Politically-motivated cases to destroy polls environment: EC

Election commissioner Rafiqul Islam on Sunday said the Election Commission did not give any directive to law enforcement agencies to gather information of probable presiding officers and assistant presiding officers, reports UNB.

“However, the commission has given necessary directives to law enforcement agencies not to harass any probable polling officers in this regard,” said Rafiqul Islam while talking to newsmen at his Nirbachan Bhaban office.

Replying to a question over BNP’s list of the politically-motivated cases submitted to the EC on Sunday, Rafiqul said the commission will scrutinise the list and then give directives to police not to harass anyone in such cases.

“If there’re such cases, it’ll destroy the polls environment,” he said over the BNP allegation of their leaders and workers being arrested in false, fabricated and fictitious cases ahead of the election.

In reply to another question over Awami League general secretary’s allegation over BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, the election commissioner said if anyone comes up with evidence and law permits the commission will take steps against the BNP leader over his reported video conversation with his party’s nomination seekers.

Rafiqul Islam said the commission will take legal actions against the people concerned if the election campaign materials are not removed by Sunday midnight.