ZCZC
BSS-40
CEC-POLLS-AMOSPHERE
Ensure equal opportunity for all candidates: CEC
CHATTOGRAM, Dec 18, 2018 (BSS)- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda today asked the officials concerned, including Returning Officers, and law enforcement agencies to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates during the upcoming general election.
“It is your duty to provide equal opportunity for all candidates. You should not deprive anyone within the bounds of the law or allow anyone to get extra benefits,” the CEC said.
He was addressing a meeting with members of the law enforcement agencies in Chattogram division at a community center this afternoon.
The CEC said a level-playing field has already been ensured and the candidates are now carrying out their electoral campaign freely.
“A congenial election atmosphere prevails in the country. Although some stray incidents took place, everything has now been fixed. All are conducting electioneering as there is a level-playing field. A record number of candidates are contesting the election this time,” he added.
He directed them to carry out their duties with professionalism and ensuring full compliance of electoral code.
The CEC said executive and judicial magistrates would be on duty at the field-level and the candidates can lodge their allegations with them.
EC Secretary Helal Uddin also gave instructions to maintain law and order and keep the polls atmosphere peaceful and asked for steps to ensure that all the candidates can do campaigning. He also directed them to ensure that none can influence the voters.
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Shahadat Hossain, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Abdul Mannan, DIG of Chattogram Range Golam Faruque, Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Mahbubur Rahman, Nazmul Hoque, Commander of Bangladesh Navy Chattogram zone, Brigadier General Adil Chowdhury, regional commander of BGB, Brigadier General Mahbub Chowdhury, acting commander of Chattogram 24 Infantry Division, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of eight districts of Chattogram division and officials concerned attended the meeting.
BSS/MAM/BR/1843