The training will continue till November 30. Around 3,500 experts will train up 9 lakh polling officials in the field level.
Election Commissioner (EC) Md Anisur Rahman has announced that the forthcoming general election in the country will occur during the first week of January.
However, he mentioned that the official polling date has not been confirmed yet. He said while speaking at the inauguration of the Training of Trainers (TOT) program on Saturday (2 September). The twelfth national election has initiated its formal preparations with the commencement of this training program.
Earlier today, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal inaugurated the first phase of the Training of Trainers (TOT) program at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon.
During his keynote address as the chief guest, CEC Awal emphasized that the upcoming elections would achieve complete fairness and inclusivity if the citizens could exercise their right to vote without any hindrance.
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CEC Kazi Habibul Awal’s statement
CEC Kazi Habibul Awal stated, ‘For an election to be considered credible, it must not only be fair but also inclusive. Genuine fairness can only be achieved when people have the freedom to cast their votes without any constraints.’
He also highlighted the increased responsibilities and authority of the Returning Officers due to recent legal modifications.
Underscoring the commission’s objective, CEC remarked, ‘Our success will be measured by the combination of a free and fair election, which we must ensure to make it truly credible.’ He also added, ‘Elections are a complex endeavor. Our political culture and democratic practices have room for improvement. In many countries around the world, elections are conducted without much turmoil, particularly in European nations where they are held in a peaceful manner. These countries have successfully attained a high level of democratic stability.’
Election Commissioners Stress Law Adherence and Professionalism in Training
Election Commissioner Rasheda Sultana emphasized that the attainment of fair and trouble-free voting depends on strict adherence to the law and the maintenance of professionalism among electoral officials.
Brigadier General (Retd.) Ahsan Habib, another Election Commissioner, advised the trainers to keep in mind the adage, ‘Hard Training, Easy Battle,’ as they prepare officials for their roles in the polling field.
Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Mohammad Alamgir addressed the increasing complexity of elections due to evolving dynamics, which necessitates extensive legislation and training. He stated, ‘We have election laws. It is advisable to personally read them rather than discussing them here.’
About TOT Program
The training program for election officials, which began on Saturday, September 2nd, will run until November 30th. The Election Commission aims to train about 3,500 specialists, who will subsequently instruct around 900,000 polling officials at the grassroots level. Each group of trainers will comprise over 100 experts, ensuring the development of a skilled and knowledgeable electoral workforce for the forthcoming elections.
The upcoming general election in Bangladesh is scheduled for January 2024, and a roadmap published by the Election Commission outlines the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in 150 out of the 300 constituencies.
During the keynote speech at the event, Election Commissioner Md. Ahsan Habib, standing in for the Chief Election Commissioner, highlighted the diverse opinions among political parties regarding EVMs. Of the 29 parties that participated in recent dialogues, 17 expressed support for EVM usage, while 12 opposed it. The Election Commission believes that a balanced approach is necessary, and employing EVMs in 150 constituencies aligns with this objective.
