DHAKA, Nov 22, 2018 (BSS) – Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Helal Uddin Ahmed today said the Commission is committed to holding the 11th parliamentary election in a free, fair and neutral manner.
“We’re committed to giving a free, fair and neutral election to the nation as a gift and necessary instructions have already been announced to this end,” he told the inaugural session of a special meeting with law enforcers over the 11th parliamentary polls scheduled to be held on December 30.
Noting that holding the national election is a huge task, he said police is an important part of the law enforcement agencies in holding the next election in a free and peaceful manner.
He sought all-out cooperation from the law enforcement agencies, including police, to hold the next election peacefully.
About the EC’s preparation in holding the election, Helal Uddin said returning and assistant returning officers for all the seats have already been appointed.
He said over 600 magistrates have been entrusted with maintaining the electoral rules and necessary instructions have already been given to the authorities concerned. “More instructions will be given in the days to come to ensure a free, fair and neutral election.”
“We’ll brief the magistrates on November 24, 25 and 26 about their responsibilities in maintaining the electoral rules. Returning and assistant returning officers and local observers have already been briefed about their duties,” the EC secretary said.
EC commissioners Mahbub Talukdar, Md Rafiqul Islam, Kabita Khanam and Brigadier General (retd) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury, and senior officials of the Home Ministry and different law enforcement agencies were present at the meeting.