Talukder did not speak the truth: CEC

Level-playing field exists, he reiterates

Differing with his colleague, election commissioner Mahbub Talukder—who said there is no level playing field in the general elections—chief election commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda yesterday (Tuesday) stated that he did not speak the truth. “He (Mahbub Talukder) did not speak the truth. The overall situation of the election is well,” he told journalists at Rangamati after holding a meeting there to exchange views on the law and order situation in the three hill tracts ahead of the parliamentary polls, scheduled to be held on December 30. In reply to queries by journalists on Monday, Mahbub Talukder had said: “I don’t think at all that there is any level playing field in the election. The term level playing field has now turned into a meaningless word.” Just after a day, the CEC differed with Talukder, saying, “Everybody is conducting election campaign like their own. Where is the problem of level playing field?” He said, “The EC is ready to hold free, fair and credible elections. We would do everything what is needed.”

He further said, “Everybody should be cordial for holding fair polls. We need the cooperation of the candidates, political party leaders and workers along with the authorities, the election officials and law enforcers.” This is not the first instance that Mahbub Talukder has openly differed with the Election Commission. He once boycotted the full commission meeting in protest over electronic voting machines (EVMs). He said EVMs should not be introduced in the general elections without getting the full consent of the political parties. Meanwhile, the CEC said at the views-exchange meeting at the auditorium of Rangamati Small Ethnic Cultural Institute, “Free and fair polls will be held in the Hill Tracts like the elections in the plain lands. The Army would be deployed at each polling centre. There is no risk associated with holding polls in Hill Tracts.”

About the transportation of election materials in inaccessible areas, he said, “Special arrangements would be made to carry the materials.”

He also directed the election officials, who will work for the general elections, not to be influenced by any quarter or candidate. “Every voter will be able to cast their own votes. Even they will be able to return home safe after casting votes. We have made such arrangements,” the CEC asserted.

Regarding the election scenario in the Hill Tracts, he said, “The Hill Tracts are totally different compared to the plain lands. So these areas are very important.” Election commissioner Brig. Gen. (retd) Shahadat Hossain, EC secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed, Chattogram divisional commissioner Abdul Manna, Chattogram deputy inspector-general Golam Faruk and others were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, election commissioner Rafiqul Islam directed all those concerned to remain alert while publishing election results so that these are published properly.

“The officials who will work for the management of election information and publishing results should ensure correct information to ensure the Election Commission is kept away from any embarrassment,” he said.

 

Talukder did not speak the truth: CEC

Level-playing field exists, he reiterates

Differing with his colleague, election commissioner Mahbub Talukderwho said there is no level playing field in the general electionschief election commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda yesterday (Tuesday) stated that he did not speak the truth. He (Mahbub Talukder) did not speak the truth. The overall situation of the election is well, he told journalists at Rangamati after holding a meeting there to exchange views on the law and order situation in the three hill tracts ahead of the parliamentary polls, scheduled to be held on December 30. In reply to queries by journalists on Monday, Mahbub Talukder had said: I dont think at all that there is any level playing field in the election. The term level playing field has now turned into a meaningless word. Just after a day, the CEC differed with Talukder, saying, Everybody is conducting election campaign like their own. Where is the problem of level playing field? He said, The EC is ready to hold free, fair and credible elections. We would do everything what is needed. He further said, Everybody should be cordial for holding fair polls. We need the cooperation of the candidates, political party leaders and workers along with the authorities, the election officials and law enforcers. This is not the first instance that Mahbub Talukder has openly differed with the Election Commission. He once boycotted the full commission meeting in protest over electronic voting machines (EVMs). He said EVMs should not be introduced in the general elections without getting the full consent of the political parties. Meanwhile, the CEC said at the views-exchange meeting at the auditorium of Rangamati Small Ethnic Cultural Institute, Free and fair polls will be held in the Hill Tracts like the elections in the plain lands. The Army would be deployed at each polling centre. There is no risk associated with holding polls in Hill Tracts. About the transportation of election materials in inaccessible areas, he said, Special arrangements would be made to carry the materials. He also directed the election officials, who will work for the general elections, not to be influenced by any quarter or candidate. Every voter will be able to cast their own votes. Even they will be able to return home safe after casting votes. We have made such arrangements, the CEC asserted. Regarding the election scenario in the Hill Tracts, he said, The Hill Tracts are totally different compared to the plain lands. So these areas are very important. Election commissioner Brig. Gen. (retd) Shahadat Hossain, EC secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed, Chattogram divisional commissioner Abdul Manna, Chattogram deputy inspector-general Golam Faruk and others were also present on the occasion. Meanwhile, election commissioner Rafiqul Islam directed all those concerned to remain alert while publishing election results so that these are published properly. The officials who will work for the management of election information and publishing results should ensure correct information to ensure the Election Commission is kept away from any embarrassment, he said.