Election Commission expects DCs to be unbiased during election: CEC

The Election Commission expects deputy commissioners (DCs) to remain unbiased during elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has said.

"The post of deputy commissioner is very important for holding elections. In many cases they have to perform the duty of returning officers. Besides, they have to monitor the inevitable law and order issues during elections as district magistrates. So, we do not want any biased behaviour from the DCs under any circumstances," he told reporters regarding the action taken against the Jamalpur DC for seeking votes in favour of a political party.

He also said the Election Commission will continue monitoring the polling environment before announcing the election schedule and will take actions if any official behaves in a biased manner.

Kazi Habibul Awal 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view, we have written to the cabinet secretary regarding the deputy commissioner of Jamalpur and requested that he be withdrawn.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."

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 Election Commission said in a press statement on 13 September.

Asked if such actions will be taken again, Kazi Habibul Awal said, "If something like this appears to us, we will definitely take such initiative."

The BNP has been demanding the resignation of the current government, while the Awami League is determined to hold elections under the present government. Meanwhile, the opposition parties have alleged that at present there is no environment to hold elections in the country.

Asked about his position regarding these issues, Kazi Habibul Awal said, "Such complex questions cannot be answered at the moment, but of course we will monitor the polling environment. This is called projection. Elections can be held after three months, or four months, or six months, but we must be vigilant."

Giving an example of their role, the chief election commissioner said, "Imagine, the deputy commissioners come to Dhaka after forming an association and say that this time they will bring a particular party to power. If elections are six months away at that time, will the Election Commission remain silent? A directive has to be issued saying that they [deputy commissioners] cannot behave like that.

The Election Commission has identified several challenges in its roadmap to the national election, among which creating a level playing field, and regulating administration were most notable. When Kazi Habibul Awal was asked about the progress in those areas, he refused to comment.

He also did not reply to a reporter's question about whether someone can seek votes before the announcement of the election schedule.

Another reporter asked Habibul Awal if the commission has the authority to say something when the prime minister seeks votes on a state function or during a visit.

Replying to that, the chief election commissioner said he cannot answer the question at the moment. Currently, everyone is talking about the election. The BNP, the Awami League, and Jatiya Party – all the parties are talking from their own point of view. But if the prime minister says, "You will not vote for anyone but me", then surely they [Election Commission] can intervene. But now everyone wants votes, so they [Election Commission] has not scrutinised the matter yet.