Our Correspondent, Rajshahi
BNP can still come to the election if it wants. But they have to come within the stipulated time. Election Commissioner (EC) Rasheda Sultana said this in response to questions from journalists after the preparatory meeting for the 12th National Parliament election in Rajshahi on Tuesday afternoon.
The meeting was organized by the District Election Officer’s office in Rajshahi District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium. Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir presided over it. The meeting lasted from 10 am to 1.30 pm. Then EC Rasheda Sultana answered various questions of the journalists.
In response to the question whether BNP will come in this election, EC Rasheda Sultana said, ‘BNP is a party. It is up to them whether they will go to the elections or not.’ When asked whether there is a chance to go to the elections now, she said, ‘If the BNP wants to go to the elections, there is a chance. they can go But within their specified period; That is, they have to come within the margin that is in the rules.
Rasheda Sultana, when asked whether the schedule will be announced again when BNP comes to the polls, said, “If they express their desire to come to the polls, then we the election commissioners will sit.” We will look at the law. We will see how to give them space.
When asked whether you feel any pressure about the European Union wanting to sit, EC said, ‘Foreign tourists come all the time. Better if they come. The more they come, the more transparent the voting will be. You will stay too. Our transparency will be revealed through you.
Rasheda Sultana said regarding the violation of the code of conduct, we will take strict action if the code of conduct is violated. You will see that. We have already taken some measures. In response to the question about what measures should be taken if they want to resist the election, he said that legal action will be taken against them. If someone commits acts of vandalism, the same legal action will be taken as per the criminal law.
If a ruling party member of parliament is an independent candidate, then what is the provision for him, the EC said, ‘If a member of parliament wants to be an independent candidate, he must resign from the position of member of parliament. But those who get party nomination, they do not have to resign. When asked whether the army will be deployed in the election, she said that no such decision has been taken yet. If necessary, that decision will be taken.
All the officials of the Rajshahi Parliament election-related administration and members of law and order forces were present in the meeting. EC Rasheda Sultana directed the officials to ensure a free, fair and impartial election, saying that there should be a ‘level playing field’ in the elections. Neutrality is not compromised. No one can complain about the election. May everything be fine.