EC doesn’t represent govt: CEC
Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission (EC) doesn’t represent the government. It is an independent organisation said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal.
He made the comment while meeting with the candidates of Rajshahi City Corporation election on Wednesday.
The CEC said if you have confusion over the using of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) then go to the court. Don’t complain to us. We did not see any fault with EVM.
He urged the candidates for not spreading rumors over the using of EVM saying that if you have any evidence about flaws with the machines produce it before court.
Kazi Habibul Awal said candidates have to abide by the electoral code of conducts. Otherwise, the EC will not fall back to cancel the candidacy.
Habibul said that they would also take stern action if there was any irregularity on the side of presiding officers and assistant presiding officers.
In a reply to a question from Islami Andolon Bangladesh-backed mayoral candidate Murshid Alam, the chief election commissioner asked him to go to court if he had any doubt about the use of electronic voting machines in the election.
Kazi Habibul Awal said that they would also monitor the election through CCTV from their central office.
On the United States new visa policy for Bangladesh, he added that they did not feel any pressure for it.
‘We are not considering these issues. Our responsibility is to proceed with the elections according to the law and the constitution. If there is any such issue (visa policy), it will be a matter of concern for the government, not for us,’ he said.
Rajshahi divisional commissioner GSM Zafarullah presided the programme where election commissioner Brig Gen Md Ahsan Habib Khan (Retd) was present as special guest.
Election Commission’s secretary Jahangir Alam, Rajshahi range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Abdul Baten, Superintendent of Police Masud Hossain, Rajshahi Metropolitan police commissioner Anisur Rahman, Rajshahi City Corporation returning officer and candidates of RCC were present on the occasion.
