Polls ambience conducive to holding election: EC
Staff Reporter :
Election Commissioner Abdul Rahmanel Masud has said that the country currently has a sufficiently supportive environment for holding election, stating that there will be no “election engineering” this time.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Saturday afternoon after an exchange meeting at the Rangpur Circuit House, according to media reports.
The meeting was held with members of the district law and order maintenance cell, vigilance and observation teams, election inquiry and judicial committees, and executive magistrates responsible for the six parliamentary constituencies of Rangpur district.
Masud said the Election Commission is regularly visiting different parts of the country to oversee preparations.
He noted that returning officers, assistant returning officers, nearly 1.8 million officials and employees engaged in election duties, along with members of the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the army and Ansar, are all committed to delivering a credible election.
He added that they share the same mindset to ensure a fair process and that the law and order situation is comparatively better than before.
Addressing concerns about the overall situation in the country, the election commissioner said there is no pressure on the Election Commission.
However, he stressed that cooperation from all quarters is necessary to make the election smooth and acceptable.
“Our clear message is that we do not support any activities that go against the election,” he said, adding that the public must also play a responsible role in ensuring a fair electoral environment.
Masud further said that there has been a significant change in the country’s political environment and voting culture.
Leaders of the two major political parties have responded positively to the Election Commission’s call to maintain a fair election atmosphere. Following EC instructions, party leaders have removed posters and cancelled political tours, he said.
Commenting on political rhetoric, the election commissioner said statements made by political leaders against one another are part of electoral competition and political strategy.
However, he strongly condemned all forms of violence and killings in the country.
He also condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi and said law enforcement agencies have been instructed to conduct a proper investigation. Those responsible must be brought to justice, he added.
The meeting was attended by Regional Election Officer Delwar Hossain, District Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan, Rangpur District Superintendent of Police Marufat Hossain, Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Tofayel Hossain, along with other senior officials.