People's lack of confidence in the electoral system is a major concern for free and fair elections, said Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah yesterday.

"We need to bring back people's confidence in the electoral system," he said.

The remarks were made to reporters following a meeting with the Electoral Reform Commission at the Election Commission Building yesterday afternoon.

Asked how the EC will restore people's confidence in elections, Fazal said, "This will require a holistic approach and cannot simply be summarised into one or two points."

He also noted that no specific timeline has been set for the next general election. "Our focus is on ensuring a free and fair election in the future," he added.

Electoral Reform Commission Chief Badiul Alam Majumder told reporters they discussed ensuring punishment for the electoral crimes committed by the previous election commissions.

Responding to a question about whether the last three commissions would be brought to justice, he said, "All those who have committed crimes need to be brought under justice."

Badiul said that the new commission did not place any kind of recommendation to the electoral reform commission as of yet. If they have anything to share, they can share it with the reform commission.

Asked about the power of the Election Commission, Badiul said that EC has inherent powers and they can do everything for the sake of a fair election.