DHAKA: The Election Commission (EC) ordered returning officers (RO) to take necessary steps for arresting the listed criminals to avert any untoward situation during upcoming municipal elections.

EC deputy secretary Shamsul Alam has already sent the instructions to ROs, asking them to take steps to arrest criminals and extortionists as well as recover illegal firearms.

The EC informed the media on Sunday.

In the directives, the EC has also asked to take measures as voters of minority communities and women can go to vote centers without fear.

The commission, in its order, asked ROs to make the election free from influence of muscle power.

As per directives, returning officers must take action against those candidates and their supporters who will violate the electoral code of conduct.

Moreover, actions must be taken to avert such activities that hurt religious sentiment, provoke anarchy and create unwanted situations.  

According to the schedule declared by the EC, polls will be held in 236 municipalities across the country on December 30.

As many as 72 lakhs voters will cast the ballots at 3,582 polling centers across the country to elect 236 mayors, 2,952 councilors and 738 councilors (reserved).

The EC also asked ROs to prepare a plan after consultations with police super, district polling officer and upazila polling officer in respective areas to implement aforesaid directives. Then the plan will be sent to the EC.

The copies of EC directives have already been sent to all government offices and ministries concerned, including director generals of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP (village defense party), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Principal Staff officer of armed forces and inspector general of police (IGP), among others.

The ROs were also asked to form vigilance and observation teams to prepare reports on situation of electoral areas in every three days.

BDST: 1335 HRS, NOV 29, 2015
RS/RR/SMS