CEC warns against malpractice in city polls

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad has asked everyone to abide by the rules, cautioning that any illegal activities during city elections will be dealt with firmly.

At a media conference on Monday, he asked the voters to spontaneously go to the polling stations and vote for their preferred candidates.

Addressing the candidates, Ahmad said, “Don’t break the law. Anyone who will violate the law will face severe consequences.”

Three city corporations in Dhaka and Chittagong will go to polls on Tuesday.

The polls are likely to be hotly contested between candidates endorsed by the ruling Awami League and the BNP, which boycotted the 2014 national polls.

CEC Ahmad asked the election officials to play an impartial role. “Discharge your duties impartially or face tough consequences,” he warned them.

He said 80,000 security personnel would maintain law and order while 59,363 election officials would be on duty to conduct balloting.

The BNP has been demanding army deployment on the poll day to ensure “free and fair” polling.

Ahmad said army would be called out immediately if situation at any polling centre turns volatile.

“They’ll contain the situation,” he added.