Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen reiterated his government determination to hold free, fair elections in Bangladesh as he briefed media about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s daily engagements on 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session’s sidelines here on Monday.
“To hold a free, fair and non-violent election, all irrespective of political affiliation should exhibit topmost sincerity. InshaAllah, we will be able to hold a free and fair election if everything goes accordingly,” he said.
Replying to a question, Momen said that they are taking all preparations to set an example holding the next general election in a free and fair manner.
To hold the polls in a neutral manner, he said that the Election Commission (EC) was given absolute authority.
The foreign minister said the EC is constituted under a law and the prime minister doesn’t appoint election commissioners.
“Even, the president and the prime minister can’t remove the election commissioners. The EC can suspend, terminate or punish any government employee if they are found involved in irregularities,” he added.
In case of vote rigging, the EC can also cancel the vote of a polling station, he said.
“The Election Commission has been given absolute authority (regarding election),” he added.
Source: The Daily SUN.