EC empowerment a must for free, fair polls

He said just before the elections, the loan defaulters rush for rescheduling their bad loans, get new loans from the banks and spend the money for musclemen and buying votes.

Abu Hena was speaking at the launch of a project of Odhikar titled 'Election Violence Education Resolution' (EVER) at Biam auditorium in the city yesterday.

He suggested empowerment of Election Commission (EC) for conducting free and fair elections.

The EC must have full control over its staffs and finances, he said, adding, "I fail to understand why it should be under some other division of the government."

Abu Hena said it is important for the government to empower the EC to act independently and create such an environment that is conducive to its proper functioning.

He also laid emphasis on placing right persons in right places to get the jobs done efficiently.

Stressing the need for proper implementation of electoral laws he said, "We have many laws, but those are not properly implemented."

Maj Gen (Retd) Moinul Hosain Chowdhury, a former advisor to Caretaker Government said it is a popular misconception that the CG conducts the election.

But the constitution says the caretaker government would only assist the EC in conducting the elections properly, he added.

New Age Editor Nurul Kabir conducted the programme which was also addressed by Zahiruddin Swapan MP, Secretary of Women's Affairs of Bangladesh Awami League Dr Dipu Mani, President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal Hasanul Huq Inu and Asia Foundation Representative Kim McQuay.