The election officials of Chittagong yesterday alleged that lawmaker were unnecessarily interfering in upazila elections in the district.
They put forward the allegation to Election Commissioner (EC) Md Javed Ali in a view-exchange meeting in the conference room of divisional commissioner’s office in the port city around 11am ahead of fourth phase of upazila election.
Mohammad Abdullah, divisional commissioner of Chittagong, presided over the view-exchange meeting where the EC addressed as a chief guest.
Md Nowsher Ali, deputy inspector general of Chittagong range, Md Shafiqul Islam, commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, and AKM Hafiz Akhter, superintendent of police in Chittagong, were in the view-exchange meeting among other officials and representatives of the EC and law enforcement agencies.
Sanaul Haque, additional deputy commissioner (general) and returning officer of Chittagong district, alleged that the lawmakers were participating in the election campaign and interfering in the polls activities for which EC officials find it difficult to play a neutral role.
In reply, the EC warned if anyone did not go by the election code of conduct lawful action would be taken against them, no matter who they were.
He also instructed law enforcement agencies to tighten security for voters, election officials and media persons to ensure a fair and free election.
In Chittagong, election will be held in seven upazilas on March 23 in the fourth phase of the upazila poll.
