Speakers at a discussion today demanded fair and peaceful elections and called upon the pro-liberation forces to resist the conspiracy of foiling the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections.
They urged the Election Commission (EC) as well as the government to ensure voting rights of all, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political identity, so that the people can cast their votes in a festive mood without any hindrance.
Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organized the discussion titled 'Peaceful and fair elections: Expectations from the government and political parties' at Engineers Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) here with its President noted writer and journalist Shahriar Kabir in the chair, said a press release.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar addressed the discussion as the chief guest while Workers Party President valiant freedom fighter Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASOD) President Hasanul Haq Inu, Aroma Dutta, MP, President of Medical Support Committee of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee Professor Dr Uttam Kumar Barua and International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) Prosecutor Barrister Taposh Kanti Bol took part in the discussion as discussants.
Shahriar Kabir urged the pro-liberation forces to resist the plot of thwarting the upcoming 12th JS elections unitedly, saying "The Election Commission (EC) as well as the government should ensure the voting rights of all, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political identity, so that the people can exercise their franchise in a festive mood without any obstacle".
If any incident of terrorism or disturbance takes at any polling station, he said, the voting at that center should be suspended immediately and those causing the disturbance must be brought to book immediately.
"We have identified 62 religious minorities-dominant constituencies, where the voters have been prevented from exercising their voting right in various ways during previous elections. All constituencies including these 62 parliamentary seats, where terror incidents might occur, should be brought under strict vigilance ahead of the election," Shahriar said.
If necessary, military forces should be deployed there and identified terrorists should be arrested before the voting day so that none can create any anarchy or disorder like in the past, he added.
Rashed Khan Menon said those who do not believe in democracy want to thwart the upcoming elections with the support of foreigners.
"Religion should not be allowed be used in elections. Because, earlier we have witnessed how BNP-Jamaat oppressed the minority communities," he said, adding, the Election Commission must be vigilant so that it does not repeat in the upcoming elections.
Hasanul Haq Inu said elections will be held on time as per the country's constitution.
It is not headache of anyone to bring someone to polls, he said, adding, it is not a political process.
How many political parties take part in polls or how many people cast their votes it is not the criterion of credibility of the electoral process, the JASOD president said, adding, so there is no point to be bothered about it.
"Rather, preparations should be taken to hold the voting on time. Attention should be given to creating an environment so that the people come to polling stations to cast their votes," he added.
President of IT Cell of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee playwright Asif Munir, son of a martyr of the Liberation War, moderated the discussion.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha