Dhaka: Some eminent members of the civil society have expressed confidence in the abilities of the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and four commissioners of the reconstituted Electoral Commission (EC).

They have, however, observed that the CEC and his commissioners should work within the remits of the constitution and must undertake their duties without fear or favour.

Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique expressed his hope that the reconstituted EC would be able to hold next elections properly that would also be accepted by all.

"All, who were appointed as election commissioners, served their duties in the previous positions with utmost sincerity, honesty and efficiency. I hope they will also keep the spirit to lead the commission utilising their experiences and commitments," he told BSS.

Professor Siddique said political parties would have to cooperate with the EC to run its activities properly.

"If players of both sides in a game behave well, it becomes easier for the referee to run the game. In the same way, all political parties will have to behave positively to help EC conduct an election properly," the VC added.

Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Professor Golam Rahman also echoed the comments of the DU vice-chancellor saying that all the election commissioners have notable background in their respective fields.

"The process of reconstituting EC was very transparent and trustworthy. Efficient and honest persons have been picked up to run the commission," he said expressing his hope the newly EC would be able to make the next elections free, fair and acceptable.

Former election commissioner Suhul Hussain said that it would be too early to comment on the new CEC and commissions.

He, however, said that the new CEC and other commissioners showed their sincerity and efficiency during their services at different capacities.

"So, we hope that they would also carry out their new responsibilities with maintaining neutrality and without any fear," he said. 

Dr Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, chairman of National Election Observation Council, known as JANIPOP, welcomed the new CEC and the commissioners and hope that they would perform their duties competently.

He also thanked the Search Committee for accomplishing their task with the 10-day timeframe. 

"I believe that the recommendations of different political parties and civil society members have been reflected in the reconstructed EC," Professor Kalumulah said.

He also welcomed the appointment of a woman as the commissioner for the first time in country's election commission. 

"I hope the EC would work as a team to ensure a free and fair election," he said. 

President Abdul Hamid yesterday appointed former Secretary KM Nurul Huda as the new CEC and a former judge, two former civil servants and a retired military officer as election commissioners. 

The four election commissioners are former secretary Md Rafiqul Islam, former additional secretary Mahbub Talukder, retired district and session judge Begum Kabita Khanam and Brigadier General (retd) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury.