All steps to be taken for fair NCC polls: EC Secy

Secretary of Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Mohammad Abdullah today said all measures would be taken to hold a free and fair election in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC).

"We hope the people of Narayanganj and the whole nation will witness a good election," he said briefing journalists at EC media centre in the city.

The EC secretary said a festive mood is prevailing in Narayanganj marking the city corporation polls scheduled for December 22.

Replying to a question, he said the election code of conduct was not violated over holding a meeting of NCC poll candidates at Ganobhaban.

Any political party can hold indoor meetings, he said, adding that even the meeting was not held in the election area.

The EC secretary said ministers and MPs are not allowed to hold such meetings in the poll area and they cannot take part in electioneering.

In reply to another question, he said there is no bar on electioneering by BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as she is not an MP.

Asked about deployment of army during NCC polls, he said a meeting over law and order during the polls will be held on December 14 where necessary decisions would be taken considering the overall situation.

He said the EC sent a letter to Home ministry on Wednesday to take steps for depositing licensed firearms, recovering illegal arms and ensuring security of minorities.

Mohammad Abdullah said the ongoing voter list updating will continue across the country till December 15.

He added that those who will turn 18 on January 2017 would be included in the updated voter list. The eligible persons will have to collect designated forms from respective upazila or thana election offices, or union or municipality offices and submit those after filling properly. Supporting documents like birth certificate will be needed.

The EC secretary said distribution of smart national identity (ID) cards is going on in one ward each in Gulshan, Sabujbagh, Lalbagh and Dhanmondi thanas in the city.

Schedules have been announced to distribute smart cards in more wards in the city, he added.

Senior officials of EC secretarial were present at the press briefing.