AL places proposals, including enacting law, strengthening EC, to President

Bangladesh Awami League, during the talks with President M Abdul Hamid on Monday placed some proposals, including enacting new law, strengthening the Election Commission (EC) and using EVM like technologies in the polls.

The ruling party AL led by its president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave the proposals as she led the 10-member delegation to hold talks with the President over forming an acceptable Election Commission (EC), today, the last day of 17-day dialogue with political parties, at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban in Dhaka, said President’s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin, reports BSS.

Other members of the 10-member delegation are:  AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, advisory council members Amir Hossain Amu and Tofail Ahmed, presidium members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Lieutenant Cololonel Muhammad Faruk Khan, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman.

After the meeting, the press secretary said the AL delegation proposed that the President will appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Commissioners (ECs) in accordance with Article 118 of the constitution.

In the process of making these appointments, the President will appoint those whom he deems suitable and fit, they added.

The press secretary said they proposed to increase the use of technology, including EVM system, in the interest of holding free, fair and credible elections.

The AL delegation discussed the formation of an independent and effective EC to ensure a neutral and acceptable election, the responsibilities of the executive branch in polls-time period, the manner of responsible persons of the EC and ensuring accurate voters list and overall security on Election Day, before and after the election.

At the meeting, the Awami League proposed to appoint only the officers and employees of the republic as presiding and polling officers instead of using the officers and employees of the private sector in conducting the elections, and to ensure responsible and impartial role of the individuals assigned in maintaining the law and order.

They called for taking necessary steps to ensure that voters at all levels, including religious minorities, can cast their votes in the polls smoothly.