Election commissioner Mahbub Talukdar yesterday alleged that there was no level playing field inside the Election Commission (EC) itself, and the EC was not carrying out its duties as it is supposed to do. He also said he is treated as a “minority” and his “space” to talk at the commission has shrunk. Talukdar came up with the written statement just five days ahead of the elections while talking to journalists at his office at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. “My proposals or recommendations are not accepted at the commission’s meetings due to majoritarianism. I assume it’s proper to consider the merit of my speeches instead of considering me as a minority. I think that the space for my talking at the commission’s meetings has shrunk. There is no level playing field inside the EC,” he said. He further said, “We want to protect the independence and dignity of the EC. It should be reflected in our activities.”  

Expressing his grievances over the EC’s duties, Talukdar said: “The commission is not carrying out its duties the way it was supposed to do. So far, three meetings of the commission were held after the schedule of the Dhaka South and North city corporation elections was announced. But there has not been any discussion on the electoral code of conduct, irregularities or the candidates’ complaints. The EC did not even place it on the agenda.”

Specifying such issues, the commissioner said, “The EC has not included such matters in the agenda of the upcoming commission meeting on January 28.”

According to the EC, the 60th commission meeting, led by chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda, would be held at 11am on January 28. The meeting’s agenda includes the parliamentary by-polls at Gaibandha-3, Dhaka-10, Bagerhat-4, Bogura-1 and Jasshore-6; preparations for elections at Chattogram City Corporation; and miscellaneous items.  

Expressing his “deep regrets”, Talukder said: “I have submitted four notes on January 9, 13, 16 and 20, 2020, but these have been thoroughly ignored and have not been taken into cognisance. These proposals have not been discussed and accepted. If my speech is unacceptable, I should have been informed.”

Citing an example, Talukder said: “I sent a note to the EC’s senior secretary and two returning officers of Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations to know the steps that have been taken about various complaints of the candidates on January 16. I directed them to inform me by January 20. But my directives were ignored and no information was given to me.”

He further pointed out that there is no sign that any discussion would be held and any decision would be taken by the commission against the complaints submitted by the candidates. “The city polls would not be held properly if the grievances of the complainants are ignored. This is not at all desirable. The commission has to shoulder the responsibility,” he added.  

In reply to a query, Talukder said he did not belong to any political party as long as he is in the chair. “Anyone can say anything about me. But those who know about my past won’t say I belong to a specific party. As long as I am in a chair, I don’t belong to any party,” he said. “I’m guided by my conscience. If anybody wants to colour me or wants to include me in their party, it can be their political matter. But I am against it,” he added.