Free and fair polls possible through consensus, says Badiul Alam

PARBATTANEWS DESK

Election Reform Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumdar has said that free and fair elections in Bangladesh are possible only through consensus among political actors.

He made the remarks on Friday while speaking as chief guest at a discussion at the Gangni Upazila Parishad auditorium in Meherpur, western Bangladesh.

Badiul Alam, who also serves as secretary of SHUJAN (Citizens for Good Governance), explained that under proposed reforms the lower house would be elected through constituencies, while the upper house would follow a proportional representation (PR) system. “Both have positive and negative aspects,” he said. “We believe this arrangement is necessary.”

The discussion was attended by representatives of The Hunger Project Bangladesh’s PFG, youth leaders, and local SHUJAN leaders. Participants engaged in detailed discussions on reforming the electoral system.

Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar was also present at the event.

Bangladesh is preparing for its 13th national election, with debate continuing over electoral reforms, transparency, and the role of institutions. Observers say building political consensus remains a central challenge in ensuring credible polls.