‘No level-playing field’ comment untrue, claims CEC Huda

Chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda. File photo
Chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda. File photo

Chief election commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda on Tuesday contradicted Monday's comment by his colleague, election commissioner Mahbub Talukder who said there is no level-playing field for all to campaign for 30 December ballot.

Also despite complaints from the opposition about attacks on them, CEC Huda insisted there is a level-playing field for all candidates in the 11th parliamentary elections.

"A congenial election atmosphere prevails in the country. Although a few stray incidents took place, everything has now been fixed. All are conducting electioneering as there's a level-playing field." he told a meeting on law and order in three hill districts, held at Rangamati Tribal Cultural Institute.

In favour of his observation, Huda siad a record number of candidates are contesting the election this time around.

Mahbub Talukder said on Monday that any level-playing for the forthcoming parliamentary elections is absent.

“I don’t think there’s anything like level-playing field. The term ‘level-playing field’ has turned into a meaningless word,” he said.

A day later, the CEC contradicted his colleague’s comment.

Nurul Huda asked the election officials to remain alert so that no political party or individual can establish control over polling stations on the voting day.

He directed them to ensure an atmosphere so that no one can influence the voters.

Election commissioner Shahadat Hossain, EC secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed, Chattogram divisional commissioner Abdul Mannan, DIG of Chattogram range Golam Faruque, Chattogram 24 Infantry Division's Chowdhury Mohammad Azizul Haque Hazari, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of the three hill districts and officials concerned attended the meeting.