No arresting of polling agents without charge of criminal offence: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda said, it is not desired to harass the agents of any candidate in the election. Forcing agents to leave the vote center will not be allowed. Action will be taken against the involved if any such incident happens. Arrest of polling agents will not be allowed without any criminal charge.

He said these at a press conference over the latest election preparation at Agargaon in the capital on Saturday.

Quoting the media the CEC said, agents of many candidates are being harassed. But harassment of agents will not be desired. Police will not harass anybody if there is no criminal charge. Have to ensure full security. Because, agents are representatives of the candidates. They work for the candidates.

He said, any candidate not to be deprived of their rights, election code of conduct not to be violated and competition not to be turned into violence. But violence took place in the election, damages to lives and properties were happened which were not desired. I am giving order to take action against the involved in violence after neutral investigation.

To the voters, candidates and concerned the CEC said, abide by code of conduct, leave violence. Help to maintain competitive atmosphere. Don’t bow down to temptation or influence. Vote for your chosen candidate.

He said, officers, observers, journalists, law enforcement agencies perform their responsibilities. Presiding Officer will begin his work within 7 am. He will open the ballot box and show the people present there whether it is vacant or not. He will begin the vote casting from 8 am. After completing vote casting he will begin the work of vote counting in presence of the agents and journalists. It is not allowed outside the vote centers. List of results have to be supplied to the agents. If anybody asks to leave the center illegally then cooperation should be sought from the magistrates and law enforcement agencies.

The CEC said, I am giving order to law enforcement agencies to control any kind of violence and sabotage in the election. Strict action will be taken if any irregularity or violence takes place due to inactivity of any force members.

He also ordered the concerned officials to discharge their duties without fear and beyond party and opinion. He urged the participating parties and candidates to play responsible role so that electoral competition does not turn into violence.

KM Nurul Huda said, total 40 thousand 183 electoral centers and 2 lakh 6 thousand 767 booths were set up throughout the country for 10 crore 42 lakh 38 thousand 673 voters.

AH