BNP movement, sabotage won’t impact fair polls: EC Alamgir
Speaking to reporters at his office in Agargaon's Nirbachon Bhaban, he said, “If you compare peace and order with sabotage incidents, then its level is absolutely insignificant.
The BNP's ongoing movement and a few incidents of sabotage will not have any impact on holding fair elections, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at his office in Agargaon's Nirbachon Bhaban, he said, "If you compare peace and order with sabotage incidents, then its level is absolutely insignificant.
"We do not think that these one or two isolated factors will have any impact on the turnout [expected] in the 300-seat elections. The elections will be conducted in a very fair and peaceful manner."
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He further said the country's law enforcement and intelligence agencies are "very active". Intelligence agencies are on the lookout for anyone trying to plan any act of sabotage.
He further said, "I have visited 14 districts. The election environment is good everywhere. No problem whatsoever. Law enforcement officials, administration officials, executives and judicial magistrates who are there have learned that peace and order is being maintained everywhere."
"And they have done all preparations to conduct a peaceful election in a fair and beautiful environment. They informed us about that," he added.
There is no issue with law and order either, said Alamgir, adding that a festive mood was seen among voters.
He further said the security forces also said there is no such threat that would cause problems in the elections.
EC Alamgir also said, "Just as there is a right to participate in the poll, there is also a right not to participate. If any party does not participate, it is their political will, strategy. No problem with that."
He added, "At the same time they can prohibit voters from going to the polling station. That too is not a problem. But that should be done peacefully. No vandalism, incitement, indiscipline shall be allowed – it is an offence under the Election Act. The home ministry has been asked to take measures to prevent such criminal activities."
Besides, the election commissioner said since the BNP and other parties did not come to the polls after the scheduled time, there is no chance for them now.
