Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today hoped that the Election Commission (EC) would take actions against the persons who are involved in anti-poll activities.

“The Election Commission has announced that they would take steps against anti-poll activities. I hope and urge the commission to execute its decision by taking action against the persons who are distributing leaflets and bringing out rallies against the election,” he said.

The minister said this while addressing a human chain programme organized by Bangladesh Swadhinata Parishad (BSP) in front of Jatiya Press Club (JPC) here in protest against anti-poll propaganda and arson attacks carried by BNP-Jamaat.

Dr Hasan said the EC has already showed their strength and ability. The EC has changed most of the officers-in-charge, upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) and deputy commissioners, he said, adding even the commission has served show cause notices and asked many candidates to appear before the EC for violating election code of conducts.

Through these activities, the minister said, the EC has demonstrated its ability and determination to conduct a fair, free and participatory election.

He said the countrymen have rejected BNP’s call of boycotting election. The party wants to create panic among the people through arson attacks, but they have failed, he said, adding the countrymen are now poll-oriented.

The information minister said the foreigners have also rejected BNP. Many foreigners already arrived in Bangladesh and many are on the way to observe the forthcoming election, he said adding that even many BNP leaders, activists and supporters are eagerly waiting to exercise their franchise, he said.

He said many BNP supporters have been involved in election campaign as many of their leaders are participating in the poll from Trinamul BNP or other platforms. No one responded to BNP’s call for boycotting the election, he continued.

Hasan Mahmud said, “In the beginning BNP thought that we would not be able to hold the election. But all conspiracies to foil the polls have failed. A festive mood is already prevailing across the country centering the upcoming election, he said.

Besides, many countries and organizations including European Union, USA, OIC and SAARC countries are sending their observers to monitor the poll, the minister said.

AL Dhaka south unit former general secretary Shahe Alam Murad, vice president Dr Dilip Roy, Chattogram Zila Parishad chairman ATM Pearul Islam, AL leaders MA Karim and Al Mamun, BSP president Zinnat Ali Khan, general secretary Shahdat Hossain Toyel and Chhatra League former vice president Mehedi Hasan, among others, addressed the programme.

-BSS.