DHAKA, Nov 13, 2018 (BSS) – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda today said there is no scope to defer the voting date again because of the constitutional obligation of forming the next parliament by January 29.
“We have rescheduled the voting date on December 30. There is no more scope to defer the date of the 11th parliamentary polls as there is a constitutional obligation of forming the next parliament by January 29,” he said while briefing the returning officers (ROs) at the Election Bhaban at Agargaon here.
“Enough time is not there as we would have to publish the gazette after getting results of all 300 constituencies, which requires time,” he added.
“Secondly, we have already received a notice relating to the holding of the Biswa Ijtema on January 11, which requires stringent security measures. During the election period, most of the law enforcers are engaged in electoral activities,” he continued.
Expressing satisfaction over participation of all the political parties, he said, “The next election will make history in terms of holding a fair election under a political government.”
The CEC asked the returning officers to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and professionalism aimed at holding the next parliamentary election in a free, fair and neutral manner.
“Your responsibilities have increased by manifold as you under the surveillance of the local and foreign election observers. So, you would have to create such an environment, which would help the people get convinced about holding a fair election that will be accepted by all,” he added.
“All including the election observers will be allowed to enter all the places except the voting rooms to ensure a fair election,” he said, asking the returning officers to perform their duties neutrally dispelling fear from mind.
“The 11th parliamentary election is unlike other elections as the previous polls were held under presidential form of government, army, and caretaker government, but this election is going to be held under a political government with participation of all political parties,” he opined.
Among others, election commissioners – Mahbub Talukdar, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Kabita Khanam and Brigadier General Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury (Retd.) were present on the occasion.