‘EC seeks report on Naya Paltan clash’

The Election Commission on Saturday sent a letter to the IGP (inspector general of police) seeking a report on the recent clash allegedly between police and BNP activists in front of the party’s Naya Paltan central office.

“The report may reach the commission on Sunday.... Necessary steps will be taken in this connection once the report is available,” EC secretary Helaluddin Ahmed said.

The EC secretary came up with the comment while talking to newsmen after attending a programme at the Public Administration Training Centre at Kazirdewri in Chattogram city.

He also said there is no chance to delay the 11th parliamentary elections further.

About the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), he said, “Though the commission has decided to use EVMs on a limited scale, it is yet to decide in which constituencies and polling stations it’ll be used.”

Referring to illegal arms seizure and arrest of criminals ahead of the national election, the secretary said, “It’s unnecessary to start the process freshly as it’s a continuous process. Terrorists are being detained by law enforcers on regular basis. Already, the IGP has been directed to arrest the offenders and seize illegal arms.”

About the illegal use of election campaign materials, he said, “Sunday is the last day for removing posters and banners. The authorities of the city corporations, municipalities and executive magistrates of their respective areas will start taking legal action after 19 December if those are found.”

The secretary hoped that a free, fair and inclusive election will be held in a festive mood on 30 December with the participation of every political party and voter.

Amid demand from opposition political parties, the Election Commission on 12 November deferred the 11th national elections to 30 December from 23 December.

Different political parties and alliances, including Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Front, had been pushing for delaying the election as they said the election schedule was announced hurriedly.

According to the new reschedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is 28 November, while that of scrutinising nomination papers is 2 December and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is 9 December.

The existing 10th parliament sat in its maiden session on 29 January, 2014 after the 5-January general election.