Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday said that Bangladesh’s upcoming 12th general election will be competitive and fair.

‘The Election Commission and the candidates are trying to create a conducive environment for a competitive election. If we can create a competitive environment, voters will come to the polling centers,’ he said.

The EC chief made the remarks while talking to reporters after exchanging views with all the candidates of six constituencies in Rajshahi district at the conference room of Rajshahi circuit house on Wednesday.

CEC Habibul Awal said the candidates highlighted their issues during the discussion and guidelines on how to resolve them have been given to the administration and law enforcement agencies.

‘The candidates are being encouraged to ensure the election’s fairness, and credibility. Their cooperation is sought to foster open communication and maintain mutual relationships, thus promoting a free and fair electoral process,’ said the CEC.

He assured journalists that everyone’s collective efforts will ensure a successful election.

‘You have played an important role in ensuring transparency in elections. The election will be successful with all of our efforts. We want to hold a fair election,’ he said.

Election commissioner Rasheda Sultana, election commission secretary Jahangir Alam, Rajshahi divisional commissioner Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the CEC joined a discussion with law enforcement agencies at District Shilpakala Academy around 1:00pm.