EC's indiferrence in city polls

It seems the election commission in Bangladesh is missing. It is not that it has ceased to exist. In fact, our election commission is the largest institution of its kind in the subcontinent. But despite its size, there are doubts about its activities, role and competence. There are questions about the kind of elections are they conducting for us.

The election commission is the only institution whose work is limited to electoral respomnsiblities. The constitution also gives immense power to this institution. During elections, it can take control of any organisation or force. The concerned organisations or forces are obliged to follow EC’s instructions. However, there is rarely any precedence that the election commission has actually been able to give orders to any organisation. Rather, the EC itself seems to run by an invisible authority’s orders.
It was a matter of concern that the EC under KM Nurul Huda did not take any action regarding violations of the code of conduct was breached, arguments between rival candidates, clashes between activists and supporters of candidates in the two city corporation elections in Dhaka. The EC even remained reluctant when the Awami League and BNP leaders make serious allegations against each other of hiring 'armed cadres' from outside.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner said that the police had been informed that armed cadres were being brought from outside Dhaka. He also said, the police would soon launch raids in the slums of the city and other areas to capture them. The police official hinted of arresting the outsiders staying in Dhaka without valid reason as well.

Incidentally, the question arises whether the DMP commissioner informed the election commission. And what is the role of the commission in this regard, if informed? The law enforcement cannot decide independently on any matter related to elections. The commission will decide whether there is any need of raids. In fact, it seems that the EC is failing to order or enforce the police or anybody else. It set such precedents in previous elections, too.

The people know what has happened in the past in the name of such raids during various elections. Citizens will surely suffer and be harassed in such operations. How can a citizen from outside Dhaka prove to police or law enforcement that he has come to Dhaka for 'valid reasons'? There is no guarantee that the campaign will not be used indiscriminately against opposition leaders and activists. And money will be made out of this arrest spree too.
The prerequisite for a fair election is to ensure a free and peaceful atmosphere. Such raids and drives will only intimidate the voters, rather than contributing to ensure a peaceful environment. The election atmosphere will get worse if the law enforcement takes any such action by manipulating the EC.