TBM Report
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has issued a stern call to break free from the deeply entrenched culture of violence, clashes, and casualties surrounding local government elections in Bangladesh. Emplicating the critical role of political entities, the CEC asserted that holding a peaceful election is virtually impossible without mutual understanding and systematic cooperation among political parties. He passionately urged all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and maintain accountability, warning that local polls must not degenerate into a “Karbala-like tragic situation.”
The newly appointed electoral chief made these remarks on Monday (May 18, 2026) during the committee transition and reception ceremony organized by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) in Agargaon, Dhaka. Addressing the specialized community of journalists, the CEC focused heavily on grassroots electoral reforms and the necessity of preserving law and order during decentralized democratic exercises.
Reflecting on past electoral cycles, the CEC noted that rural local body polls in Bangladesh have historically been marred by high casualty rates and inter-factional violence. He observed that grassroots rivalries often become intensely personal, frequently instigating severe conflicts even among members of the same family or neighborhood. To mitigate this social fragmentation, he urged central political leadership to actively engage with their local units to ensure a non-violent, bloodless atmosphere.
Although official party symbols will not be allocated in the upcoming local body elections, the CEC raised concerns over political parties covertly endorsing specific candidates behind the scenes. He warned that such proxy polarizations possess the potential to prematurely overheat the electoral environment. Emphasizing that the Election Commission cannot orchestrate a flawless election in isolation, Nasir Uddin called for a synchronized effort from law enforcement agencies, civil administration, candidates, the media, and general voters to institute a sustainable culture of fair elections.
 A M M Nasir Uddin has issued a stern call to break free from the deeply entrenched culture of violence, clashes, and casualties surrounding local government elections in Bangladesh. Emplicating the critical role of political entities, the CEC asserted that holding a peaceful election is virtually impossible without mutual understanding and systematic cooperation among political parties. He passionately urged all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and maintain accountability, warning that local polls must not degenerate into a "Karbala-like tragic situation."){kind=link}