Polling agents will play the most crucial role in ensuring a fair and successful election, BNP Chairman's adviser Abdus Salam said Tuesday.
"The most important responsibility lies with the polling agents. The election results depend on the polling agents," said Mr. Salam, who is also chief coordinator of the party's Election Management Committee for Dhaka-17.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman is contesting election in the constituency with 'the sheaf of paddy' symbol.
Mr. Salam said if everyone remained vigilant and performed their duty properly, counting of votes would be fair and BNP's victory would be assured.
He was speaking at a meeting with polling agents at BNP's main election office for Dhaka-17 at Banani.
According to Mr. Salam the overall electoral environment was positive so far and the people were on BNP's side.
He, however, warned that no mistake should be made that could affect the voting result.
Even a small error on polling day, he said, could cause serious damage to the party.
To ensure smooth coordination, the BNP chairman's adviser said, separate venue heads had been appointed as multiple polling centres fall under each venue.
In case of emergencies, the venue heads will immediately contact the concerned teams and central leaders.
He asked the polling agents to remain present at their respective centres round the clock and not to leave under any circumstances.
He also urged them to avoid any unavoidable situation that might discourage voters from coming to the centres.
Mr. Salam further said all polling agents must reach their centres after the Fajr prayer on the election day and stay until their replacements arrive.
Issuing a strong warning, he said strict action would be taken against any negligence of their duties at any centre or police station.
The Election Commission (EC) has already finalised 42,761 polling centres across the country for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, to be held tomorrow (Feb 12).
A total of 244,649 booths have been designated across the country.
Of them, 115,137 booths will be for male voters and 129,602 for female voters.
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