Measures taken for fair N\\\'ganj-5 poll: EC

The Election Commission says it has taken all measures to hold the Narayanganj-5 by-poll slated for June 26 in a fair manner. Election Commissioner Abu Hafiz said the commission ensured a free environment for the voters. Narayanganj-5 seat has fallen vacant with the death of Jatiya Party MP Nasim Osman. Nasim’s brother Selim Osman is vying for the constituency from Jatiya Party, Shafiqul Islam Delwar from Krishak-Shramik Janata League and SM Akram and Mamun Sirajul Majid as independent candidates. The election is going to take place amid fear of a low voter turnout following the abductions and murders of 7 people in the city nearly two months back. Gano Forum President Kamal Hossain sent a letter to the chief election commissioner urging him to ensure highest security for the people dispelling all fears. Referring to his letter, Election Commissioner Hafiz said the returning officer would take ‘appropriate’ measures if there was any specific allegation over the polls. He admitted that there might be a psychological fear among the people following the Narayanganj 7-murder. ‘But law enforcers far greater in number than any other by-polls time have been deployed in the city to ensure security of the electorate,’ he told reporters at the EC Secretariat, according to bdnews24.com.