chowdhury of the Appellate Division, the six-member committee includes Senior High Court Judge AKM Asaduzzaman and two distinguished citizens nominated by the President: former PSC Chairman Prof Zinnatun Nesha Tahmida Begum and former Dhaka University professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar. Also serving ex officio on the committee are Auditor General Nurul Islam and PSC Chairman Mobasser Monem.

Under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act of 2022, the search committee will propose two candidates for each vacant position to the President for final selection. The Cabinet Division is tasked with providing all required support to assist the search committee in its duties.