I’ll not bow down to any pressure: New CEC

Newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda today vowed that he would not bow down to pressure from any quarter.

“I will remain respectful to the rule of law and will uphold the constitution ensuring transparency in my activities. My stance is very clear in this regard,” Huda told The Daily Star Online over phone this evening.

Responding to a query about his work strategy for the commission, the former bureaucrat said it is a matter of agenda setting. “Let me take the charge and hold discussion with my other members first.”

Huda said he is against the interest of a specific party, person and group.

Claiming that the Election Commission will not surrender before any party, person or pressure from any quarter, he said, “It is a challenging job for the nation.”

He said he along with other commissioners will do their best to discharge duties upholding their height level of capacities.

Responding to another query, he said the commission will try hard to hold free, fair and credible elections in the country and will initiate moves so that the political parties are encouraged in participating in elections.

When asked about dissatisfaction in BNP centring his appointment, Huda said, “I have perceived anything in this regard yet.”

It is challenging to hold a free, fair and credible election under a political government but it will have to be held in the country as different foreign countries go to polls in a similar manner, he said replying to a question.

He said he will sit with political parties if any complex situation is created or the political parties come up with any opinion.

About the EC’s role in the next general election, Huda said there will be no room to play any bias role in the election.

“We will play a neutral role and our attitudes will be towards holding of an impartial and transparent election,” he added.

President Abdul Hamid appointed Huda as new CEC last night in line with a constitutional provision, according to a gazette notification issued yesterday.

The president also appointed four election commissioners who include a woman. They are Mahbub Talukder, former additional secretary; Md Rafiqul Islam, ex-secretary; Begum Kabita Khanam, former district and sessions judge; and Brig Gen (retd) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury.