Election Commission Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed has said Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be deployed two to 10 days before the 11th parliamentary election.
He made the statement while briefing assistant returning officers at the Election Commission secretariat on Thursday.
Previously, on November 10, Helal Uddin Ahmed said the commission was considering deploying the army at polling centres where electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used.
He said: “The Army will go to different electoral areas, before the vote, to perform their duty. So, now we have to arrange their accommodation.”
File photo of Election Commission Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed | UNBThe secretary also asked the assistant returning officers to stay alert to avoid any violation of the electoral code of conduct.
Stating that the commission is determined to hold a free and fair election, he said the assistant returning officers have to do their duty sincerely.
“Stern action will be taken against those who neglect their responsibilities,” he added.
Regarding the BNP and police clash in Naya Paltan on Wednesday, he asked the assistant returning officer to ensure that such incidents do not reoccur.
Addressing the same program, Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder said: “We will not be able to show our face to the international community if questions arise about the election."
He said the opinions from the grassroots might be ignored during nomination process of political parties.
When is the election?
On Monday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda announced a fresh schedule for the parliamentary election.
The commission said the polls will now be held on December 30 instead of December 23.
According to the new schedule, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is November 28 instead of November 19.