Deploy army, keep provision for 'no' vote: Shujan

Leaders of Narayanganj unit of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), a civil society platform for good governance, yesterday demanded deployment of army and provision for casting “no” vote in the upcoming national election.

Leaders of Shujan's Naryanganj district and city units at a human chain made the demand. It was held in connection with the observance of the organisation's 16th founding anniversary in front of Narayanganj Press Club, with the slogan “We want fair election, we want guarantee for fair election”.

Rafiur Rabbi, adviser of Narayanganj Sangskritik Jote, said there is doubt in the public mind whether one will be able to cast her or his vote. Of the 10 national elections held before, six were held under party governments and four under caretaker governments. Every election held under a party government was flawed, he claimed. The polls held under caretaker governments were less flawed as people could cast their ballots, Rafiur Rabbi said.

He said, “Awami League is now in power and the election will be held under its government. People do not believe that the election will be fair and they can cast their votes under this government,” Rabbi said.

He said many have demanded deployment of army in the next election so that people can freely vote. People do not have faith in police or in other forces; these have become partisan forces. He demanded deployment of army during the polls to restore people's trust.

Shujan's Narayanganj district unit President Abdur Rahman demanded provision for “no” vote in the case there is no candidate of a voter's choice on the ballot.

The organisation brought out a rally to observe its founding anniversary from DIT commercial area in the town around 10:00am. The rally ended in front of Chashara Press Club.