EC should appoint returning officers from its officials, not rely on DCs: BNP
Jamaat criticises proposed code of conduct, NCP for following rules strictly
Highlights
- BNP says excessive regulatory requirements may complicate election process
- Jamaat demands 3-5 army personnel at every polling centre
- NCP says candidates can use only image of their current party chief
The BNP today (19 November) proposed that the Election Commission (EC) should appoint returning officers and assistant returning officers directly from among its own officials, rather than relying on deputy commissioners (DCs).
It placed the proposal during an electoral dialogue between political parties, including the BNP, and the EC at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital ahead of the 13th national election.
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The Jamaat-e-Islami, in a separate dialogue earlier in the day, raised several objections to the EC' proposed code of conduct, pointing out "inconsistencies," particularly regarding the use of posters, the authority to impose punishments, and the absence of a fixed time limit for resolving election-related complaints.
During the dialogue, BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said, "The commission should stand firm, as the Constitution itself empowers them. There is no reason to bow down. Appointing returning officers and assistant returning officers from the EC's own cadre could bring a qualitative change to Bangladesh's political landscape."
Moyeen, who led a three-member BNP delegation, said candidates are now required to submit a declaration form, which did not exist before.
"The more the EC increases regulatory complications, the more complex the process will become," he observed.
Jamaat representative Shishir Manir criticised what he called a "dual policy" in the code of conduct draft, noting that Section 7(a) prohibits all posters, while Section 7(d) sets conditions for removing posters and other campaign materials.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar demanded the deployment of 3-5 army personnel at every polling centre, saying one soldier per centre is "insufficient" to prevent violence or illegal occupation.
The NCP urged the EC to take immediate action if BNP candidates use photos of Ziaur Rahman or Tarique Rahman during their campaigns, noting that doing so would be a key test of the commission's ability to enforce the updated code of conduct.
In a clarification later in the day, the NCP states, the BNP was cited only as an example, not as a personal attack.
"According to the law, BNP candidates may only use the image of their current party chief, Khaleda Zia. But we observe that this rule is not being followed, and we asked the EC to ensure proper enforcement," said the NCP.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said, "Preparing the code of conduct is not the main task; compliance is what truly matters. We expect political parties to play their due role."
He told the parties that ensuring a credible election was a shared responsibility.
The other participating parties, which took part in the day's dialogue, included Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Ganosanghati Andolon, and the National Democratic Movement (NDM), Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), Insaniyat Biplob, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal–BASAD Marxist (newly registered party).
