The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday asked the chief election commissioner to deploy troops in the ensuing municipal elections for the sake of congenial atmosphere and thus hold a credible ballot.
The CEC, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, however, turned down the BNP’s demand for army deployment, claiming that the prevailing situation in the election areas does not warrant deployment of military troops.
A BNP delegation led by its standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan met the CEC at his office in Agargaon of the capital and raised the demand.
“Army deployment is a must to level the playing field for the municipal elections. Voters will not be able to exercise their franchise freely and fearlessly unless troops are deployed,” BNP leader Moyeen Khan told newsmen after the meeting.
He alleged that clashes and killing centering elections are taking place across the country and BNP candidates are being harassed.
“BNP leaders are coming under attacks from the ruling party men. So, there is no alternative to army deployment for ensuring a free and fair election,” he added.
When waiting reporters asked the CEC about the BNP’s demand as he was leaving his office, the CEC said in view of the pre-polls situation, it is not necessary to deploy army deployment.
“Our magistrates are taking actions against those who are violating electoral codes,” he claimed.S
Source: Prothom Alo
It is a shame that despite all the authorities given by the constitution of the country, the Election Commission is begging for help from the prime minister and her government. Instead, they should have deployed army and controlled the current violent situation and stop talking this kind of rubbish.