CEC clarifies his recent meeting with Chief Adviser was a courtesy call and not centered around setting a specific election timeline

Dhaka, July 1 —
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has stated that no discussion regarding the date of the upcoming national election took place during his recent meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He characterized the meeting as a courtesy call and said there was no fixed agenda for the discussion.

Speaking to journalists at his office on Tuesday after recovering from illness, the CEC addressed speculations surrounding his meeting with the Chief Adviser held last Thursday at the state guest house Jamuna. The meeting had not been officially acknowledged by either the Election Commission or the Chief Adviser’s office until now, leading to widespread speculation in political circles.

Nasir Uddin clarified that the meeting was initiated by his own office as part of a formal courtesy. While some election-related issues came up during the discussion, he insisted that no specific timeline or date for the next national polls was discussed.

He further stated that the Chief Adviser inquired about the commission's readiness for the upcoming elections. In response, the CEC conveyed that the Election Commission is proceeding with full preparation to hold the elections in a fair and timely manner.

The CEC had been hospitalized at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka shortly after the meeting due to health issues. He returned to his office on Tuesday and responded to questions from reporters for the first time since the meeting.

When asked whether any follow-up was made regarding the joint statement issued earlier by the Chief Adviser and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, which hinted at a possible election in the first half of February, the CEC categorically denied any such discussion during his meeting with Dr. Yunus.

He reiterated that the Election Commission is independently preparing for an election window between February and April and will announce the election schedule and date in due course. The CEC maintained that the constitutional and institutional responsibilities of the Election Commission will be upheld without external influence.

The meeting between the CEC and the Chief Adviser had fueled various speculations, particularly because of its timing following sensitive political developments. However, the CEC’s clarification appears to be aimed at dispelling notions that the electoral process is being shaped through behind-the-scenes political arrangements.

Nasir Uddin reassured the public that the Election Commission remains focused on its duty and is actively engaged in logistical and administrative preparations to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. He added that the commission is planning for all procedural aspects to be in place within the proposed timeframe, and stakeholders will be informed once a formal schedule is finalized.

The CEC concluded by emphasizing the commission’s commitment to transparency and constitutional propriety, stating that any decisions regarding election dates will be communicated officially by the Election Commission in a timely manner.