DHAKA, Dec 29, 2018 (BSS) – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda today issued directives to the law enforcement agencies to maintain the law and order with an iron hand in case of any incident of violence and sabotage centering tomorrow’s national polls.
“It’s not expected that any candidate will be deprived of his/her proper right…You should remain alert so none can break the electoral code of conduct and none can create violence… But there happened some violence which is not acceptable. I ask all of you to take actions against those who were involved in the violence after investigation,” he said.
The CEC gave the directives at a press conference on the overall election preparations at the Media Center of the Nirbachan Bhaban in city’s Agargaon.
Referring some media reports, he said the Election Commission (EC) would not accept harassment of polling agents. “We are asking the law enforcers to extend their support for ensuring the safety of the polling agents.”
Asking the voters, candidates and others concerned to obey the code of conduct, Huda said, “Obey the electoral code of conduct by avoiding violence. Extend cooperation to keep competitive environment. Don’t bow down to any lure or dominator.”
About the law enforcement agencies, the CEC said, “I ask you to maintain the law and order situation with an iron hand if any unstable and sabotage situation is created. The commission will take action if anyone plays an inactive role during violence.”
“We reached the doorstep of the 11th parliamentary election and I have come here to inform the countrymen about the latest situation of the preparations for the polls,” Huda added.
He said a total of 1,861 candidates are contesting in 299 constituencies across the country with the participation of all parties. All candidates passed busy time in campaign. A competitive environment and a festive mood have been created centering the polls.
A total of 10,42,38673 voters are expected to cast their votes in 40,283 voting centers across the country. Electoral equipments have already been sent to the returning officers.
Besides, Huda said, a number of law forces have been deployed for the safety of the polling centers, equipments and polling agents.
The CEC asked the returning officers to begin the preparatory activities at 7 in the morning and start the voting at 8am.
He also asked them to count the votes in front of agents and journalists and to provide the results to them.
Four election commissioners and EC secretary were present in the press conference.