The Election Commission (EC) has made an all-out effort to arrange the upcoming 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) poll slated for January 7 in a free, fair and credible manner despite conspiracy hatched at home and abroad.
As the government is determined to hold a free, fair and credible election in Bangladesh, it has also extended all-out support to EC. And the commission is doing everything in this regard.
The commission has Constitutional obligation in holding the elections in specific timeframe. So, now all eyes from around the country and world as well are trained on the EC, CEC and commissioners with the 12th parliamentary polls approaching nearer.
To achieve a culture of peoples’ trust, the EC led by CEC Kazi Habibul Awal is doing the best that how and in what way they will tackle the country’s political parties smoothly amid challenges. At the latest, the commission will deploy armed forces across the country ‘in aid of civil power’ for 13 days from December 29.
Around 35,000 army personnel were deployed during 11th JS elections and if more is needed the number of troops would be deployed in 12th JS poll accordingly. As part of holding a free and fair election in a healthy atmosphere, the armed forces will be deployed.
The armed forces deployment is ‘not a new phenomenon’ as they were called out during past general elections as well. Now many foreign organisations have expressed their keen interest to observe the poll.
This 12th JS election would be an acid test for the commission and the government as well, as people and different political parties would observe the role of the commission, administration and law enforcers. However, we think the commission is itself strong, capable, and independent for holding poll as it has already conducted many polls in fair and transparent manner.
However, various vested quarters led by BNP, which is not joining the poll this time also, are now engaged in making the next poll controversial in many ways. But the people of the country have not been confused by BNP’s propaganda as people living in Bangladesh believe that the BNP’s only work is to spark controversy on a particular issue which is nothing but to create a political confusion.
All eyes from around the
country and
world as well are trained on the
EC
People believe the next election will be held without clashes and any kind of mismanagement in the country as the commission is taking all-out measures to hold the poll in a free, fair and impartial manner gradually. And there would be no fear in this regard so that people would be able to exercise their voting rights in a free, fair and peaceful environment.
The government has given the country’s democracy a strong footing. The EC is constituted under a law and the Prime Minister does not appoint election commissioners.
So, the EC and the government are determined to set an example through holding the next general election in a free and fair manner.
As part of reshuffle in administration, the commission is also transferring the officers-in-charge (OCs) of all police stations and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) in phases. Such move of the EC has proved that it is fully independent.
So, the political parties should have confidence in any decision of the commission. The government is doing only its routine work right now.
If any conflict or chaos takes place anywhere in the election, the commission has the full authority to take action against that kind of incidents. The EC has also taken measures to ensure the security of all candidates, including independent ones who have submitted their nomination forms.
So, all political parties must abide by the decision taken by the commission. A peaceful environment is prevailing in the country.
But, the BNP is involved in conspiracy to destroy the fair and peaceful environment and create unrest centring the upcoming national poll. Therefore, no benefit will come through carrying out arson terrorism as the people have already rejected those particular terrorist groups.