The army will be allowed to make arrests while deployed for election duty, but will not be given magistracy power, says the Election Commission.
Speaking to the media on Saturday (Dec 15), Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda said, “The army will not be given judicial powers, but they will be able to make arrests.”
He said that the law stipulates that if a specific situation calls for an immediate intervention, then the army can make arrests.
“They (troops) will operate in line with the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure),” added Huda.
The Commission said on Thursday (Dec 13) that it will deploy troops as a strike force for the national polls from Dec 24, who will remain in the field until Jan 2.
No live broadcast from polling booths
Television reporters cannot to join on live coverage from the polling booths, however, they will be allowed to do so from the premises of the voting centres, the chief election commissioner (CEC) said.
Presiding officers, who are in charge of a voting centre, will approve the number of reporters allowed to enter the centres, he said.
“No one will be allowed to enter the booths with mobile phones. Reporters can, but only for taking pictures, they cannot speak on their phones. Media persons will have to comply with the instructions issued for polls observers,” said CEC Huda.
Responding to a query, he said that any decision regarding calls by law enforcement agencies to slow down internet speed and stop mobile banking operation is yet to be made.
Describing Friday’s attack on Jatiya Oikya Front leader Dr Kamal Hossain’s motorcade as ‘unfortunate’, CEC Huda said, “They have written us over the matter, which will be forwarded to the Electoral Inquiry Committee. Legal measures will be taken after they file a report.”
The Commission will write to the home ministry and Bangladesh Police “within a day or two” instructing not arrest to candidates or political activists, except for those accused of criminal offences, without a warrant, he said.
Responding to a query, the CEC said they believe a level playing field for the all the candidates has been ensured. “Candidates are campaigning freely. In case of criminal offences, they can start cases or report to us.”