Dhaka, Dec 12 – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda yesterday said they were embarrassed and saddened for the attacks in the election campaign in different parts of the country including the onslaught on the motorcade of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in Thakurgaon. I delightfully said there was no campaign-related awkward incident on Monday. But two such incidents occurred that has shocked and embarrassed us. We are saddened due to the incident of killing,” he said.
While briefing the judicial magistrates at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital, CEC said the attack on the motorcade of BNP Secretary-General is uncalled-for.
“We are embarrassed for it. It’s not desirable. A life is more valuable compared to the election. Violence in the election campaign has snatched away a life. We have to find out a way to overcome it,” the CEC asserted.
Earlier on December 11, a local Jubo League leader was killed in a clash between the “activists of Awami League and BNP” in Noakhali Sadar Upazila.
Requesting the leaders of the political parties, workers, supporters, devotees, CEC said, “I request you to have patience. Follow the electoral code of conduct while campaigning.”
“Respect the democratic and fundamental rights of others. Avoid all sorts of exciting and anxious activities,” Huda said.
Drawing attention to the judicial magistrates, he said, “Make the election environment. Assure people that election is not a place for violence. The election is the place for voting rights and exercising democratic rights of people.”
The CEC further said, “It is a distinct election this time. This election cannot be compared to any other elections. On an average, there are six candidates in every constituency. Over 1,800 candidates are in the election. We hope the election will be competitive.”
Meanwhile, BNP Vice-Chairman Selima Rahman at the Nirbachan Bhaban yesterday said the CEC feels embarrassed because they are helplessness to take steps.
“We think CEC is really embarrassed because the Commission is unable to exercise its power,” she told the journalists while submitting a letter on behalf of her party to the EC.
She further said the election will be acceptable if the CEC takes due actions.
BNP, in the letter to the CEC, sought interference of the Commission for stopping onslaughts and harassment of their activists during the election campaign.
“We have already requested you to take steps against the summary arrest of our leaders and workers for the interest of free, participatory and acceptation election. But there is no sign of
stopping it,” the letter said.
“Law enforcers in plain clothes are intimidating our leaders, workers and supporters in their houses and arresting them. It has created a fearful situation. It has created doubts among people about holding a fair poll,” BNP said.
Bobby Hajjaj, a Bangladesh Muslim League nominated and Gono Oikya supported a candidate who is contesting for Dhaka-6, submitted a letter to EC alleging that his election office at Gendaria has been vandalised by local former Chhatra League leader on Tuesday night.
Hajjaj who is the chairman of Nationalist Democratic Movement requested EC to ensure the security of his election offices for the sake of maintaining fair election environment and to bring the responsible person under the law. – Staff Reporter
