Dr Kamal demands replacement of CEC

Jatiya Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain demanded on Sunday the resignation of the chief election commissioner (CEC) for his "failure to maintain neutrality".

He warned of taking recourse to legal action seeking removal of KM Nurul Huda as he has signally failed to adopt a policy of neutrality regarding the December 30 election.

Dr Kamal said the CEC has failed to discharge the duties vested in him neutrally.

"The CEC's role is not neutral. Someone else should be in his place. Otherwise, we'll seek legal remedy," he said at a press conference.

Gono Forum, a political party led by Dr Kamal, organised the event at the National Press Club.

"We accepted what happened in the past. The government must ensure a level-playing field now…," he said.

"Those who should work independently are now taking directives from others violating the constitution. A free and fair election is not possible under them."

The Gono Forum president said it is not possible to hold neutral polls keeping the present CEC at the helm of EC.

He called upon Oikyafront leaders and activists to stay united to this end.

Dr Kamal accused the government of creating barriers and arresting opponents for no reason.

"We want good governance and democracy in the country," he said, reiterating his demand for a fair election.

The noted jurist said police could play a pivotal role in this regard. But they (lawmen) must act fairly as a force of the state.

Gono Forum alleged that the ruling party candidates and the ministers have been campaigning with the protocol of law enforcers and the administration.

On the other hand, obstacles have been created to meetings of the opposition parties and their electoral campaigns, it claimed.

The party said public servants were being used for political purposes of the ruling party, violating the electoral code of conduct.

It said lawmen are arresting opponents unlawfully, although they are now under the EC's control following announcement of the election schedule.

Wholesale arrests and false cases are going on against those aspiring to contest in the election.

Even they cannot secure bail due to obstacles created by the ruling party by using the judiciary.

Meanwhile, economist Reza Kibria, Maj Gen (retd) Ansarul Amin and former owner of private Ekushey TV station Abdus Salam joined Gono Forum the same day.

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