Today (Wednesday) marks the commencement of the first phase of upazila elections across 141 upazilas in the country amid much enthusiasm and festivity. In the first phase, 3 crore 14 lakh 68 thousand 102 voters will exercise their voting rights in 81,804 polling booths of 11,556 centres to elect their respective upazila chairmen.
A total of 1,635 candidates are competing in this phase. Among them, 570 are vying for the post of chairman, 625 for vice chairman and 440 for the post of female vice chairman. The upazila elections will take place in four phases. Elections in the second phase will be held on May 23, in the third phase on May 29, and in the fourth phase on June 5. There are 492 upazilas in the country.
Securities of all the voters must be ensured on the day of balloting. The Election Commission (EC) and local administrations have been working relentlessly so that the voters can cast vote peacefully and return home safely after casting votes.
This year's election is not being held with party symbol. Therefore, the EC must monitor centrally whether the minister and lawmakers are trying to exercise their influence in the polls. If they try to interfere, stern action must be taken against them immediately.
A comprehensive security framework has been established, involving the deployment of numerous members from RAB, police, and Ansar, supplemented by the assistance of BGB personnel acting as a striking force to bolster civil administration and electoral commission efforts.
There is a collective optimism that the lingering shadows of past disturbances, particularly stemming from incidents of hooliganism and arson terrorism associated with BNP-Jamaat factions, will dissipate promptly. Safeguarding the nation's peaceful milieu remains non-negotiable, ensuring that citizens feel encouraged and empowered to engage in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.
Everything must be
done to ensure
fair polls
The upazila elections stand as a litmus test for the EC and the government as well, as people and different political parties would watch the role of the commission, administration and law enforcers. However, we think the EC itself is strong, capable, and independent for holding poll as it is determined to conduct the polls in fair and transparent manner.On the other hand, leaders and activists of the BNP continued to conduct mass contact and distribute leaflets to rally public support for the party’s call to boycott the upazila elections and not to cooperate with the Awami League government.
The EC has already proved its impartiality, boldness, and capability by holding free, fair, and credible January 7 national parliamentary elections. So, the upazila polls will also be held in a free, fair, and peaceful manner, people expect.We want a competitive election and we see all the candidates equally. If a large number of voters cast their votes, the acceptability of the election will be increased. However, various vested quarters in association with BNP are now engaged in making the upazila polls controversial in many ways.
But the people of the country have not been confused by BNP’s propaganda as people living there believe that the party’s only motive is to spark controversy on a particular issue only to create political confusion.
In tandem with the EC's efforts, the government's unwavering support underscores a collaborative commitment to uphold pillars of democracy at the grassroots level, fostering accountability and civic engagement. It is incumbent upon both the commission and the government to spare no effort to ensure free, fair and peaceful upazila polls thereby fortifying the foundations of democracy.
