Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal appealed to the voters to come to the polling stations and cast their votes fearlessly, overcoming all worries, anxiety and discomfort.
He made this call in his address to the nation on Saturday (January 6) evening over BTV and Bangladesh Betar.
The CEC said incidents of violence and vandalism are becoming visible amid the declared hartal blockade. Trains, vehicles, polling stations were set on fire. We don't care who is responsible. However, we are concerned about some recent incidents of vandalism and violence. Still, as part of the inviolable constitutional duty, I request the people to overcome all worries, anxiety and uneasiness and fearlessly come to the polling station in a joyful atmosphere and freely exercise your precious right to vote and perform your precious civic duty.
He said, the vote is yours. Do not be influenced by anyone's interference or inducement in voting. Inform the presiding officer of the center immediately if any obstacle is encountered. The presiding officer is legally mandated and bound to ensure the freedom of exercise of the voter's right to vote by resisting any malpractices at any cost. Police and Magistrates will be stationed nearby to assist the Presiding Officer.
All the officials engaged in electoral duties shall perform their duties honestly, impartially and steadfastly following the laws and regulations. Otherwise strict legal action will be taken, CEC said.
At this time, he said that the upcoming 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections will be free, impartial, participatory and peaceful through the responsible behavior of all concerned from their respective positions and the fulfillment of necessary legal roles.