Shrugging off opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s recent remarks that the incumbent Election Commission is spineless, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Zabed Ali on Wednesday said they are quite strong and their spines are straight. “We’re quite fit and our backbones are straight. We’re working for ensuring a level-playing field for all candidates,” he told reporters in reply to a query at his Election Commission Secretariat office.
The Election Commissioner promised that they hold a cent percent fair election in a peaceful manner.
“The election will be held in presence of local and international polls observers. We can assure you of arranging a cent percent free and fair election,” he added.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Rangpur and Rajshahi rallies held this week branded the incumbent election commissioners as worthless and spineless saying that no fair election is possible under this Election Commission, headed by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad. Sought comments about Khaleda’s remark, Zabed Ali said, “My age is now 63. As per the medical report, my spine is in good shape and straight.”
He continued: ”The EC is ready to arrange the election …the Commission will have to hold the election within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament as per the law.”
The preparations of the voter lists, polling stations and collection of polls materials are now at the final stage, he said adding that the donor agencies will provide polls materials, including translucent ballot boxes, irremovable ink, by the next month. “The commission is always ready to hold the election as per the constitution.”
-With The Independent input
