Editors and senior journalists Wednesday expressed their unanimous opinion that the Election Commission (EC) must exercise all lawful powers to make the next general election 'free, fair and participatory'.
Taking part in an 'Exchange-of-Opinion' meeting, organised by the EC at its conference room, they felt that the EC must earn confidence of all stakeholders, including the political parties across-the-board, to create an environment congenial to holding such a free and fair election.
A total of 26 editors and senior journalists shared their opinion with the EC on issues concerning next general election.
Ensuring a 'level playing' field for all political parties even before the announcement of the election schedule should be a priority task of the EC, they said.
There was, however, opposing opinion over the issue of army deployment during the polling day, with some opposing the idea and some others speaking in favour.
There was a suggestion to appoint the EC's own district level officials as returning officers instead of the deputy commissions.
Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda presided while other Election Commissioners Mahbub Talukdar, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Kabita Khanam and Brg. Gen. Shahadat Chowdhuty (retd) were present at the programme.
The journalists who took part in the discussion included Amanullah Kabir, chief editor of bdnews 24.com, Nurul Kabir, editor, the New Age, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor, Manabzamin, Shamsul Huq Zahid, Joint Editor, the Financial Express, Naimul Islam Khan, editor, Amader Orthiniti, Shymal Dutt, editor, Bhorer Kagoj, Naeem Nizam, editor, Bangladesh Protidin, Khandakar Muniruzzaman, acting editor, Dainik Sangbad, Saiful Alam, acting editor, Jugantor, Shafiqur Rahman, President, National Press Club, Sohrab Hasan, joint editor, Prothom Alo, Anisul Haque, associate editor, Prothom Alo, BFUJ leaders Manzurul Ahsan Bulbul, M. Abdullah and Omar Faruk and columnist Mahfuzullah.