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CEC bent on army deployment

STAFF CORRESPONDENT
The standoff between the government and the Election Commission over army deployment for the Union Parishad (UP) elections remains unresolved, just a week before the polls are to begin.
Chief Election Commissioner MA Syed, who has recently told fieldlevel election officials that deployment of troops is imperative for free, fair and peaceful elections, is still hopeful of army presence in the polls.
Meanwhile, the government has brushed aside his fear and claimed the post-anticrime drive situation across the country is conducive for the polls. Besides, it argues that army deployment at this point may
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disrupt festivity in the rural areas centring the elections.
Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Haris Chowdhury has repeatedly told the press that the CEC demand is "illogical" since the EC formally sought army deployment three weeks backs.
Yesterday, on the last day of a five-day training for field-level officials, Syed again reiterated his position on the issue.
"We have to conduct the elections and presence of army is a must to ensure free and fair polls," he told the field-level officials at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city.
The CEC also called upon the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies to be alert during the UP elections, slated for a January 25 start and are to run through March 16.
Syed said the constitution permits him to make a request for army deployment as far as any election is concerned.
Despite the government's continued silence over the issue, the CEC "was hoping for the best". "The commission has requested army deployment, given the sense of insecurity among voters and election officials."
The training programme earlier concluded on a similar note of anticipation. Officials from different
cadres voiced apprehension of a law and order downslide, especially since the army had been withdrawn. They requested the EC to ensure a foolproof security before, during and after the polls.
Khaled Abu Naser, upazila nirbahi officer of Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria, appeared the only dissenting voice. However, as he tried to register his opposition to the EC proposal, other participants raised furore, prompting him to cut short his deliberation.
As many as 20 officials, from Dhaka and Chittagong divisions, spoke at the concluding session.
Manaranjan Das, returning officer in Fatikchhari, Rangamati, sought army deployment in the hilly district 15 days ahead of polls to bring law and order under control.
Returning officer of Raipura, Narsinghdi, Belayet Hossain talked of law and order breakdown in his area and said there was no alternative to army deployment.
"We do not know whether the army will be deployed or not, but we need protection to freely discharge our responsibilities," Abdul Khaleq of Narsinghdi Sadar.
On the security arrangement by the home ministry, Akhlakur Rahman of Sribardi, Sherpur, commented, "It would be impossible for the existing police force to get things under control should anyone want to capture polling stations."