Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Saturday said there would be no “election engineering” in the upcoming national polls, asserting that a sufficiently supportive environment now exists to hold a credible election.
“We are visiting different areas. Around 1.8 million officials and employees – including returning and assistant returning officers, police, BGB, army and Ansar-VDP – are engaged in election duties. Everyone is committed to delivering a good election to the nation,” he said.
The Election Commissioner made the remarks while exchanging views with local journalists at the Rangpur Circuit House on Saturday afternoon, ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and referendum.
Members of the district law and order cell, vigilance and observation team, election investigation and judicial committee, and executive magistrates in charge of six parliamentary constituencies in Rangpur district were present at the meeting.
Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the Election Commission is not facing any pressure amid the current political situation, but stressed that cooperation from all quarters is essential to make the election smooth and acceptable. “Our clear message is that we are against any movement or activity that harms the election process. People must play their role in ensuring a fair electoral environment,” he said.
He noted that significant changes have taken place in the country’s political environment and voting culture. According to him, the leaders of the two major political parties have honoured their commitments to the Election Commission to maintain a conducive atmosphere for the election.
Referring to recent developments, he said party leaders who opposed the Election Commission’s stance have removed their posters and cancelled political tours. “The statements political leaders are making against one another are part of election politics and strategy. However, we strongly condemn all forms of violence and killings,” he added.
The Election Commissioner also said law enforcement agencies have been instructed to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi.
The meeting was presided over by Rangpur District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan. Regional Election Officer Delwar Hossain, Rangpur District Police Superintendent Marufat Hussaine, Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Toffael Hossain and other officials were also present.
Source: BSS