EC plans EVM promo campaign
The Election Commission has chalked out a massive campaign to promote the use of Electronic Voting Machines among the people.
Amid major opposition parties' distrust in the device, the EC earlier said it would use the EVMs in a maximum of 150 parliamentary seats in the upcoming national polls, which might be held in January 2024.
The EC has planned to involve eminent citizens, actors, social media influencers, the cricket board, and famous companies in the campaign.
It has also planned to create a mobile game to promote the positive sides of the EVMs.
A theme song, a rap song, advertisements, sporting events, and relevant shows have already been planned as parts of the campaign.
"The EC is planning a comprehensive campaign in favour of the EVMs. It will be broadcasted on public and private television and through social media. It will also be circulated in newspapers, mosques, temples, and educational institutions," said EC Secretary Humayun Kabir Khandaker.
"The EC has given the responsibility to the EVM project director. He will come up with an action plan shortly."
Although the EC has been in support of the EVM use, the opposition parties slammed the decision saying it only proved the EC was subservient to the ruling party.
The BNP and its allies have long been opposing EVMs, saying the devices would allow the ruling party to "steal votes".
Recently, 19 out of 39 registered political parties have directly opposed the use of EVMs, either joining or skipping the talks with the EC held on July 17-31.
Among them are the BNP and the Jatiya Party.
Only three -- the ruling Awami League, Samyabadi Dal and Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh -- categorically said they wanted the machines in the national polls.
The EC also held a series of meetings regarding EVM use with 28 political parties in June, after which only four, including the AL, said they were in favour of using the EVMs.
Meanwhile, EVM Project Director Syed Raquibul Hasan gave a set of proposals regarding the campaign on EVMs at an Election Commission meeting on Monday.
The draft proposal includes two TVCs and three dramas, each with three episodes and a famous cast.
The positive sides of the EVMs should be promoted everywhere, including schools, colleges, universities, madrasas, masjids, tea stalls, barber shops, super shops, drug stores, bus counters, train stations, launch terminals and other significant places, the proposal added.
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