EC must be alert about pre-poll violence

Nominations for the upcoming parliamentary elections have not been finalised as yet, but violence is already erupting here and there. On Saturday, a Juba League leader was killed during armed clashes between supporters of the Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara) ruling party MP Enamul Huq and of Taherpur pourashava mayor Abul Kalam Azad. Prior to that, one was killed in clashes between two factions of Awami League in Narayanganj’s Rupganj. In Netrakona, a district Krishak League leader was killed. An Awami League leader was killed in Benapole, Jashore.

The clashes in Bagmara were centred on the election, between two factions of the same party. Enamul Huq had secured Awami League nomination in the seat, while Abul Kalam Azad also vied for nomination there. Their supporters had clashed several times before and the local people had apprehended that things might come to this extreme. The local Awami League leadership took no steps to forge any sort of understanding or compromise. The law enforcement too failed to take any measures to avert such violence.

There is a dangerous propensity prior to the elections to use force against the opponents or display muscle power in a bid to win in the election fray. This is a threat to peaceful and fair elections.

Most of the clashes and conflict is happening among the workers and supporters of ruling Awami League’s leaders. In its own interests and for the sake of an environment conducive to the elections, Awami League should take stern action against the leaders whose workers and supporters physically attack anyone, damage property, commit arson or other such violent acts.

While Awami League’s activists are embroiled in internal clashes, they are also being accused to attacking the opposition. On Saturday evening, Awami League activists attacked the house of BNP’s nominated candidate of Natore-2, also the party’s central organising secretary, Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu, according to Dulu. Awami League denied the allegation. The Feni-2 BNP candidate Zainul Abedin alias VP Zainul alleged that armed miscreants of the ruling party are pressurising him to withdraw his nomination papers, laying siege to his house. He said on Saturday morning, miscreants on 8 to 10 motorbikes circled his house and fired blank shots in the air. They threatened to kill him if he did not withdraw his nomination papers.

Awami League activists are also clashing with the police. In Fatikchhari, Chattogram, on Saturday such clashes took place. They also show no consideration for the public, blocking the roads and creating traffic jams during their processions and rallies.

It is important that party discipline is maintained. Even more important is for the law enforcement and the election commission to be alert and active. The election commission must direct the law enforcement agencies to take action against any election-related crimes and the law enforcement must pay heed to the commission’s directives.