Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the country is going through a severe crisis of confidence as no individual or institution can claim to fully hold the trust of the people.
“The biggest problem is that none of us stands in a place of trust. I do not claim that I am in such a place. This crisis of confidence is our national crisis. One cannot say in isolation that someone else is bad and I am good, nor can the opposite be claimed,” he remarked.
He made the observations on Thursday while addressing a views-exchange meeting, focused on newly enacted guidelines for journalists, with the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the Election Commission secretariat in Agargaon.
Anwarul said that restoring confidence requires building strong relationships with every profession and ensuring mutual respect.
“To hold a good election, we must help one another. Journalists, who remain engaged around the clock in election activities, are vital partners in this effort,” he said.
Referring to a draft policy prepared by journalists, the commissioner said, “It would have been useful if the document had reached the commission earlier. Every issue requires detailed analysis. I urge you to support us from your side as well so that, based on reality, we can cooperate to ensure a good election,” he said.
He further said that dialogue and exchange of experiences between journalists and the Election Commission would help resolve challenges.
The meeting was chaired by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, and Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were also present. RFED President Kazi Zebel, Vice President ANM Mohibub Uz Zaman, and General Secretary Golam Rabbani, among others, joined the discussion.