BNP Submits 17-Point Recommendation to Electoral Reform Commission

The BNP has submitted a 17-point set of recommendations to the Electoral Reform Commission, covering areas such as party registration policies, the electoral code of conduct, and the transfer of control of the National Identification (NID) server back to the Election Commission (EC). During a press briefing at the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan yesterday, Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan highlighted the importance of these reforms in creating a fair electoral environment. "We consider electoral reform to be the most critical issue at present. Out of the 17 points we've raised, 10 are particularly crucial for ensuring transparent and credible elections," he stated.

Regarding the upcoming 13th national elections, the BNP advocates for "upgrading" the voter list rather than using "door-to-door visits." "We want an accurate and reliable voter list," Moyeen explained. "Rather than door-to-door campaigns, we propose utilizing computers and AI. Today, if we input instructions into a computer, it can perform the task autonomously and with complete accuracy." He added that computers could even track when someone turns 18, making the traditional door-to-door approach, which is time-consuming, inefficient, and prone to errors, unnecessary.

On the issue of parliamentary constituency delimitation during the 1/11 caretaker government, the BNP raised concerns about potential political motives behind the process. "Previously, the Election Commission controlled the NID server, but the last government transferred its control to the Home Ministry. We have recommended that the NID server be returned to the Election Commission immediately," Moyeen stated.

The BNP also proposed measures to ensure the neutrality of government officials during the election process. "We have suggested that action be taken against those responsible for misdeeds during the July-August uprising, ensuring they are not allowed to participate in the upcoming election process," said BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan at the briefing.

Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed mentioned that it would take no more than two to three months to verify voter authenticity, appoint election officials, and resolve the delimitation issue. He also expressed confidence that the government would not require more than three to four months to hold elections once the necessary reforms in the administration, judiciary, and police have been completed.

Moyeen also stated that the BNP has submitted recommendations on election observation policies and the media code of conduct during elections.