Speakers at a roundtable yesterday called for involving religious leaders in preparing correct voter list at the grassroots level.

They said the religious leaders can help remove superstitions regarding photographs and casting votes at polling centres.

The roundtable titled 'Electoral roll preparation and community participation: Role of the religious leaders' was organised by Masjid Council for Community Advancement (MACCA) at Biam auditorium in the city.

Speaking as chief guest, Justice Abdur Rauf laid emphasis on a perfect voter list which is also essential for getting different government services.

He said religious leaders can play a significant role in this regard by creating awareness among people.

By utilising their influence in the society, religious leaders can easily motivate the voters, especially the women, to have their photograph taken and to cast their votes, said Rasheda Amin of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

Dr ANM Fazlul Haque Shaikat, secretary of Shikkhak Samity, suggested video clips highlighting the role of religious leaders in eliminating superstitions among the people at grassroots level.

Masud Majumder, senior assistant editor of the Noya Diganta, called on the Imams to speak about the importance of national identity cards during the Juma prayers in the mosque.

Maolana Abul Kalam Azad, chairman of MACCA, presided over the roundtable moderated by Alamgir Mohiuddin, editor of the Noya Diganta.

Religious leaders, who took part in the roundtable, pledged to help the Election Commission in preparing a correct voter list.