Staff Correspondent
An ambience of relief and festivity is now prevailing across country as the two year long emergency is no more in place and election is getting momentum all around.
The state of emergency imposed on January 11, in 2007 had snatched away the freedom of movement and speech, assembly, association, thought and conscience of the people completely. As soon as the state of emergency was lifted yesterday (Wednesday) all these rights have been restored and political parties and candidates freely carried out election campaign for the national parliament election scheduled to be held on December 29.
On the other hand the Army is being called out in advance from today (Thursday) for policing the upcoming polls, apprehending sabotage in the intervening period as the state of emergency ended yesterday in the run-up to the crucial elections. The Army will be deployed from December 20 to ensure holding of a free, fair and credible national parliament election.
Central leaders of Awami League-led grand alliance and BNP-led four-party alliance are now passing very busy time seeking votes from the electorates in favour of their respective party candidates across the country.
Besides a large number of political activists from different areas of the country, are now working at their respective constituencies. Due to the presence of many strangers at different places including six metropolitan cities, district towns and remote areas of the country, the people have become worried about the law and order situation deteriorating.
According to sources, many voters are apprehending violence and clashes between the two sides as bitterness is mounting on the eve of the polls scheduled for December 29.
Candidates of all political parties including Awami League-led grand alliance and BNP-led four-party alliance and independent candidates with their local leaders, activists, supporters and relatives have started holding meetings and rallies, bringing out processions and going door to door for seeking votes. People from all walks of life have spontaneously joined in the electioneering, meetings and processions.
Talking to the Bangladesh Today Awami League Presidium member Tofael Ahmed said “We thanked the government for withdrawing state of emergency as per its commitment. Following the withdrawal of state of emergency, favourable, congenial and election friendly atmosphere for holding of a credible and acceptable election has been created in the country. I think people with enthusiastic mood will be able to cast their votes in favour of their chosen respective candidates.”
Welcoming the government’s decision to withdraw the state of emergency from Wednesday, BNP Standing Committee Member Lieutenant General Mahbubur Rahman (Retd) told The Bangladesh Today, “Following the complete lifting of emergency, an atmosphere has already been created for holding a free, fair and credible election. However, the government’s motive will be clear through its deeds in the next few days.”
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
