The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda, alongwith two other commissioners, yesterday called on President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban and presented a report of the Commission on December 29 general election.

"The President in a previous meeting asked about different aspects about the election, including the heavy voter turnout and we had decided to present it as a written document," Dr Huda told reporters following the meeting.

"We have explained that the voters, especially women, were spontaneous to exercise their franchise, as we ensured a fearless environment," he said

"The President also expressed his satisfaction over free and fair holding of the election and the activities of the Commission," he added.

The CEC was accompanied by Election Commissioners Mohammad Sohul Hossain and Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawath Hossain. They expressed their gratitude to President Iajuddin Ahmed for his all-out support for holding the parliamentary elections in a free, fair and credible manner.

Terming the voter turnout in December 29 general election remarkable, the CEC said this happened because the voters, especially the female ones, felt that they would be able to return home safely after casting their votes.

The CEC was bold to express his hope that the upazila elections on January 22, will also be held peacefully. "We'll be able to continue the trend and the upcoming upazila polls will also be free and fair," he said.

Replying to a question, Dr Huda said there are some press reports on breaching of election code of conduct in electioneering for the upazila polls, but the EC did not get any complaint about hindering campaign by any candidate.

Secretary to the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam, Military Secretary to the President Maj Gen Mohammad Ruhul Amin and the President's Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.