Staff Reporter, Gaibandha/

Election Commissioner Rasheda Sultana said that all preparations have been made to re-hold the closed Gaibandha-5 (Saghata-Phulchari) by-election. All preparations have been made to ensure that the upcoming 4th election is held in a festive atmosphere, so that common people can vote without any fear. A challenge has been taken to make the by-election of Gaibandha-5 constituencies free-fair and acceptable by any means possible by removing all obstacles. There is no doubt about it.

On Wednesday (December 28) in the Gaibandha district commissioner’s conference room, he said these things in the speech of the chief guest in the discussion meeting with the rival candidates and the law enforcement forces on the occasion of the election for the Gaibandha-5 vacant seat.

He also said, we have made such preparations that no voter can say I could not vote. People of this region can go to the polling station and vote freely. Also, no irregularities will be tolerated in this election, whoever it is, action will be taken according to law.

At that time, the Election Commissioner warned the law and order forces and said, “You know that action has been taken against five policemen for negligence of duty in the last by-election.” No one will be exempted, starting from the law and order forces, if there is evidence of negligence or insubordination in the next 4th January elections. We want the upcoming 4th election to be memorable. Let the people of this nation and this country know that this election commission can give fair, beautiful and free and acceptable elections.

Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Election Officer, competing candidates and journalists were present in the exchange meeting.

Incidentally, the Gaibandha-5 seat was declared vacant due to the death of former Deputy Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Fazle Rabbi Mia last July. Then, CEC first announced the closure of 50 centers after observing widespread irregularities in the Gaibandha-5 by-election held on October 12. After that the returning officer also declared a center closed. Later, the EC stopped the entire election as there was no justification for the polling. The investigation committee formed after hearing 685 people found evidence of widespread irregularities in those 51 centers. Besides, the investigation committee found evidence of irregularities by examining the CCTV footage of the remaining centres.

Later, on the recommendation of that committee, various punishments including dismissal were decided against 133 officials including one Additional Deputy Commissioner of Gaibandha, five SIs, election returning officers. The Election Commission has also directed to inform the appointing authority within the next one month by implementing this penalty.