Bangladesh EC Seeks Canadian Assistance to Combat AI Misuse in Elections, Rejects Controversial Observers

Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC) has approached Canada for support in countering the potential misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the upcoming national elections. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin extended this request during a meeting today (Tuesday) with Ajit Singh, the Canadian High Commissioner to Dhaka. The CEC briefed reporters on the discussions after their session at the Election Building in Agargaon, the capital.

The CEC further clarified that foreign observers who had previously deemed the last three national elections 'credible' would not be granted permission to monitor the upcoming polls.

Earlier this morning, High Commissioner Ajit Singh and a delegation from the Canadian High Commission engaged in an approximately 90-minute discussion with CEC Nasir Uddin at the Election Building. Following the meeting, the CEC informed journalists that the Canadian delegation had inquired about various aspects of the EC's election preparations, to which the EC provided detailed responses. The EC plans to launch extensive voter awareness and education programs nationwide. Additionally, training will be provided to presiding officers, polling officers, and local observers. Canada has expressed its readiness to assist the EC in these endeavors.

According to Nasir Uddin, Canada is keen to see a free, fair, and credible election in Bangladesh. They also sought information regarding the inclusion of female voters and voter awareness initiatives in the hilly regions.

The CEC specifically highlighted that the Election Commission views the misuse of AI in the forthcoming elections as a significant threat. He has requested Canada's assistance on strategies to mitigate AI misuse, citing Canada's recent electoral experience in dealing with this challenge and their accumulated expertise.

When questioned whether the Canadian High Commissioner inquired about a specific election date or timeframe, the CEC responded, "He asked if a definite date for the polls has been set. I replied 'No.' There was no discussion about the timeframe. What you know about the timeframe, I know the same. I will announce the election date two months prior to the polls."

Regarding the participation of foreign observers, the CEC stated that he has already invited the European Union to serve as observers, and the relevant policy is nearing finalization. The EU has been asked for advance notification so they can coordinate and dispatch observers from their 28 member countries. "For this, we have extended an early welcome," he added.

Nasir Uddin emphatically declared, "Why should we approve those who certified the last three elections? Should we allow observers who labeled the last three elections as very good and acceptable? We will make our selections very carefully. We will only bring in those who are experienced, dependable, reliable, and have observed elections in various countries. Under no circumstances will we permit those who certified the last three elections."