Dhaka, Dec 24 – Jatiya Oikya Front top leader and president Dr Kamal Hossain and BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the armed forces being deployed across the country today to ensure level playing field for all political parties and candidates.The two top Oikya Front leaders made the urge in separate statements welcoming the deployment of armed forces in aid to civil administration ahead of the 11th parliamentary elections.
In his statement, Dr Kamal said armed forces must create a level playing field for all parties and play a positive role.
“We welcome the upcoming deployment of the armed forces. We hope that this deployment will create a congenial electoral environment which was not existing before,” he said.
He hoped that the armed forces won’t stand against the interest of the people or seek to implement the agenda of an individual or a group of people.
“The armed forces serve the people and the country and the image of the armed forces cannot be tarnished for a handful of individuals,” he added.
Mirza Alamgir also expects that they believe sincerely that a congenial atmosphere for holding the election in a free and fair manner would be created with the deployment of armed forces.
He said Bangladesh army is always involved in serving the country and the nation and their dignity cannot be tarnished due to serve the purpose of any individual or group.
“I strongly urge the army to ensure level playing field for all political parties and candidates during the elections,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Kamal Hossain in a letter sent to the Chief Election Commission yesterday called upon the commission to postpone the inauguration of Book Festival in Gopalganj scheduled for today, said OIkyafrotn media wing chief Dr Mehedi Masud.
Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the book festival.
Organizing the book fair hurriedly taking the fixed date for December 31 ahead with the government exchequer would be contrary to prove extra facility to the ruling party. Using the book fair to enhance the image of a particular party and candidate be a clear violation of the
election code of conduct, said the letter.
The letter further said it may influence the election for her rival in the GOplaganj-3 constituency and also for candidates in the other constituencies. – Staff Reporter
source: UNB
