The Election Commission is actively considering holding the polls in the two city corporations of Dhaka before June, chief election commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad said on Thursday.
In view of the current situation, he pointed out there is no reason not to hold the city corporation elections.
So, the Election Commission is planning to hold the elections in two city corporations in Dhaka during the HSC and equivalent examinations’ intervals in April, said Rakibuddin, who also headed the commission during the 5 January 2014 elections boycotted by the opposition.
He spoke at the Election Commission secretariat about the Dhaka city polls after a meeting with high officials at the home and education ministries, and law enforcement agencies.
He informed the newsmen that law enforcement agencies gave their opinions in favour of holding the city polls.
“The law enforcement agencies said the country’s situation is improving and it will soon improve further. So, there are no risks in holding the ballot,” said Rakubuddin.
Referring to the recent attacks, he said the law enforcers have assured the commission that they would enhanced intelligence surveillance. “If needed, the army personnel will be deployed,” he added.
The CEC mentioned that the election schedule has to be announced this month if voting is to be held in April. The election date would be fixed keeping 37 days at hand after announcement of the polls schedule.
He maintained that it takes five consecutive days to hold the polls. “There are breaks during the HSC examinations between April and June,” he said.
However, the CEC admitted that the education ministry requested the commission to take into considerations the issue of hartal and blockade that cause disruption in holding the exams. “The ministry suggested holding polls during the suitable time,” he said.
The Election Commission is in favour of holding the polls before June to avoid heavy rainfall likely afterwards.
The CEC recalled that the commission earlier fixed voting date in June for a Chittagong ballot but polling stations were washed away due to rains.
The commission is yet to take a decision on whether elections for Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations will be held on the day, he told a questioner.
Source: Prothom Alo
