CEC, 4 election commissioners announce resignation
Previously, several sources at the EC, wishing to be anonymous, said the commissioners have already completed all necessary preparations for their departure
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal along with four other election commissioners have announced their resignation.
The CEC made the announcement during a press conference held today (5 September) at the Election Commission building amid speculations of his resignation, along with that of other election commissioners.
"In this changed situation, I and other commissioners have decided to step down. We're handing over our resignation letters to the EC Secretary to send it to the President," said the CEC.
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Following the briefing, Chief Election Commissioner Habibul Awal submitted the resignation letters to the Election Commission secretary who will convey it to the president and exited the premises in a hurry.
Two of the election commissioners, Ahsan Habib and Md Alamgir, were present at the briefing while the others did not attend the briefing but were present in their office and submitted their resignations.
When asked about the absence of two EC's, no one provided any justification. Later, an EC, who was present at the briefing, later told The Business Standard to question those who were absent rather than asking those who were present.
Meanwhile, some people were seen gathering in front of the EC building and chanting slogans against CEC Kazi Habibul Awal.
A few people hurled shoes at the car carrying Election Commissioners Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir and Anisur Rahman while they were exiting the election commission premises.
Previously, several sources at the EC, wishing to be anonymous, said the commissioners have already completed all necessary preparations for their departure.
Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana has already returned the Tab used for official purposes, while other commissioners are reportedly relocating their personal belongings from the office.
Additionally, CEC Awal had begun moving out of his official residence on Mintoo Road, in line with his decision to resign.
The election commissioners had initially intended to continue their duties for a few more days. However, during an informal meeting held on Tuesday, CEC Awal expressed a firm stance on resignation, which influenced the other commissioners to align with his decision.
The move follows recent turmoil regarding the registration of political parties Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad.
Sources said the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behaviour from activists and supporters of these political groups. Consequently, the CEC and other commissioners vacated the EC office briefly on Tuesday.
Earlier, in an interview with TBS last month, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Ahsan Habib Khan expressed confusion over the resignation demand, stating, "I don't understand why we should resign. Have we committed any crime? We have conducted fair and impartial elections. Still, if anyone demands our resignation, we will certainly resign."
The current commission, led by Kazi Habibul Awal, took office on 27 February 2022. The team includes retired Brigadier General Ahsan Habib Khan, retired senior secretary Md Alamgir, retired district and sessions judge Rashida Sultana, and retired senior secretary Anisur Rahman, all of whom were appointed for a five-year term.
