Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that “no one enjoys public trust, and this is a national crisis.”

He made the remark on Thursday (September 4) during a views-exchange meeting with the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The commissioner said, “From the Election Commission’s side, we are working to restore trust. To achieve that, we must build good relations with every profession. Mutual respect and confidence must prevail among professionals. Everyone has to support each other to ensure a fair election.”

Highlighting the role of journalists, Anwarul Islam Sarkar said, “Journalists remain engaged with electoral activities round the clock. Personally, I think the draft policy you have provided could have been more useful if we had received it earlier. I believe every issue requires in-depth analysis, and we seek your cooperation as well. From each of our respective positions, let us cooperate so that we can conduct a good election based on reality.”

He further added, “I think more discussions, reviews, and exchanges of experiences—yours and ours—are needed on this. Since our ultimate objective is the same, I believe these matters can be resolved through dialogue.”

The meeting was presided over by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. Election Commissioners Abdur Rahim Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmed, and Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah, along with RFED President Kazi Zebel and General Secretary Golam Rabbani, were also present.