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EC Mahbub's remarks 'deceptive': info minister

Agencies
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday criticised Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar for his comments about the election process, saying that his remarks were nothing but "deceptive"
"It would have been proper had Mahbub Talukdar made such comments after resigning from his post," the minister told a press briefing at his secretariat office in the afternoon, reports BSS.
EC Mahbub on Wednesday underscored the need for reforming the election process and said public representatives who are elected illegally have no commitment to people or democracy, reports UNB.
Yesterday, the minister said whatever reforms took place in the election process and Election Commission, were made following demands of Awami League.
"Awami League President Sheikh Hasina demanded a flawless voter
EC Mahbub's
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list with photographs. In line with that, the list was updated and many reforms were made in the election process," he said.
Hasan Mahmud said the reform in the election procedure is an ongoing process. 'The reform can take place at any moment as per the need of time. Once people used to vote by raising their hands. Later, ballot papers were introduced. Now people are casting votes through electronic voting machines (EVMs)," he added.
Replying to a query, he said, "I don't think his [Talukdar] comments could hamper normalcy at the Election Commission. But I think he had tried to draw attention by making such comments at different times."
Welcoming BNP's decision to participate in the two Dhaka city corporation polls, the minister said all the city corporation elections were held neutrally and transparently under the AL government.
He said many BNP candidates were elected in city corporation polls, defeating [candidates of] AL and other parties. "It was only possible as the Election Commission is performing their duties neutrally and freely," he added.
The minister said BNP's allegations are nothing new. "They make such allegations before all elections. But I firmly believe that the two city corporation polls will be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner," said Hasan Mahmud, the newly-elected joint general secretary of AL.
Replying to a query about the programmes of Jatiya Oikyafront, he said the alliance took part in the last general election and some of their candidates were elected. "The lawmakers also took oath and joined the parliament. They are enjoying all facilities as lawmakers. I think they are deceiving themselves by raising questions about the election," he said.
The December 30 election strengthened democracy in the country, he added.