No army deployment for Chattogram city polls: EC Rafiqul
The army will supervise the technical aspect of the operation of electronic voting machines
Army personnel will not be deployed during the forthcoming election to the Chattogram City Corporation, said the Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam.
Talking to the media on Friday morning, he said army has never been deployed during local government elections in the country, so it will not be done during the Chattogram City Corporation polls.
"However, the army will supervise the technical aspect of the operation of the electronic voting machines (EVMs)," said Rafiqul.
"So, army personnel will be present at the polling centres, but only for the EVMs. Police and other forces will maintain the law and order situation," he added.
Earlier, BNP-backed mayoral candidate Dr Shahadat Hossain called for the deployment of army at each polling centre during the city polls.
Regarding deferring the Chattogram City Corporation election, which is slated for March 29, the election commissioner said, "It cannot be deferred as Ramadan will start in April. The HSC and its equivalent examinations and the rainy season will also commence around that time. So, the election must be held in March."
Returning Officer and Regional Election Officer Muhammad Hasanuzzaman and Senior District Election officer Muneer Hossain Khan, among others, were present during the press briefing.