Online Desk: Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Thursday briefed President Mohammed Shahabuddin about overall preparations for the upcoming national elections.

The Election Commission has already held dialogue with some political parties to hold a free and fair election due in December or first week of January next.

Necessary instructions have been given to the executive department and others concerned to ensure the smooth conduct of the election, the CEC informed the president. President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told a briefing after the meeting.

Earlier, a delegation of the Election Commission led by the CEC called on the president at Bangabhaban.

Elections are the most important means of reflecting people’s opinions in the democratic process, said the president at the time.

People elect their representatives through elections, and the expectations of the people are fulfilled through representatives, he said.

Noting that fair and participatory elections strengthen democracy, the president said democracy and development go hand in hand.

President Shahabuddin said the country’s democratic trend needs further development.

Noting that it is not possible for the Election Commission to hold a fair election alone, the president said a free and fair election requires the active cooperation of the people, including the executives.

Political parties have to come forward for this purpose, he said.

He hoped that the government would provide all-out support to the Election Commission to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He urged the commission to play a responsible role with bravery and sincerity by following the constitutional norms, rules, and regulations to make the election fair.

Election commissioners and secretaries to the president were present on the occasion.