The Election Commission (EC) Monday urged the Speaker to request ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers to refrain from visiting the areas where by-elections will be held on April 2, reports UNB.
"As per rules, individuals like ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers cannot visit the areas set for by-elections," Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain told journalists at his office Monday afternoon.
He said the Commission has already sent letters to the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament requesting them not to join the election campaigns. "We do hope all will abide by the rules," Sakhawat said.
He said although there is no restriction on MPs' visit and joining electioneering, they should also refrain from visiting the areas to help keep the polls free from influence.
"The outsiders must leave the election areas before the polls. Otherwise, legal action will be taken against them," he said adding that nobody can stay in the election areas without the EC's permission.
The Election Commissioner made it clear that if the individuals holding the positions mentioned above are voters of the respective areas would be allowed to go there for casting their votes only.
Replying to a question, Sakhawat said the EC is not apprehending any militant threats during the by-elections as it has already taken adequate security measures to avert any untoward situation. "Although we don't have any intelligence reports, precautionary measures have been taken."
He said there would be no deployment of Army and BDR, but the law-enforcing agencies, including police, RAB and Ansar, would be working in the election areas as both reserve and striking forces to maintain security. "Some 19 members of law-enforcing agencies will be deployed in normal polling centres while 21 in important centers to maintain security."
The Election Commissioner said five judicial magistrates in each parliamentary area have been appointed to take immediate legal steps against the violators of electoral code of conduct. "Each polling centres will remain under the supervision of one mobile observer who will be in direct touch with the EC and appraise it the situation."
Describing the by-elections as serious issue for the Commission, he said it has appointed its own officials as returning and assistant returning officers for conducting the polls in a free, fair and neutral manner.
EC urges Speaker to prevent ministers from visiting by-poll areas
FE Team | Published: March 24, 2009 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
Share if you like