Dhaka Bureau: The BNP and like-minded parties are not coming to the polls in the 12th National Assembly elections. As a result, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Kazi Habibul Awal, commented that such competitive elections are not taking place.
He said this in an interview given to Voice of America recently.
The CEC said the announcement to contest the elections was unconstitutional and against the law. The right of assembly mentioned in the constitution is conditional.
This year’s election is a bit different. Because after 2014, there was no risk of conflict or violence before the elections. Because the elections were public.
He said that those who are holding meetings in favor of elections are also being controlled. If they face each other for and against the election, there is a risk of conflict. We want any such incident not to happen. There is no problem if there is a peaceful assembly.
In response to a question, the CEC said that there is no chance for the impartiality of the Election Commission to be questioned. The commission has the obligation to choose at the appointed time. Candidates competing in the election must be aware of whether there is any rigging at the polling station. CEC also feels that the candidates should come out of the mentality of winning by any means.
In response to a question about the visa policy of the United States, he said that the Election Commission is not concerned about it. The Election Commission has the capacity to conduct a free, fair, and peaceful election as per existing laws. 1.2 lakh manpower is required for voting, but the commission has only 1500 manpower. As a result, the commission has to take manpower from different departments. The CEC commented that it will not be possible for the Commission alone to make the election successful; only with the combined efforts of all will the election be successful.
If the January 7 election is not acceptable at home or abroad, will you resign? The CEC did not give a direct answer to such questions. However, he expressed optimism that the election would be fair, free, and acceptable. If the election is not fair, the commission cannot be held responsible, and the responsibility will also fall on the government.
Qazi Habibul Awal, in response to the question about the caretaker government, felt that it was a politically controversial question. Political parties have to resolve this debate. At that time, he said, but 27 parties, including the Awami League, independent parties, are participating in this election. He also said that there is no obstacle to boycotting the election.
