Amid the BNP’s calls for deploying army in the upcoming Gazipur and Khulna city corporation polls, Awami League leader Obaidul Quader says the Election Commission has no jurisdiction over the issue.
“The law enforcing forces will operate on the Commission’s order, but the army is under the defence ministry,” he told the media on Sunday after a party meeting.
Quader’s remarks came after Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda said earlier in the day that he supports deploying the army in the national election.
“The EC can only request the government, which will decide upon considering the situation. It’s clearly spelled out in the Constitution,” said the general secretary of the ruling party.
A Cabinet member, Quader said that the army will work as a strike force during elections, but the situation will decide whether they would be given power of magistrates.
“Elected representatives campaign for polls in the whole world, so why not our MPs and prime minister?” he said adding they will discuss the matter with the election commission.