The Election Commission (EC) wants to create a positive image ahead of next parliamentary election in the country.
For this, the commision has been working for last few months which will be reflected in the upcoming two by-elections, zilla parishad and local elections.
EC has sent strong message to the ruling party to not breach the code of conduct by any means in upcoming zilla parishad election on October 17 and by-election in Gaibandha-constituency on October 12.
Meanwhile, EC called on district commissioners (DC) and superintendents of police (SP) to attend a meeting to know the details on the field level conditions before the elections held. They will meet with EC on 10 am on Friday at the Election Building in Agaogaon of the capital.
Election Commissioner Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Md Ahsan Habib Khan said district administration and police have all the necessary experience and involvement in conducting all types of elections. In addition to next general election, zilla parishad and city corporation elections are also ahead. So, the EC want to have a clear-cut idea on the field level and know about the challenges ahead of the officers in district level. So, the goal of this meeting and discussions will be to exchange of opinions with the DCs and SPs, make coordination and give directions regarding election-related matters in an attempt to hold a free and fair election.
He said the EC will also try to find out the ways to get out of the irregularities associated with elections. I think it’s very hard to solve too many problems at the last hours. We want create level-playing field for all candidates. So, in this circumstance, if we can start all the relevant works in all levels and be successful in monitoring, then it will be possible to be successful in conducting elections as well.
About the allegations of breach of code of conduct by the powerful political persons, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir said EC won’t tolerate breach of code of conduct and take legal action if anyone breaches it. If the administration fails to take actions, we won’t hesitate to take actions according to the law in our hands.
The Election Commissioner said, “Strong message has been conveyed to ruling party leaders so that they won’t breach code of conduct. We’ve already told the DCs and SPs to take actions against whoever breaches code of conduct, irrespective of personal and party-identity.
About the alleged involvement of ruling party leaders in Gaibandha zilla parishad election, Md Alamgir said, “We’ve sent strict directions to local DC and SP to submit investigation report and take action after the recipient of the report. If the Member of Parliaments breaches code of conduct, they wouldn’t stay in constituency as they’re not the voters of that area. Even, they have no chance of staying in that constituency as voters.
Jatiyo Party’s Complaints: Jatiyo Party has raised complaints on breaching the code of conduct in zilla parishad election. Some party-men on Thursday met Chief Election Commisioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal and submitted their complaints.
After the meeting, Jatiyo Party (Japa) secretary general Majibul Haque Chunnu told the journalist, “Some MPs are working on behalf of their favorite candidate in Gaibandha zilla parishad and taking part in promotional activities which are definitely breach of code of conduct. Even, to hamper our election campaign, the ruling party men attacked on our houses and properties. Even, they’ve threatened to take the votes by force.”
Directions to DCs and SPs: The EC has given directions to DCs and SPs and all concerned-parties to hold free and fair election in 60 districts.
It has been clearly indicated in the directions that no minister, state-minister, deputy-minister, MP and city corporation mayor could take part in election campaign. Besides, from the list of selection panel, none could be appointed as poling agent.
In a press release signed by EC public relations director Asaduzzaman Arzu, it has been said that directions had been sent to submit investigation report on the breach of code of conduct by some DCs and SPs.
@The article published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on October 7, 2022 and rewritten in English by Lutful Hoque
