Nothing called level playing field for election: Mahbub Talukder

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder said, I don’t think at all there is something called level playing field in election. The word ‘level playing field’ has turned into a meaningless word.

The CEC said that there is level playing field, then are you going to oppose that? In response to this question Mahbub Talukder said, I never oppose his speech. He says his word. I express my disagreement in case of need. You are the newsmen, you get the news of the country, see everything. Ask your own conscience whether there is level playing field or not, then you will get the answer.

There is news of hindering opposition campaign across the country. In this situation is free, fair and neutral election possible- in response to this question he said, I am an optimistic man. The promise to hold free, fair and neutral election has to be kept in the stipulated time. Executive Magistrates, Judicial Magistrates and the Judges of electoral enquiry committees should play more active role. I think the situation will hopefully change when army will be deployed.

The CEC said that election will be participatory and fair, do you think so? In response Mahbub Talukder said, election is called participatory when all parties participate. There is no relation with fair election. Participatory election is primary attainment. The main thing is that whether the election is going to be acceptable and credible or not. There is no benefit of participatory election if it is not acceptable and credible.

Are public administration and law enforcement agencies under control of Election Commission? In response Mahbub Talukder said, we do not conduct election directly. It is done through Returning Officers, concerned officials and law enforcing agencies. Top officers of law enforcement agencies are under Election Commission’s control. They can say that the members of their services are on how much control.

AH