CEC, four commissioners likely to resign tomorrow
CEC Awal is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow at noon amid resignation speculation
A file photo of the CEC and election commissioners briefing media. Photo: Collected
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A file photo of the CEC and election commissioners briefing media. Photo: Collected
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal and four other election commissioners are likely to resign today, according to sources within the Election Commission (EC).
The commissioners are expected to submit their resignations to the President collectively.
Several sources at the EC, wishing to be unnamed, said the commissioners have already completed all necessary preparations for their departure.
Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana has already returned the Tab used for official purposes, while other commissioners are reportedly relocating their personal belongings from the office.
Additionally, CEC Awal has begun moving out of his official residence on Mintoo Road, in line with his decision to resign.
The election commissioners had initially intended to continue their duties for a few more days. However, during an informal meeting held on Tuesday, CEC Awal expressed a firm stance on resignation, which influenced the other commissioners to align with his decision.
The move follows recent turmoil regarding the registration of political parties Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad.
Sources said the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behaviour from activists and supporters of these political groups. Consequently, the CEC and other commissioners vacated the EC office briefly on Tuesday.
CEC Awal is scheduled to hold a press conference today. The media were invited for the briefing at noon. However, the other commissioners are hesitant to participate in the press conference, fearing potential embarrassment.
Earlier, in an interview with TBS last month, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Ahsan Habib Khan expressed confusion over the resignation demand, stating, “I don’t understand why we should resign. Have we committed any crime? We have conducted fair and impartial elections. Still, if anyone demands our resignation, we will certainly resign.”
The current commission, led by Kazi Habibul Awal, took office on 27 February 2022. The team includes retired Brigadier General Ahsan Habib Khan, retired senior secretary Md Alamgir, retired district and sessions judge Rashida Sultana, and retired senior secretary Anisur Rahman, all of whom were appointed for a five-year term.
