Jatiya Oikyafront president Dr Kamal Hossain and BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have urged the armed forces to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the December 30 polls. In separate statements, the two top Oikyafront leaders have welcomed the deployment of the armed forces in assisting the civil administration for conducting the 11th parliamentary election.

In his statement, Dr Kamal said the armed forces must create a level playing field for all parties and must play a positive role. “We welcome the deployment of the armed forces. We hope this step will create a congenial environment which did not exist earlier,” he added. He also expressed hope that the armed forces would not work against public interests or seek to implement the agenda of any particular individual or any group of people.

“The armed forces have always served the people and the country. Their image cannot be tarnished for a few individuals,” he added. In his statement, Fakhrul said: “I sincerely believe that a congenial atmosphere will be created in holding a free and fair election with the help of the armed forces.”

He said the Bangladesh Army had always served the nation and their dignity cannot be smeared for serving the purpose of any particular individual or group. “I strongly urge the Army to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates during the elections,” he added. Meanwhile, Dr Kamal Hossain, in a letter addressed to the chief election commissioner, yesterday called upon the Election Commission (EC) to postpone the inauguration of the book festival in Gopalganj, scheduled for today, said OIkyafrotn media wing chief Dr Mehedi Masud. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the book festival.

Hurried organisation of the book fair, which was earlier scheduled on December 31, would offer extra facility to the ruling party. Using the book fair to enhance the image of a particular party and candidate clearly violates the electoral code of conduct, the letter has stated. The letter also states that the book festival might influence the election in the Goplaganj-3 constituency and also in other constituencies.