EC Sanaullah compares 2026 polls to restarting a derailed train

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has said that this year’s election will be like putting a derailed train back on track. He made the remarks on Wednesday (January 7) at an event in Agargaon.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a project by the Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy (AFED)—a platform of 81 organisations—at the NGO Affairs Bureau office, he discussed the country’s electoral system and ongoing reform initiatives.

“If I describe the 2026 election metaphorically, it will be like bringing a derailed train back onto the tracks and restarting it,” he said. “By carrying out minimal repairs and replacing some parts, at least an attempt will be made to restore momentum. If we can do this, we can consider it our first major success.”

The election commissioner said observers are the “third eye” of the Election Commission and expressed hope that their observations would meet a high standard. He stressed that there should be no deviation from fundamental principles and assured that all possible cooperation would be provided within the framework of the guidelines.

He also said that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the February 12 election is free, fair, and credible.

Democracy Watch Chairperson Taleya Rahman, Khan Foundation Co-chair Roksana Khondker, and representatives from various government and non-government organisations were present at the event.