People expect much from EC

Jatiya Oikya Front chief Dr Kamal Hossain questioned on Tuesday the role of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring a credible national election, reports UNB.

"We've got the independence through an election. People still expect many things from the election. But Election Commission must demonstrate its neutrality for holding a free and fair election," he said.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with National Democratic Institute (NDI) at a city hotel, Dr Kamal further said, "You're observing the activities of the Election Commission and evaluate whether it's working neutrally."

He said though the Oikya Front had a demand for delaying the election for a month, the EC only deferred it by a week.

"The Election Commission is not supposed to be loyal to the government and the government can't ask the Commission not to defer the election, he said."

About the meeting with NDI, he said they talked about the overall election atmosphere.

Gano Forum's Habiganj-1 seat candidate Dr Reza Kibria was also present at the meeting.

Reza said the NDI asked them about the election atmosphere and level-playing field and Dr Kamal briefed them about it.

Reza said he talked about the cancellation of his nomination papers by the returning officer.

A five-member NDI delegation, led by Jacqueline Corcoran, joined the meeting.