‘Only army can create atmosphere for fair polls’

Senior Correspondent: Jatiya Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain sees the deployment of armed forces as the last way for creating an atmosphere for a free, fair, credible and inclusive election.

“We are proud of our army personnel as they play significant roles with pride in the peacekeeping mission. This moment, we hope they would stand beside the countrymen to hold the December 30 national election in a free, fair and participatory manner,” Kamal, also Gono Forum president, said.

While addressing a press conference at the Oikyafront’s central office in Paltan area of Dhaka on Monday afternoon, Kamal expressed his disappointment over the prevailing law and order situation ahead of the upcoming general election.

Claiming that the country’s overall law and order situation massively worsened after the election campaign begins formally, Kamal said, “The situation has not yet been changed despite deployment of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel. Rather, the presence of police is deteriorating the situation more.”

Dr Kamal said the nation expects the neutral role of army in creating a congenial atmosphere for holding a free, fair and participatory election. ‘The army has been entrusted with this tough task to create an atmosphere across the country.’

He alleged that there is a ‘blueprint’ to hold a one-sided election in the country. ‘This won’t be acceptable to people with good senses and those believe in democracy. This will be suicidal. If this happens, the country and the nation will face a great damage.’

The Oikyafront chief expressed the hope that the patriotic army will stand by the nation at this moment. ‘Only army can create an atmosphere for free and fair polls’.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, among others, were present at the press conference.

Army personnel start election duties today to help ensure a peaceful atmosphere and maintain law and order across the country for the December 30 polls.


risingbd/Dhaka/Dec 24, 2018/Reza/AI