'Implement electoral laws strictly to curb corruption'

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad speaks at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity auditorium in the city yesterday. On his right is Abul Maksud and on his left are Justice Quazi Ebadul Haque, M Hafizuddin Khan and Badiul Alam Majumder. PHOTO: STAR

Shujan leaders also expressed strong resentment at a Supreme Court order staying a High Court verdict that compels the Election Commission to collect and make public some vital information about election candidates.

They also criticised the political parties, saying that none of them abide by the electoral rules properly.

Although the general election is drawing nearer, no electoral reform proposals have been implemented, they said at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity auditorium.

Shujan leaders observed that the election-related corruption can be reduced by at least 50 percent if the electoral laws are implemented strictly.

Many candidates have already started massive election campaign through graffiti, publishing colourful posters and erecting arches in their areas, although such activities are prohibited under the existing electoral laws, Shujan President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said.

The civil society had appealed to the Election Commission and the caretaker government to take action against those violating laws, but to no avail, he said.

It seems that the candidates, who will formulate laws after their election, have engaged in breaking laws in a festive mood, columnist Abul Maqsud said.

There is no guarantee that they would not break laws after being elected, he said, calling on the people to come forward to put pressure on the authorities to curb corruption in the election process.

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said the Election Commission is yet to take any initiatives to register the political parties. Some reforms have been brought about only to change individuals, but there is no change in policies, he added.

To reduce corruption and fraudulent practices in the election, reliable persons should be appointed as election officials and polling agents should be trained up, he said.

Shujan has presented a set of election laws with a view to raising awareness among the people. It has also been preparing a list of areas vulnerable to election-related corruption. The list will be published later, Shujan leaders said at the press conference.

M Hafizuddin Khan, former adviser to a caretaker government, said some candidates have started campaign three months ahead of the election in violation of laws.

According to the rule, the candidates must submit reports on election expenditure to the returning officer within two weeks after the announcement of the results, but nobody follows it, he said.

Shujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder, Justice Quazi Ebadul Haque and Prof Tofail Ahmed also spoke at the press conference.