Army deployment decision April 19

A meeting between the Election Commission and law enforcement and intelligence agencies on April 19 to analyse the law and order situation will decide whether the army will be deployed in the upcoming elections to the Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations.

Chief Election Commissioner Kaki Rakibuddin Ahmad said this following queries by the Chittagong City Corporation polls' contestants with whom the returning officer (RO) and regional election office organised a views-exchange meeting in Chittagong city's Hall 24 yesterday.

Meanwhile, the number of executive magistrates in each of Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka North City Corporation was increased from two, as deployed after the March 19 polls schedule announcement, to six by the ROs to check violation of the electoral code of conduct.

Besides, the EC sent a letter to the public administration ministry to announce voting day, April 28, a public holiday in the areas concerned.

Addressing as chief guest, Rakibuddin said all measures, including additional law enforcers and executive magistrates, were in place to hold free, fair elections.

Urging candidates not to violate the code, Rakibuddin said, "You should uphold Chittagong's heritage of holding peaceful elections so that Chittagong can set an example."

He asked law enforcement agencies to create a festive and fearless environment for voters and prevent harassment of contestants.

Mayoral candidate MA Matin under the banner Sunni Nagorik Oikyo Parishad proposed forming a committee comprising mayoral candidates' representatives to prevent the code's violation.