Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed has asked authorities to remain neutral during the elections to the four city corporations.
He gave the order after BNP lodged complaints of irregularities on Thursday.
Adequate measures have been taken following the complaints, the CEC told reporters ahead of the elections on Thursday.
“I ordered police-administration to be neutral. Legal action will be taken if anyone is found taking sides.”
Maximum security measures have been taken to ensure peace during Saturday’s elections to the four city corporations, he said.
A team of representatives headed by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan went to the Election Commission on Thursday, two days ahead of the polls to Sylhet, Barisal, Rajshahi and Khulna corporations. During the meeting lasting one and a half hours, they alleged that the ruling party was using its power to influence elections.
About the police fire on BNP-backed candidate in Barisal, the CEC said, “The incident is very unfortunate, but it is an isolated case. Tough measures have been taken to ensure that such acts are not repeated.”
About BNP’s demand for army deployment during the polls, CEC Ahmed said the law enforcers are already conducting patrols. “Illegal arms are being seized and criminals are arrested.”
“There will be adequate presence of law enforcers including BGB, RAB, Coast Guards. Even divers will be deployed in Khulna. Vital and sensitive polling centres will have the highest security.”
When asked if any action has been taken following intelligence report about a possible sabotage by Jamaat-e-Islami and their student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, the CEC said, “We are prepared to tackle any eventualities. Criminals don’t belong to any groups. They work for money.”
Source: Bd news24
The CEC has called upon his office to be ‘neutral’. Well, is he himself neutral? Most people do not believe that. He said EC is independent and very strong; but in the NGanj CC election his demand to the govt for deploying army was just ignored. Now in Barisal police has shot one pro-BNP mayoral candidate’s man with as many as six slugs. Violation of election rules are open but what has he done about that? His obedient returning officers are just keeping their eyes shut to those and singing refrain that if anybody brings complaint to them they will move. But some election experts like Mr. B.A.Majumder and Brig (Rtd) and ex-Election Commissioner said the other day that EC should be pro-active and not passive in taking adequate measures against any election rule violation. From all considerations, the present CEC has proved a ‘hand’ of the govt.