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BSS-39
QUADER-DISCUSSION
AL in favour of use of EVM in polls: Quader
DHAKA, Jan 13, 2020 (BSS) – Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said the party is in favour of use of electric voting machine (EVM) in principle in the upcoming Dhaka two city corporations polls slated for January 30.
“We clearly informed the Election Commission that we believe in modern technology to build a Digital Bangladesh. But, if the election decides to hold election in previous system, we will accept it,” he said.
Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, was addressing a discussion arranged by Bangladesh Krishak League marking the Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the AL central office at Bangabandhu Avenue here.
The minister said the EC will hold the election and the government will not interfere in it. The law enforcement agencies will also act as per the decision of the EC, he added.
The AL general secretary said before leaving Dhaka for the UAE, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked all forces at the airport to extend all-out support to hold a free, fair and neutral election.
“The people will cast their vote per their wish. The ruling party will accept the people’s verdict. We do not want controversial and questionable polls,” he said quoting the premier as saying.
Quader said it is the duty of the EC to monitor whoever either the ruling party or the opposition violates the electoral code of conduct and commission will take steps to this end.
About deferring of polls date, Quader said it is the full jurisdiction and responsibility of the EC about taking decision on deferring the polls.
The government’s has no interference in fixing the polls date, electoral code of conduct and level-playing field, he added.
About the level-playing field, Quader said: “In this regard, our logic is that if BNP secretary general can take part in election campaign, why the AL general secretary cannot join campaign?”
He said they saw prime ministers of different democratic countries to take part in local government election.
Referring to Indian premier’s taking part in election campaign of Tripura Legislative Assembly and addressing public rallies, the AL general secretary said there is no bar for MPs and ministers to join polls campaign in developed countries.
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