Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has issued a strict directive to deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to ensure the rule of law.
He said this while speaking at a meeting with DCs and SPs regarding the election and referendum at Election Commission (EC) building in Agargaon, Dhaka on Tuesday.
CEC said, “We want to show what the rule of law means. I said this word ‘deliberately’ because we are being collectively blamed. It is being said that we have destroyed the election system, we have dared to conduct a managed election.”
“The election system in Bangladesh has been destroyed. Managed elections have been held through collusion. Election Commission wants to remove this stigma and conduct a fair election through the rule of law.”
He added, “The country is standing at a critical juncture; if we fail to fulfill our duties properly, we will not be able to answer to future generations. Therefore, there is no room for failure in duty.”
Addressing the DCs and SPs, CEC said, “If you do not work, the authority will not work. There is no need to explain to you. You perform duties in the field. You know well. The law is equal for all; do not spare any offender.”
He further said, “There is no room for any deviation from the responsibility that has fallen upon our shoulders. Through this election, I want to erase the stigma of bad elections.”
According to the election schedule, voting will be held from 7:30am to 4:30am on 12 February.
