Rift in Election Commission widens before Dhaka polls

The discontent in the Election Commission has come out in the open, once again, this time before the polls to the two city corporations in Dhaka.

Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar, like before, is at the centre of the rift, bringing allegations that his wings have been clipped.

“My proposals were not accepted in the commission meetings due to a lack of majority support. But the commission should consider the merits of a proposal. My capacity to address various issues has also been curbed,” he said at a media briefing at the commission's headquarters in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Sunday, a week before the polls.

“There is no level playing field within the Election Commission,” he alleged.

“We should protect the independence and dignity of the commission and our works should reflect this,” the commissioner remarked.

But his colleague  Rafiqul Islam believes Mahbub has alleged bias with “some other intention” while EC Secretary Md Alamgir says the government officials are not bound to answer to any single commissioner, but the commission as a whole. 

Mahbub had earlier questioned the returning officers’ “inaction” to stop breach of code of conduct.

The ruling Awami League then questioned his integrity, alleging that he was working to safeguard the BNP’s interests only when the opposition party raises similar allegations. 

“I don’t belong to any party from the moment I sat in this chair. I don’t harbour the views of any group. I am driven by my conscience only,” Mahbub said on Sunday.  

According to Mahbub, election officials have not held discussions to address the complaints filed by political parties or candidates regarding the Dhaka city polls.

“The Election Commission will not be able to discharge its responsibility of holding free and fair elections if the discontent behind the complaints comes to the fore.”

“It is not taking required measures surrounding the city corporation elections. Since the announcement of the schedule on Dec 22, three meetings have taken place but the alleged violations of the code of conduct were not discussed in any of them.”

Another meeting is scheduled for Jan 28 and the city corporation elections is not on the agenda for that meeting either, Mahbub said in a statement.

“Such remarks are unfortunate, shocking,” remarked Election Commissioner Rafiqul in his reaction to Mahbub’s comments.

“We always take decisions as a whole no matter who puts forward the proposal. The commission’s decisions are not taken by a single person,” he said, refuting the allegations brought by Mahbub.  

“I don’t know why he is raising these questions now. These will create confusion among the people,” he added.

Secretary Alamgir said the returning officers are obligated  to provide the commission with information.

“But they will inform the EC as a body. They will give the information to the CEC (KM Nurul Huda) first. But we can’t answer any single commissioner,” he added.