Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the Election Commission (EC) is facing fresh and multifaceted challenges in preparing for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections.

“We are encountering new challenges every day, which did not exist in previous elections,” he said, citing political, law-and-order and technological issues as key concerns.

The CEC made the remarks while inaugurating a two-day training programme for core trainers at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Focusing on digital threats, Nasir Uddin said that the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media has emerged as a new form of disruption capable of influencing the electoral process. To counter such risks, he announced the formation of a central data cell tasked with monitoring and combating misinformation and disinformation.

“This initiative must extend to every corner of the country, from remote villages to char areas and the hills. Those trained here will play a vital role in disseminating accurate information and countering false narratives at the grassroots,” the CEC said.

He emphasized the need to strengthen institutional capacity to address emerging risks, urging election officials to enhance their skills to meet unforeseen challenges in the future.

“Training must be taken seriously. The success of free, fair and credible elections depends on professionalism and neutrality,” he added.

The programme was chaired by Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed, while SM Asaduzzaman, Director General of the Electoral Training Institute, delivered the welcome speech.

Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd.) attended the event as special guests.

MN/