Bangladesh EC says 100 percent fair election not possible

Dhaka, Nov 16 – Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam on Friday said 100 per cent fair election is not possible in the country rather the Commission will hold an acceptable poll, which will remain out of all questions.“The example of 100 fair polls cannot be found anywhere in the world. It will not happen here in Bangladesh as well. The Commission will hold an acceptable election which will remain out of all questions,” she said.
While addressing the assistant returning officers of Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions at the Election Bhaban in the capital, Kabita came up with the speech that they don’t want to hold such election that will raise questions among the people.
“It’s a difficult task to hold a fair election. The election should be held by keeping good terms with all. A fair election does not depend on the Commission only. It’s the duty of all. Election Commission wants the cooperation of all for holding fair elections,” she said.
The commissioner also said, “The election wind is blowing over the country. This wind should not be turned into inclement weather. The Commission will have this direction to the assistant returning officers who will perform their duties properly to maintain the congenial environment in the elections.”
“The EC does not want to hold an election which will be questionable.
This commission has tried to visit the field during each election. The previous Commissions did not visit the field during general elections,” she said.
Drawing attention to the assistant returning officers, she said, “You will play a neutral role in the election. Treat all candidates equally and make a level playing field. Don’t be judgmental.”
She also asked the officers to be careful while talking to the media so that no confusion can create during elections.
The commissioner also called upon the officers to follow the electoral code of conduct strictly and the Commission will not spare anybody for the lapses of duties.
Election Commission (EC) secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed said, “This opportunity for holding polls may not come in the life of all. The polls will be held on December 30. It is fixed. It will be a competitive election. So you will play your proper role.”
He also said the upcoming 11th parliamentary poll is very important in the national life. About removing the election campaign-related materials, he said, “There are still banners, posters relating to the election campaign in different parts of the country. It should be removed by November 18.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday sought EC’s intervention in the incidents arrests of their leaders and workers in the ‘fictitious’ cases ahead of the election.
BNP sent a letter signed by its secretary general Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir to the Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda yesterday.
“I seek your intervention to take necessary steps for the unconditional release and withdrawal of fictitious cases against party leaders and activists,” the letter said.
The letter said politically motivated and false and fabricated cases are being filed against the party leaders and workers to arrest and harass since last September and over the last few years.
Fakrul in the letter also alleged that the law enforcers are creating obstacles so that the party nomination seekers cannot reach to the party headquarters. Even law enforcers have torn off the nomination papers in the name of searching them. Even 60/70 BNP men have been arrested on Thursday.
He said such arrest and harassment can raise questions about the elections and it will also create doubt among people about EC’s neutrality. – Staff Reporter