ZCZC
BSS-27
HT IMAM-BNP-POLL
BNP in advantageous position in polls campaign: HT Imam
DHAKA, Jan 8, 2020 (BSS) – Co-Chairman of Awami League’s National Election
Conducting Committee and Prime Minister’s Political Advisor HT Imam today
said BNP remains in the most advantageous position in the Dhaka north and
south city corporations’ polls as all their leaders could join the election
campaigns.
“As per the electoral code of conduct, important persons enjoying
government facilities cannot take part in the election campaign. BNP remains
in a great advantageous position in this regard. Their leaders could take
part in the campaign. But our mouths are shut,” he said.
HT Imam made the statement while talking to journalists after emerging
from a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) at the Nirbachan Bhaban in
city’s Agargaon area.
“In 2004, I brought the concept of level playing field (in election) in
front. But, in current circumstances, BNP is in a much better condition than
us. They do not have any obstruction in conducting election campaign,” the
PM’s political advisor said.
Asked about AL lawmakers’ involvement in the city polls, he said they took
part in the party activities. But, their election campaign has not started
yet, he added.
After recruitment of the polling officials, it will be scrutinized whether
any partisan person is recruited, HT Imam said, adding, “We want the election
to be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. We came here to discuss what
kind of cooperation the government can extend to the EC in this regard”.
About the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in the election, he said
the machine does not know who is Awami League or BNP.
Thanks to the EC for arranging trainings for the operators of the EVM, HT
Imam said, adding that those, who will perform duty knows the matter well.
Around 50 percent machines will remain for backup, he said, adding if any
machine displays problem, it will be replaced immediately.
About BNP’s allegation of arrest, the PM’s advisor said, “We didn’t see
any such incident. Those who made such allegation, always do so. No such
circumstance of pushing people out from an area has taken place,” he added.
About the meeting, Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar said a specific
discussion was held on two issues — participation of very important persons,
enjoying government facilities, in the election and use of EVM.
As per the law, they (very important persons) could not take part in the
election activities, but they could cast their votes at respective voting
centers, he said, adding that there will be back up system for EVM at every
voting center in the election.
Led by Mahbub Talukdar, Election Commissioners Kabita Khanam, Md Rafiqul
Islam and Brigadier General (Retd) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury and returning
officers of the two city corporations Abdul Baten and Abul Kashem took part
in the meeting.
Besides, led by HT Imam, PM’s Economic Affairs Advisor Dr Mashiur Rahman,
AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Abdus Subhan Golap, Information and
Research Secretary Dr Selim Mahmud and Central Working Committee Member
Advocate Riazul Kabir Kawsar joined the meeting.
BSS/MSH/SAH/ARS/1854 hrs