Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and chairman of the party’s election steering committee Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan today emphasized the need for the Election Commission to avoid making sudden or “surprise” decisions, referencing the recent mobile phone ban at polling stations. He expressed these concerns during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM. Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Mahmud reiterated the party’s commitment to cooperating with the Election Commission and the government to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election. He assured that the NCP is doing its utmost to support this objective. Discussing the unexpected mobile phone ban, he stated, “We discussed such surprise matters with the commission today. I believe if the Election Commission avoids such communication gaps and sudden decisions in the future, we can move closer to a smooth and fair election.”
Asif Mahmud also highlighted concerns about unresolved complaints, noting that candidates have submitted written complaints to various officials without receiving responses. He suggested that an Election Commission task force should be established to address complaints promptly. Stressing the importance of coordination, he mentioned that timely decisions should involve the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has not been the case so far.
Despite these challenges, Asif Mahmud reported that specific complaints and details about officials were presented to the commission today, expressing hope for prompt action. Regarding the presence of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) at polling stations, he mentioned ongoing concerns about their absence. The commission is reconsidering the matter, and the NCP demands BNCC deployment to help maintain law and order during the election process.
The meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner also included representatives from the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its media and publicity department, Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, was present at the meeting.