Congenial atmosphere a must for polls

Pro-BNP organisation Shato Nagorik convener, professor Emajuddin Ahmed, said on Saturday the Election Commission should create a congenial atmosphere for a credibile city election.

He was addressing a discussion styled 'Independence in present context and Zia', organised by Zia Sangskritik Sangathan (ZISAS) at the National Press Club in the capital city. 

"Like the parliamentary election on 5 January, the city polls would lose its credibility if the election environment remains unfavourable. The election has to be accepted at home and abroad," said Emajuddin, former vice chancellor of Dhaka University.

"The candidates should be given the opportunity to reach the mass people through campaign," he added.
He claimed necessary measure has yet not been taken to create an environment for a fair election.
Stressing the importance of election campaign, he said, "Promotional activities like rally and processions are must for a candidate to reach the mass people. Whereas, normalcy is yet to return at Khaleda Zia's office and the BNP central office has been kept under lock and key."
"I hope the Election Commission will create an environment," he said.
Among others, pro-BNP journalist leader Ruhul Amin Gazi and ZISAS president Abul Hashem also spoke.