EC to ensure level-playing field for all: Rashida Sultana

Urging political parties to keep trust in the Election Commission, Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana on Monday said that the Election Commission (EC) will ensure a level-playing field for all candidates to contest in the upcoming parliament elections.

“Please, keep trust on us . . . Surely we will ensure a level-playing field,” she said while replying to different questions of journalists at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area.

“Please, come to the elections. Undoubtedly, you will get an opportunity to contest in good, fair and peaceful polls”, she said, urging the political parties to participate in the polls.

The voters could exercise their franchise freely as per their wishes, she said, adding that they could elect whoever they want.

Replying to a question over whether there would be any scope for the BNP and other parties to join the polls, Rashida said, “If those political parties, which are currently showing reluctance to join the polls, formally inform the EC that they want to take part in the election, it will be possible to create a scope for them through discussion”.

She added: “We will certainly discuss and take a decision. We will welcome them if they decide to come. It will never happen that they want to come, and we will turn them away."

Rashida said that she would not comment in detail on the matter now. “If they come, we will sit and look into the legal aspects. I cannot say anything in advance," she added.

“But if they come, we will consider as we want to see a good election with participation of all the parties,” Rashida said.