Election Commissioner (EC) Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Sanaullah on Sunday said ensuring participation of all communities is essential for a free, fair and transparent election.
"To this end, there is a need to create a supportive environment not only at the polling stations, but also at the family and community levels," he said.
The EC made the remark while addressing a workshop titled "National Consultation on Inclusion of Person with Disabilities in Electoral Process" at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in thecapital.
Election Commission, UNDP and Sightsavers jointly organized the event.
Sanaullah stated that all citizens, including persons with disabilities, will be given the opportunity to exercise their voting rights in the next election. A suitable environment must be ensured for the elderly, physically disabled and disabled voters, he added.
He said, "We are aware of this. After the July Uprising, the issue of participation of people with special needs in the elections has now come to the fore, which was much lower on the priority list earlier. In society, we have not yet been able to make adequate arrangements for the disabled and the elderly. The commission will also take practical steps and consider hiring assistants if necessary."
Speaking as a special guest, Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the EC Secretariat, said, "There is no restriction on the voting rights of persons with disabilities anywhere in the constitution. We also have no problem in their participation."
Persons with disabilities from different areas shared their experiences and problems at the event.
UNDP Resident Representative Stephan Liler said they are ready to provide necessary training and assistance to ensure free, fair and participatory elections.
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