Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission (EC) is moving forward with preparations for the upcoming national polls and will act as a referee during the election. To that end, the constitutional body is committed to ensuring a level playing field for all contenders.

He made the remarks on Sunday (June 15) during a post-Eid views-exchange meeting with EC officials, held at 10:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. The CEC also instructed officials to perform their duties with neutrality.

“The work related to the elections is progressing,” he said. “We have already made significant progress, and the remaining tasks must be completed together. Our pledge is to present the nation with a free, fair, and credible election.”

He noted that the government has been assuring leaders in countries such as the UK and Japan of its commitment to holding a historic election. “These promises are being made on the international stage because there is trust in us,” he said.

Addressing the officials, the CEC added, “Even during Ramadan, you pledged to work diligently. I reiterate today: let your renewed oath be to work with neutrality—without bias toward any political party, in accordance with the law, and upholding justice.”

Acknowledging past criticisms of the Election Commission, the CEC expressed confidence that the current EC would fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

“We will act as referees and carry out our duties accordingly. Let those who wish to contest do so, and let the winners win,” he said. “Our duty is to ensure a level playing field, and we are committed to that.”

All four election commissioners, the EC secretary, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.