Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda yesterday instructed judicial magistrates across the country to maintain the election atmosphere and make sure there is no destability in the heat of the campaigns.

"We have to remain watchful so that the polls atmosphere does not get heated," he said at a briefing for the magistrates at the capital's Nirbachan Bhaban yesterday.

"Our aim is to conduct the election properly so that there is no conflict or misunderstanding. We have to ensure that everyone follows the electoral code of conduct," he added.

Pointing out that the day after the election is crucial, the CEC urged caution about the risk of possible violence after the election.

He also expressed hope that the judges would mete out justice without considering anyone's affiliation in order to carry out a fair election.

A total of 1,841 candidates are set to take part in the upcoming election. Electioneering began on December 10, as the Election Commission allotted polls symbols to contestant and opened the field for campaigning.

Some 640 judges are attending the three day-long briefing that began on Monday.

EC OFFICIAL'S MISBEHAVIOR

Sadaqat Khan Fakku, an independent candidate of Dhaka-16, yesterday accused EC Joint Secretary Selim Mia of misbehaving with him when he went to the latter's office to collect the certified copy of refusal of his candidature

He lodged a complaint with the CEC demanding Selim's punishment.

Our correspondent went to Selim's office for several times yesterday but failed to reach him as he was busy with the briefing.

EC Rafiqul Islam told The Daily Star that it was an administrative issue and they would look into it.