There won’t be irregularities in parliamentary polls, law minister reassures CEC

Law Minister Anisul Huq has reassured Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda that there will not be any irregularities in the next general elections.

The minister spoke at a programme in Brahmanbarhia on Friday amid discussions in the political arena over Huda’s comment that it is impossible to make sure major elections are absolutely free from irregularities in Bangladesh’s current context.

“Don’t be afraid,” Anisul said, reassuring Huda, “The Bengalis never created irregularities. If something happened, some quarters with vested interests did that.”  

After taking charge in February last year, the Huda-led EC earned plaudits for the elections to Cumilla and Rangpur city corporations.

The EC faced criticism for allegations of irregularities in recent Khulna, Gazipur, Barishal and Sylhet city corporation polls.

Huda faced questions over the fairness of the next general election on Tuesday as the EC was criticised for irregularities in recent elections.

“It can’t be said with certainty that there won’t be any irregularities in major public elections,” he had said.

His comment sparked a furore in the political circles.

The ruling Awami League questioned the CEC’s remarks. General Secretary Obaidul Quader urged him to speak with ‘caution’.

Senior BNP leader Moudud Ahmed demanded Huda’s resignation, saying he lost the right to hold the CEC’s post after such remarks.

Other election commissioners said they do not share Huda’s view, which they think was his personal, not the Election Commission’s.

Huda, however, told bdnews24.com on Friday that there was no reason for the people to worry about his comment on irregularities in major elections.

Later, Law Minister Anisul said, “Our chief election commissioner fears troubles may take place during the next election. Please correct your commission for fair polls. Our Bengali brothers and sisters will vote without any irregularities.”

About the student protests for safe roads, the law minister alleged the BNP and its ally the Jamaat-e-Islami tried to topple the government by meddling in the movement.

He alleged senior lawyer Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain also conspired with US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat to bring down the Awami League government.

“The US has never been our friend. They favoured Pakistan and opposed us intensely in 1971. They are still conspiring against Bangladesh by siding with Pakistan’s associates the BNP, Jamaat,” Anisul said.    

The Awami League has pointed the finger at the meeting at rights organisation SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar’s house on the night of Aug 4.

Ambassador Bernicat attended the meeting and came under attack by some stick-wielding youths after leaving Badiul’s house, which was also attacked.