Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said we will continue to observe the election environment before the announcement of the schedule.
The CEC has made the remarks while replying the newsmen’s query at his office at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon area on Monday.
There is opportunity to do work on the issue of making suitable election environment for all, do EC has started it yet? Reporters has asked question to CEC.
Newsmen added that oppositions are claiming that there is environment to consider level playing field to all.
Kazi Habibul Awal said that it is very tough question and expressed inability to make any answer.
The CEC also made comments over the Deputy Commissioners’ responsibility to the election, saying that we are expecting DCs to remain unbiased during elections.
“The post of deputy commissioner is very important during elections.
In many cases, they have to perform the duty of returning officers.
Besides, they have to look at the inevitable law and order issue during the election as district magistrates do.
So, we do not want any biased behaviour from deputy commissioners under any circumstances,” he told reporters about the EC’s letter to the Cabinet Division regarding action against the Jamalpur deputy commissioner for seeking votes in favour of a political party on Monday (18 September).
CEC KaziHabibulAwal also said, “After announcing the schedule, we have to perform certain duties which are mandatory.
Now, even before the election, if there is any controversy regarding the election, then the Election Commission can definitely bring it to the notice of the government.”
“From that point of view, we have written to the Cabinet Secretary regarding the DC of Jamalpur and requested that he be withdrawn.
It is in the interest of the election, in the interest of the people, and in the interest of the government and the Election Commission,” he added.
“During the entire period of five years, our Election Commission has the responsibility, duties and jurisdiction,” the CEC further said.
Former DC of Jamalpur Md Imran Ahmed made comments about the upcoming election, saying “the incumbent government of Awami League has to be brought to power again in the next parliamentary elections to continue the development spree.”
Video of the statement began circulating on social media platforms and sparked criticism because of such comments despite being a public servant.
The EC asked the Cabinet Division to take action against Md Imran Ahmed for violating the law by seeking votes in favour of the ruling party Awami League in the upcoming elections.
A letter was sent to the cabinet secretary in this regard, the EC said in a press statement on Wednesday (13 September).
