The entire nation is eager to vote as Bangladesh goes to polls on Sunday (Dec 30) amid an atmosphere better than ever, says Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Khan’s remarks came on Saturday while addressing the media at his residence at Dhaka’s Monipuri Para.
“The polls atmosphere is better than ever... the law and order situation across the country is perfectly normal today and we hope that will the case tomorrow,” he said.
Khan, who is running on the ruling Awami League’s ticket from Dhaka-12 seat, said six of their activists were killed in violence across the country between Dec 1 and 28.
“As many 187 Awami League campaign offices have been ransacked with shots were fired and bombs in 58 incidents of attack. Three houses belonging to the minority were set to fire as well as five police members came under attack,” said the home minister.
Urging voters to cast their franchises without fear on Election Day, he said, “Our security forces are efficient as well as professional.”
On the BNP’s allegation that it’s not being able to appoint polling agents due to sweeping arrests by police, Khan said, “That can’t be said now as the list of agents will be submitted to the polling officers tomorrow morning. I can’t even tell you who our polling agents are.”
It’s only natural that a candidate cannot appoint someone, who is charged of criminal offences, as a polling agent, he added.
“The law enforcers are working round the clock to ensure a peaceful polls atmosphere, where the citizens can cast their vote in a free and safe manner,” said the home minister.