Admitting some incidents of violence and irregularities in the fourth phase 91 upazila parishads polls, the Acting Chief Election Commissioner Abdul Mobarak yesterday said the commission has taken allegations into cognizance and directed the concerned authorities for taking action immediately.
“There were some isolated incidents during elections. These are undesirable. Considering the intensity of violence, we have suspended 32 polling centres in 11 upazilas. Those who were responsible behind the violence would not be spared,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Election Commission’s media centre after ending of polls.However, the commission expressed its satisfaction over holding the peaceful elections across the country sans some stray incidents.
Replying to query, he said, “The irresistible desire to be winner at any cost is responsible for the violence. The dissatisfaction of people is responsible of the violence.”
Regarding the recounting of votes after polls, the commission has no authority to recount it. But the
aggrieved candidates can apply to the Election Tribunal. If the tribunal judge gives order for recounting, it will be followed, he also said.
When asked about vote rigging and stuffing fake votes, Mobarak said the commission has taken the matters under consideration.
“If anyone has the evidence to prove it, the aggrieved candidates can bring the matter to the Election Tribunal within a month after publishing the gazette notification. ,” he also said.
However, the allegation, he said, should be authentic. Asked about the police attacks on the election officials in some upazilas, the acting CEC said “Legal action will be taken against the responsible law enforcing personnel. None will be spared.”
The incidents of assaulting assistant returning officer also took place in Gozaria by the police like the
attacks on assistant returning officer of Hizla upazilas during third phase polls. The Assistant Sub Inspector of Louhajong police station Emdad beat the assistant returning officer of Gozaria upazila.
Besides, Emdad also assaulted the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Gozaria.
The commission has already directed the home ministry to take legal action against him, assistant secretary Ashfakur Rahman said.
Referring to some media reports on the Army’s authority, he said, “Some reports were misleading that the Army has been given the magistracy power. It is not correct. They have been directed to follow the Section 131 of CrPC. If any incidents of violence occurs, they will not remain silent rather they will control the situation and if anybody tries to resist them, the army will arrest the troublemakers and hand over to
magistrate for further action.”
Regarding the use of bullets during snatching of ballot boxes, he said that police would fire bullets below
the knee not above it. It will only wound to the troublemakers. The bullet will be used to refrain people from the violence and troubles.
The centres where the polls were suspended–eight centres in Patuakhali Sadar and five centres in Dumki upazila, eight centres in Gozaria upazila of Munshiganj, three centres in Begumganj upazila of Noakhali, two in Barura in Comilla, one each in Dhamrai in Dhaka, Jibonnagar in Chuadanga, Rangonia and athkania in Chittagong, Kanaighat in Sylhet and Kutubdia in Cox’s bazaar. – Staff Reporter
