The media plays a pivotal role in elections, but during the last three national polls, several media outlets failed to convey the truth, said Badiul Alam Majumdar, the head of the Electoral System Reform Commission.
Speaking at a shadow parliament session held at the FDC on Friday (29 November) at 11:30am, centred on the theme "The Role of the EC, Candidates, and Citizens in Free and Fair Elections," he pointed out that some media entities were even coerced into withholding the truth.
"Some were forced not to speak the truth," he added.
Discussing the newly constituted Election Commission (EC), he commented, "A tree is known by its fruit. However, this EC does not face significant challenges as there is no pressure from the ruling political party like before."
Badiul Alam Majumdar underscored that without government cooperation, even a neutral EC cannot ensure fair elections.
He criticised past administrations, stating, "The government is a significant stakeholder in elections. Those who committed electoral crimes in the last three elections should be held accountable. The Election Commission itself has committed the gravest offences."
He further noted that ensuring the participation of women and expatriate voters could be a substantial challenge for the EC.
"Reforming the electoral system is vital, but it requires time," Badiul Alam Majumdar concluded.
