DHAKA: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the general elections would free and fair even if the opposition BNP does not participate.

The acceptability of the elections would depend on the reports of foreign journalists and election observers, he said.

The CEC came up with the observations after holding a meeting with the officials of various ministries on Thursday afternoon.

CEC said, “The journalists and observers who monitored the 9th general elections of the country will be invited to observe the 10th general elections.”

Besides, the election commission will invite the persons and institutions who have expressed their wish to observe the election process, he added.

Thanking the candidates who already have removed their billboards, placards, banner and festoons, he said, “The Election Commission (EC) will remove rest of the billboards, placards, banners and festoons of the candidates but they have to bear the expenditure.”

Decision was taken to ensure security, provide medical and visa supports to all the foreign journalists and observers.

Officials from health affairs, home affairs, foreign affairs and information ministry were present at the meeting.

BDST: 1920 HRS, NOV 28, 2013