The Election Commission (EC) is firm to hold the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election free and fair protecting the future of the country and its economy.
The high-ups of the EC also think that the JS polls will be held in a festive manner with participation of more than 30 out of 44 registered political parties.
The EC officials are still hopeful of that BNP and its like-minded parties will join the polls though the schedule has already been announced for January 7, 2024.
However, the EC is willing to change the schedule if the BNP and its allies join the election.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Monday expressed his firm determination to hold the JS polls free and fair.
"We must hold a fair and credible election to protect the economy and the future of the country," he said.
The CEC was addressing the first phase of a daylong training of the divisional officials at the EC headquarters in the capital.
"The EC is working to stop the use of muscle power along with black money and irregularities," the CEC said.
Regarding the training programme, Awal said it is necessary to impart intensive training on the electoral rules and regulations so the members of the electoral investigative committee can perform their duties accurately.
The CEC, however, told the function that it will be impossible for EC alone to hold free and fair elections without the help of the government, and also the sincerity, bravery and integrity of the officials who are assigned to render assistance for holding elections.
He said "We must be ensured that the voters can come to the center and return to home after hassle-free voting, adding "None of the allegations raised by any candidates would be taken into account if the polling agents would not be present at the polls center."
The EC wants an uncontroversial result of the polls, said the CEC. "We have no alternative to holding a free and fair election for the sake of the country's democracy and economy as well", he added.
Meanwhile EC member Rasheda Sultana on Monday expressed her hope saying that the BNP and its like-minded parties will join the election.
She also said even if BNP does not join, the polls will be participatory, and held in a festive manner as more than 30 out of 44 registered political parties are going to join.
While talking to journalists after a preparatory meeting in Bogura with the election officials of four districts, EC member Rasheda expressed her hope that BNP would take part in the polls.
She said, “If the BNP comes, the EC will consider the polls schedule. But, the election must be held by January 28, and there is no way to cross the time limit.”
“We want all the registered political parties to join the polls.
Another EC member Brig Gen (retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan said the EC is sincerely trying to hold a participatory, fair and credible election.
“The most important thing in a democratic country is the election. Country people and political parties are also keen to hold the election free and fair”, he said while talking to Khulna Divisional election officials on Monday.
The Election Commissioner said, “Since we took oath, our sole aim is to gift the nation a fair and impartial election. It is our sincere endeavor to present a participatory and inclusive election.”
Moreover, another EC member Mohammad Anisur Rahman said that centring the JS polls, the EC is planning to deploy Army personnel across the country.
The EC member came up with the remarks on Monday at Rangamati after a views exchange meeting with the polling officials of Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts.
He also mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs has already been instructed to conduct drives to recover illegal arms and stop illegal use of legal arms.
It should be mentioned that most of the major political parties have already finalized nominations of their own aspirants.
As per the schedule, the 12th JS polls will be held on January 7, political parties will be able to submit nominations for candidacies till November 30, the EC will scrutinise the nomination forms from December 1-4, appeals against the nominations can be submitted from December 5-6 and nominations need to be withdrawn by December 17.