People have lost interest in voting: CEC

The general public has lost interest in voting, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin, urging people across the country to actively participate in the voter list update programme and support the journey to establish voting rights.  

He made the comments today (20 January) while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 'Voter List Update Programme 2025' at the Upazila Parishad Auditorium in Savar, Dhaka.  

"Voting rights have not yet been fully established," the CEC said during his speech. 

"This revolution provides us with an opportunity to establish these rights. The first step in this process is to prepare an accurate and updated voter list."  

"The day when people can cast their votes freely, fairly, without intimidation or fear, and for their preferred candidates, will be the day when voting rights are truly established," he added.   

Highlighting the importance of the ongoing programme, the CEC called upon everyone to encourage public participation. 

"I request all respected individuals here to motivate people during this voter list update campaign. People have lost interest in voting," he said.  

The CEC further stressed the need for public vigilance to prevent any irregularities during elections. 

"On election day, no one should be able to violate your rights, take control of polling centres. We must build public resistance against such irregularities and establish social resistance to ensure free and fair elections," he said.  

Expressing a commitment to uphold the integrity of elections, he said, "We want to establish what elections truly mean. From this voter list update programme, to the preparation of the list, casting votes, and counting results – this entire journey requires the cooperation of everyone in society."  

The CEC also sought assistance from journalists in raising public awareness. 

"We need your help to ensure that people understand voting is both a responsibility and a right. Make sure no one else can cast your vote," he said, adding, "We expect the media to play a role in creating awareness."  

Addressing the collective responsibility of elections, he said, "National elections are not just the responsibility of the Election Commission. It is a national responsibility. While civil servants are constitutionally bound to assist, we also urge the general public to support us throughout this process. Encourage women voters to understand the value of voting and join us in establishing their voting rights."  

The CEC expressed concerns about young voters who have not yet been able to cast their votes. 

"Many of our young generation became voters but could not vote. They have sacrificed a lot, yet they remain deprived of this fundamental right. It is our duty to address their grievances and provide them with the opportunity to exercise their voting rights," he said.   

The programme, presided over by Additional Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat K M Ali Newaz, was attended by special guests including DIG (Dhaka Range) of Bangladesh Police A K M Awlad Hossain, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, and Election Commissioners Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah (Retd), Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar, Begum Tahmida Ahmed, and Abdur Rahmanel Masud.