Steps should be taken to make it fair and peaceful

Several intelligence agencies have expressed fear that the situation may deteriorate on the polling day at each stage of the upcoming sixth upazila parishad election, which will be held in four phases. Published in Daily Jugantar news on last Wednesday, an intelligence agency informed the Election Commission (EC) that there are security concern in 78 upazilas in the first phase, 70 in the second phase and 40 in the third phase. Besides, another organization has given EC a glimpse that the situation may deteriorate on election day in 49 upazilas only in the first phase. These two intelligence agencies advised the EC to take necessary security measures for this.

In order not to worsen the law-and-order situation around the upazila elections, the Prime Minister has given a strict message to the members of Parliament and ministers to prevent 'interference', besides giving instructions not to give party candidates, not to keep party symbols and not to have any kind of disagreement within the party. Besides, Awami League general secretary has warned that legal action will be taken if anyone interferes illegally in the upcoming election. He said that the administration engaged in conducting the election along with the law-and-order forces will maintain hundred percent neutrality so that the election is peaceful and fair.

To maintain peace, the Election Commission has imposed the obligation to submit nomination papers completely online for the first time. Due to this, there was no noise in the offices of the Returning Officer on the day of submission of nomination papers, and there were no reports of violations of the rules of conduct. However, some candidates complained that the local MPs could not be kept free from influence. On the other hand, it is known that nearly 50 candidates of BNP and Jamaat have submitted their nomination papers for the post of Chairman and Vice Chairman in the first phase despite boycotting the election. In all, it is uncertain what the situation will be on the polling days.

EC preparing for Upazila Parishad elections; But this preparation is not the end. We think that taking into account the apprehensions of the intelligence agencies, the EC will take steps to ensure that every phase of the election is peaceful and participatory. It should be remembered that this election is also a challenge for the EC. It is hoped that the EC will overcome all hurdles and succeed in conducting a free and fair election.