Chief Election Commissioner(CEC) Nurul Huda has called for the law enforcers to remain vigilant in order to ensure that no one can incite violence or cause rampage similar to the year 2014 and draw their election plans accordingly.
His remarks came during a polls-related meeting with the law enforcing agencies of the country on Thursday (Dec 13).
“Our meeting today is about an event that is very important to the people-the national polls,” he said addressing the officials from various law enforcing agencies.
“Dec 30 is a much awaited day. It’s a day when a new parliament, a new government will form,” he added.
Saying that 95 percent of the preparations for the much awaited election was complete, the CEC said, “We must not forget the terrifying incidents of 2014. Police officers, presiding officers and hundreds of people died despite the presence of the law enforcers.”
He pressed that the guardians of law must ensure that history does not repeat itself.
Huda called for the law enforcers to carry out their responsibilities with utmost professionalism, adding, “It’s your responsibility to protect the people and ensure that a peaceful environment prevails.”
Regarding the death of Awami League leaders who were victims of pre-polls violence, Huda called for the detective agencies to properly investigate on whether the murders were politically driven or some ploy to bring back the violence of 2014.
On the Election Commission’s much controversial use of EVM’s in six constituencies, the CEC said, “We want to use it because we need an alternative to save people’s votes from the hijackers of ballot boxes.”
“I request to keep an eye out in the constituencies where EVMs will be used,” he said addressing the law enforcers.
“The voters must remain safe. Make a list of the terrorists of the area and take necessary steps against them but refrain from filing cases against innocent people intending to harass them.”
He also asked them to collaborate with the local administration to ensure peaceful environment and take special care of the safety of women and minorities.