Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has identified the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media as a challenge “more dangerous than weapons,” alongside the urgent need to restore public trust in elections.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday morning after a meeting on the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election at the Rangpur Regional Election Office, the CEC said past failures in ensuring fair polls had eroded voter confidence.
He stressed the importance of creating an environment, with the help of law enforcement, administration, polling, and presiding officers, where voters can freely choose their preferred candidates without fear.
“People have forgotten the habit of going to polling stations,” he said. “They think, ‘If I don’t go, someone else will cast my vote.’ Reversing this mindset and bringing voters back to polling centers is a major challenge.”
Highlighting the role of the press, the CEC called professional journalists an ally in ensuring transparent elections and urged them to verify information before sharing it.
On election irregularities involving presiding and polling officers in previous polls, Nasir Uddin said steps were being considered to avoid reassigning individuals previously accused of misconduct, though elections must still be conducted using local personnel.
Expressing optimism, the CEC said a free, peaceful, and impartial election was possible through the combined efforts of citizens, law enforcement, the administration, and election officials.
