Army to be deployed one week before polls: EC

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DHAKA, Nov 15, 2018 (BSS) – The members of army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be deployed in the electoral areas one week to 10 days ahead of the 11th parliamentary election slated for December 30, Election Commission (EC) Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed today said.

“The members of army will be deployed one week to 10 days before the forthcoming general elections… BGB will also be deployed during that period in the electoral areas,” he said while briefing the Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) at the Nirbachan Bhaban in city’s Agargaon.

The EC organized a daylong workshop for the AROs over the election.

Ahmed said, “Highest actions would have to be taken within the limit of the law if anyone tries to foil the polls. The security of the polling areas would be tightened from now.”

Referring to Wednesday’s violence in city’s Paltan area, the EC secretary said, “You should remain alert against the showdown when the aspirants will submit their nominations.”

“An unusual incident has occurred and necessary steps will be taken for preventing recurrence of such incidents,” he added.

“Actions will be taken against those who will fail to perform his/her duty during the election time,” he warned the poll officials.

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder who was present at the meeting as the chief guest said, “Everybody should take necessary steps for holding the polls in a credible manner. “No negligence during the election duty will be tolerated.”

As per the polls schedule, the 11th general election will be held on December 30. The EC has fixed November 28 as the deadline for filing nomination papers, December 2 for scrutiny and December 9 the last date of withdrawal of candidature.