Awal-led EC to meet press today amid rumours of resignation

The Election Commission (EC) has announced that it would hold a press conference on Thursday, sparking speculation about their impending resignation as part of broader reform efforts under the interim government following a student-led mass uprising.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal held a closed-door meeting with the four election commissioners at the EC Secretariat in the capital on Wednesday. The hour-long discussion took place at noon, sparking further anticipation about the EC’s future.

When asked about the possibility of their resignation, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said, “We will inform you tomorrow. Everything will be announced at a press conference at noon on Thursday.”

He also mentioned that a meeting with the president is scheduled for the same day.

An EC insider revealed that the CEC and the four other commissioners are preparing to resign, with plans to submit their resignation letters to the president today.

The call for the EC’s resignation has gained momentum following the recent change in government, with political leaders and the public demanding the reorganisation of the EC.

On Wednesday, BNP leader AZM Zahid Hossain joined the chorus, calling for the reformation of both the EC and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Earlier in the day, protests were held in front of the EC building, urging the commissioners to step down.

CEC Kazi Habibul Awal, along with commissioners Brig Gen Md Ahsan Habib Khan (retd), Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir, and Md Anisur Rahman, took office on 27 February 2022.

The 12th National Election, held on 7 January 2024, was conducted under their supervision, though it was boycotted by the BNP and their allied political parties.