“How can we stand straight without a backbone?” questions EC Secretary

Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC), stated that the Election Commission stands upright precisely because it has a backbone. He made the remark on Monday (4 August) at a press conference held at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka, responding to comments made by NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari the previous day.

Nasiruddin Patwari had criticised the commission, saying:

“People have been unable to vote for the last 15 years. Now, if anyone attempts to conduct elections through a democratic process, that process is obstructed. The more I observe this Election Commission, the more I realise it is a commission without a backbone.”

In response, Akhtar Ahmed said,

“How can we stand upright if we do not have a backbone? Political statements are not my area; mine is the administrative domain. If you take that first answer, then I am standing here until now, and I pray that I can keep standing like this.”

He posed a rhetorical question,

“If I am part of the Election Commission, do you not think standing before you means I have a backbone?”

Regarding the arrival of foreign election observers, Akhtar Ahmed informed that the European Union observation team is expected to arrive by mid-September. The team will include three foreign and four local observers. This information was received via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will come to observe the pre-election environment and assess the Election Commission’s preparations.

With the possibility that the Chief Advisor may announce a tentative election timeline in the coming days, Akhtar Ahmed outlined the overall readiness of the Election Commission during the press conference.

Earlier, the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus had declared plans to hold elections in early February, before Ramadan, following all necessary reforms. Several political parties, including BNP, have demanded a clear election schedule within the same timeframe.

When asked about issues of trust, Akhtar Ahmed responded:

“Trust is a personal matter about how satisfied I am. Ahead of the national election, we communicate everything through you. We provide as much information as possible and respond to your questions and follow-ups.”