National polls: EC Rashida asks judicial magistrates to remain vigilant

Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana urged judicial magistrates to patrol continuously and remain on the field during the election to punish those who break the rules. 

She made the comments during the judicial magistrate training program at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Agargaon on Monday.

She said: "Never be forgiving to those who commit even the smallest crime. Never neglect duty. You'll act fearlessly and courageously."

Rashida Sultana said they have conducted around 1,200 polls since taking charge of the Election Commission, starting from various local elections and by-polls. “Except for minor incidents, no major violence, no bloodshed has taken place.”

The election commissioner also said: "Whether we want it or not, many crimes are committed during polls. The code of conduct is violated by the candidates, and by the polling personnel, sometimes due to the lack of attention of people like us, who are involved in the electoral process.”

Additionally, she said, "People will elect whomever they like. They will govern the country.”

The national polls is scheduled to be held on January 7. 

Source: UNB