Dhaka: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda on Sunday said the decision of some major political parties to abstain from participating the forthcoming Upazila election is disappointing.
The CEC came up with the statement while discussing as the chief guest at training of trainers programme at Election Training Institute in the capital's Agargaon area.
“A number of major political parties decided not to join in the upcoming Upazila election. It’s very disappointing for us as we always wanted a competitive election,” he said.
“There is no dilemma that the upazila election will be a competing one as many qualified persons are competing,” he added.
Issuing a notice to the officers related to the election, the CEC said stern measures will be taken against those who will be responsible for interrupting the elections.
He also urged the election officials to act neutrally while performing their duties during the elections.
Stating that the polling agents are an essential part of the election process, the CEC urged the election officers to secure the safety and protection of the agents when they return home after performing their duties.
The first phase of Upazila Parishads elections in 87 upazilas in 12 districts under Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Rajshahi divisions will be held on March 10 while the second phase of the election is slated for March 18, the third for March 24, the fourth for March 31 and the fifth for June 18.
