A level playing for candidates contesting the 11th parliamentary election does not exist, says Election Commission Mahbub Talukder.  

“I do not think a level playing field exists at all,” he said on Monday (Dec 17) while responding to queries from the media.

Earlier in the day, six questions were filed in written with his offices to which Commissioner Talukder responded in written.

Asked whether he opposes the chief election commissioner, who said a level playing field exists, Talukder said, “I never oppose his statements. He has said what he believes and I express my opinion whenever needed.

“You, being journalists, are very well aware of the situation across the country. Ask your conscience, whether a level playing field exists, you will get the answer.”

The election commissioner was asked whether he thinks a free, fair and credible election is possible amid reports from across the country of opposition parties’ campaigns being hindered.

Describing himself as an ‘optimistic person’, Talukder said it was imperative to deliver the pledges to hold a fair election in the remaining time. “The executive and judicial magistrates, as well as the electoral inquiry committee, need to be more active. I believe the situation will change, in a positive way, once the army is deployed.”

Responding to another query, he said that “an all-inclusive election will be of no use if it’s not fair and credible.”

Asked whether the administration and the law enforcement were under the Election Commission’s control, Talukder replied that the Commission does not execute the polls directly, but through returning officers, other concerned officials and law enforcement agencies.

“The top officials of law enforcing agencies are under the Commission’s control, but whether their forces are under their (top law enforcers) command that they can say better.”

In response to a query, Commissioner Talukder urged everyone, including voters, candidates and law enforcers, to comply with the law. “Abide the electoral code of conduct and cooperate with us for a successful election.”