Curbing untoward incidents ahead of election

Right now in Bangladesh, candidates of all political parties as well as independent candidates are busy with electioneering ahead of the 11th parliamentary election to be held on December 30 of this year.
However, the media has reported various incidents of clashes and attacks in many parts of the country. Around a week or so back, there were reports of factional clashes between groups of the ruling and opposition parties in different parts of the country. Last few days saw alleged attacks on some opposition party leaders and activists.
The Election Commission should ask the law enforcing agencies to look into these untoward incidents, identify the masterminds behind each attack and bring them to book. Otherwise, such forms of violence are likely to spoil the festive mood of the election. After 2009, this election is seeing participation from all political parties under a party government. The Election Commission (EC) has a big responsibility to ensure that the election is impartial, free, fair and participatory.
The mass people of the country want to see an election where they can exercise their right to vote without intimidation or fear. The Election Commission should do whatever is required to ensure a level playing field. Besides, the ruling party should truly help the EC to hold a credible election.
Mohammad Zonaed Emran
[email protected]