More than 300 names have been proposed for the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners by a search committee.
The names have been submitted by political parties and various organisations, with political parties focusing on a select few candidates.
Among the list, retired civil servants, judges, and former military officials have received particular attention.
The most discussed name for the role of Chief Election Commissioner is Dr Mohammad Zakria, former additional secretary of the election commission.
Given the recent change in power dynamics, political parties have exercised greater caution in submitting names to the search committee for this year's Election Commission formation.
This is in light of the significant role the previous Election Commission (EC) played in the last three uncontested elections conducted under the Awami League.
It has been reported that the BNP submitted ten names, while the Jamaat-e-Islami proposed eight.
Other political parties also nominated their preferred candidates.
An analysis of the proposed names indicates that Dr Mohammad Zakria is a prominent contender for the role of chief election commissioner.
Others under consideration include former Senior Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, AMM Nasir Uddin, former senior secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan, and Mohibul Haque.
Dr Mohammad Zakria, who previously served as an additional secretary of the Election Commission, has extensive experience in electoral matters.
Known for his reputable career in the civil service, he reportedly made several key decisions during his tenure at the Election Commission.
According to sources, Dr Zakria began his career as a senior assistant secretary at the Election Commission and rose through the ranks to Deputy Secretary, Joint Secretary, and eventually Additional Secretary.
However, he faced adversity under the caretaker government during the 2007–2008 political crisis.
Upon the Awami League's return to power in the 2008 elections, he was marginalised and made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
Election experts opine that having experienced personnel in the Election Commission can facilitate decision-making during major elections, such as parliamentary polls.
Immediate decisions are often required, making prior experience within the commission invaluable.
The search committee, which received nominations from 17 parties and alliances, professional organisations, and individual applicants, is expected to finalise a list of ten names to be submitted to the president by 21 November as per the law.
From this shortlist, the President will appoint one chief election commissioner and four other commissioners.
Previously, on 5 August, the Sheikh Hasina government's fall was precipitated by a mass student-led uprising, leading to the resignation of the Kazi Habibul Awal Commission on 5 September.
Subsequently, a six-member search committee headed by Supreme Court's Appellate Division Senior Justice Jubayer Rahman Chowdhury was formed on 31 October.
