New EC acceptable: AL

Staff Correspondent: The ruling Awami League has welcomed the newly formed Election Commission (EC) terming it as acceptable to all.

Though the party did not issue any official statement over the new EC, however, top leaders of AL welcomed the EC and expressed their hopes that the new EC will play acceptable role in holding next national election.

President Abdul Hamid on Monday night formed the 5-member new EC. He appointed former secretary KM Nurul Huda as the Chief Election Commissioner.

The president also appointed four election commissioners who include one woman for the first time. They are Mahbub Talukder, former additional secretary; Md Rafiqul Islam, ex-secretary; Begum Kabita Khanam, former district and sessions judge; and Brig Gen (retd) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury.

While asking about his reaction over the new EC, Awami League Presidium Member and former Food Minister Dr. Abdur Razzak told risingbd.com that the President has appointed the new EC through a search committee according to the constitution.

"I hope the new EC will gift the nation a free, fair and neutral election in 2019 which will be acceptable to all," the AL leader said.

Meanwhile, AL Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif said, those who have been appointed as Election Commissioners had reputed careers and performed their duties applying their talents, skills and qualifications. I hope this EC will be able to hold a free, fair and creditable election.

Abdur Rahman, another Joint General Secretary of the party, said: "We respect the decision of the President. We hope that the EC he (President) has gifted the nation, is accepted to all."

 

risingbd/DHAKA/Feb 7, 2017/Nripen/Augustin Sujan