RAJSHAHI, July 24, 2018 (BSS)-Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam
categorically said the Election Commission (EC) has been working relentlessly
for holding the upcoming election to Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) in a
free, fair and acceptable manner.
“Stern action will be taken against those found guilty of making the
elections questionable,” he further said.
He was addressing a daylong training workshop here on Monday as chief
guest.
Returning office for the RCC election organized the training for presiding
officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers at Rajshahi Model
School and College.
Rafiqul Islam said none will go unpunished if he or she is found guilty of
hindering the process of holding the election free and fair. All the
disturbing elements will be brought to book as the EC will not compromise
with anyone in this regard.
He said the EC wants to complete the city corporation elections in a quite
meaningful way to make the same acceptable to all.
Rafiqul Islam urged the polling officials to discharge their duties with
utmost sincerity and honesty as free and fair elections would be ensured at
any cost.
Meanwhile, both mayoral and ward councilor candidates along with their
workers and supporters are now passing busy days with campaigning for the
upcoming RCC election.
The candidates are seen meeting voters irrespective of age, sex and creed
and caste with posters and leaflets to drum up support for them from early
morning to midnight.
Flanked by large number of party leaders and workers, the mayoral
contestants are also seen meeting voters seeking their support throughout the
day.
Several parts of the city got a new look with huge posters, banners and
festoons.
“I am very much happy and enjoying the changed atmosphere,” said Nazrul
Islam, a sexagenarian voter of Budhpara area.
He expects all the contestants and their supporters will follow election
code of conduct till the last day of the campaign.
Afroza Akter Poly, a resident of Upashahar area, expressed her happiness
over the election mode across the city. She, however, expects peaceful and
congenial atmosphere during the entire electioneering period.
A total of 217 candidates are contesting the upcoming RCC election
scheduled to be held on July 30. Of them, five are vying the post of mayor,
160 for general councilors and 52 for reserved seats for women councilors.
AHM Khairuzzaman Liton (Boat), Musaddique Hossain Bulbul (Paddy Sheaf),
Habibur Rahman (Jackfruit), Shafiqul Islam (Hand fan) and Advocate Murad
Murshed (Elephant) are the mayoral aspirants.
He said there are 3,18,138 voters including 1,62,053 female voters who will
exercise their right of franchise in 1,026 booths of 138 centers to elect one
mayor, 30 general councilors and 10 women councilors in reserved seats in the
upcoming election.