CEC orders police not to harass candidates without reason

Following the BNP’s demand, the chief election commissioner has ordered police not to harass any candidate without any reason.

CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad gave the order at an interaction with mayor and councillor candidates of Dhaka North City Corporation at Farmgate’s KIB Complex on Sunday.

The BNP has been urging the Election Commission to take measures to ensure that its leaders and activists are not harassed or arrested in cases of sabotage.

But the CEC said the EC could do nothing if a court ordered arrest.

Police had said the candidates accused in cases would not be spared if they do not get bail.

In Sunday’s meeting, BNP-backed mayor candidate of Dhaka North City Corporation, Tabith Awal said, “The candidates backed by the 20-Party alliance can neither stay at home nor on the street.”

The Communist Party of Bangladesh leader Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan also asked the EC to help stop harassment by police.

Hearing all the candidates, the CEC ordered police not to harass any candidate without any reason but not to spare anyone violating the law.

“Please be alert that no one is harassed for no reason and no unlawful incident takes place,” Ahmad said.

Like the Awami League-supported Annisul Huq, Awal was not present when the CEC spoke.

Speaking to reporters after leaving the discussion, Awal demanded army deployment during the Apr 28 polls.

A decision in this regard would be taken after a meeting with the law-enforcing agencies on Apr 19, CEC Ahmad said.

Awal also demanded bail for arrested 20-Party activists so that they get an equal opportunity to campaign.