Polls ambience good: EC
Staff Reporter :
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said that the overall electoral environment is satisfactory and comparatively better than before.
Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission (EC) in Agargaon, Masud said the Commission’s assessment shows no major deterioration in the election atmosphere so far.
“From the Election Commission’s evaluation, the current environment is satisfactory and relatively good,” he said in response to a question.
He urged political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders to cooperate with the Election Commission to maintain a peaceful and fair electoral environment.
He also called on them to comply with the Commission’s decisions and directives throughout the election period.
Earlier in the day, a coordination meeting was held at 11:00 am involving officials of the EC Secretariat and the Election Training Institute to review election preparations.
All four election commissioners were present. Masud said the Commission was briefed in detail on the latest status of final preparations.
Addressing concerns over violations of the electoral code of conduct, law and order issues, and confrontational statements by senior political leaders, Masud said that 300 Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committees, led by 300 judges, are currently operating across the country.
In addition, executive magistrates are conducting mobile courts in the field, he said.
He said complaints regarding code of conduct violations can be submitted to the Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committees.
Based on complaints or information received, magistrates will investigate and submit reports to the Commission, which will then take action as necessary.
Masud noted that executive magistrates have already imposed fines and penalties in several cases of code violations.
He added that even election officials themselves can be reported if they violate the code of conduct or break the law.
In serious cases, the Election Commission may directly conduct investigations and take appropriate measures.
When asked whether misconduct by candidates toward law enforcement or special forces constitutes a violation of the electoral code, Masud said such matters must be judged based on the specific incident and circumstances.
“Each incident will be evaluated separately. A blanket decision cannot be made,” he said.
Regarding allegations of misconduct involving a candidate in the Dhaka-17 constituency and members of the armed forces, Masud said the matter requires investigation.
He said aggrieved parties may file complaints with the Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committee, and the Commission will take action based on evidence.
Meanwhile, Masud also addressed the cancellation of the election in Sherpur-3 following the death of a Jamaat-nominated candidate.
He said holding an election there before February 12 is not possible, as a fresh schedule would require at least 15 days, along with time for scrutiny and appeals. As a result, he said it is not yet possible to determine when voting will take place in that constituency.