'Fair elections thru DCs like that of Jamalpur will never be possible'

Trustworthy elections through the deputy commissioners like that of Jamalpur district will never be possible, said former Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain.

Referring to remarks of the Jamalpur DC Md Imran Ahmed, who said on Tuesday that the Awami League government would have to bring to power at any cost, Brigadier General (Retd) Sakhawat said, "I read this news in a newspaper. Free and fair election will never be possible through these people [in Bangladesh]."
He was speaking at a workshop, titled "The 12th Jatiya Sangsad Election: Expectation and Reality" held at the Nirbachan Bhaban at Agargaon in the capital on Wednesday (Sept 13). As many as 28 invited guests including former bureaucrats and senior journalists were present who worked on elections.

Addressing the Election Commission, Sakhawat Hossain said, "You'll have to take decisions against such DCs. What you'll do and how you'll do?"

The former Election Commissioner observed that the Election Commission has been thrown into the sea tying up its hands and legs.

He said national election was held in Maldives several days ago. Major observers were there to monitor the elections. No complain was raised about the voting. "But, it becomes very tough to keep faith in you as you have been thrown into the sea tying up hands and legs. You should take decisions alone, don't pay heed to any political party. You should move forward correcting your previous mistakes."

Speaking at the workshop, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said the country's politics has become sharply divided for various reasons. "But, we want to look ahead. We want to know people's expectation and reality about the 12th parliamentary election."

Addressing the presiding and polling officers at the workshop, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said if the situation goes beyond control, please flee the polling centres, if necessary. Voting will be postponed automatically. The candidate, for whom the voting would be postponed, he will never be able to contest the election any more.