Congenial atmosphere for election still away

Speakers at a press conference expressed doubt about fair polls in the present situation.

They said many voters still think that violence can take place on the days ahead as a congenial atmosphere for holding a free, fair election has yet to be created across the country.

They came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference organised by Sushahoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) at the National Press Club in the city on Monday to unveil a comparative analysis of status information about candidates who are contesting the 11th national parliamentary election.

All candidates are not getting equal opportunities to conduct their electioneering, they observed.

Shujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar, its co-ordinator Dilip Kumar Sarkar, regional co-ordinator Murshikul Islam Shimul attended the conference among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Badiul Alam Majumdar said Shujan, a civil rights platform, organised a number of programmes involving candidates and voters across the country.

"Most of them are not still sure whether they will be able to cast their votes on December 30, since the news of countrywide violence has been running in media," he said.

Since the formal campaign began on December 10, campaigners of key rival political parties have been facing troubles by various means.

"In some cases, law enforcement agencies are also reportedly obstructing the campaigners of rival political parties," he said

"Though a few campaigners enjoyed law enforcers' support," he added.

He, however, expressed the hope that the fear would go at the last moment as the deployment of army would bring law and order situation under control.

In response to a query, he said the electoral affidavit submitted by the candidates with the Election Commission (EC) is a vital instrument for justifying their status.

"However, many candidates are contesting the election with questionable documents," he said.

Dilip Kumar Sarkar presented a keynote paper at the conference to reveal a comparative analysis of the electoral candidates.

The paper illustrated the MP aspirants' information about their educational backgrounds, professions, cases, annual earnings, wealth, liability and income tax.

According to the paper, 52.17 per cent or 961 out of 1,842 candidates are businessmen by profession.

Of the total 287 candidates representing Oikya Front and 20-party Alliance, 64.11 per cent are businessmen.

At present, 61 per cent or 177 of Oikya Front and 20-party Alliance candidates are entangled in lawsuits.

On the other hand, only 6.69 per cent or 20 of Awami League-led Grand Alliance are facing cases. In terms of family and personal wealth, there are highest 93 candidates in Grand Alliance, who posses assets worth of Tk 50 million.

In contrast, 65.99 per cent or 196 out of 297 candidates representing Islami Andolon Bangladesh own wealth valued at less than Tk 0.5 million.

According to the keynote paper, 9.39 per cent or 173 candidates of all parties have loans.

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