Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has expressed optimism over the election of Dhaka's two city corporations to be held in a free, fair and competitive manner.
“The election will be free-fair, no matter who wins or lose. It will not be a disaster for the government if we lose,” he said while addressing an event organised by Political Science Department Alumni Association (DUPDAA) at Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) in Dhaka University on Wednesday (Dec 25).
The Election Commission has already announced date for Dhaka's two city corporation polls and different political parties are taking part into it, he added.
Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, welcomed major opposition BNP to take part in the polls.
“We want to assure you [BNP] that the election will be a free, fair, and competitive one which will be acceptable to all and will be credible too,” he said.
This is what Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina wants, he added.
Quader said the government will provide all kind of assistance to Election Commission so that it can exercise its authority properly.
The Election Commission has set Jan 30 for the election of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).
Aspirants can submit their nomination papers until Dec 31 to the Election Commission and it will be scrutinized on Jan 2, while the last date of candidature withdrawal is Jan 9.
Voters will elect mayors and councillors by using Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in all centres, as per schedule announced by Election Commission.