Adviser AF Hassan Ariff, who oversees the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, said today (22 November) that the interim government will move towards the next parliamentary polls step by step now that the Election Commission has been formed.
All those who have joined the Election Commission are experienced people, and they will hopefully give a good and fair election to the nation, he said.
The adviser made the remarks while talking to journalists after visiting the Asian International Trade Fair at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the afternoon.
Yesterday, the interim government, which took over on 8 August after the Awami League government fell following a student-led mass uprising, officially formed the new Election Commission with retired secretary AMM Nasir Uddin as the chief election commissioner for the next five years.
In his immediate reaction, Nasir told the media, “Since the responsibility has been entrusted to us, we must fulfil it properly with everyone’s cooperation.”
“The position of chief election commissioner is a crucial responsibility. I have taken on this role at a time when expectations are very high, especially regarding the election. I pledge to fulfil my duties with the utmost dedication and sacrifice,” he said.
He added, “Our priority will be to create an accurate voter list. We want to ensure the environment so that everyone can practice his franchise unbarred.”
“I believe in free, fair, and credible elections. This is my mission and vision. This is my responsibility and commitment to the nation,” Nasir stressed while speaking about the new commission’s responsibility to hold the 13th parliamentary polls.
Along with Nasir, retired additional secretary Md Anwarul Islam Sarker; retired District and Sessions judge Abdur Rahmanel Masud; retired joint secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmed; and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were also appointed as election commissioners.
