Ministers skirt deployment demand
Staff Correspondent
Senior ministers in parliament yesterday skirted round the issue of security measures for the July 1 Dhaka-10 by-election when an opposition lawmaker demanded assurance from the government of army deployment in line with an Election Commission (EC) decision.Rather, ruling BNP's young deputies were allowed to speak on the issue, who accused the past Awami League (AL) government of vote rigging, triggering tension in the Jatiya Sangsad. Chief Election Commissioner MA Syed in a letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on June 15 conveyed the June 13 EC decision to ask authorities for deployment of army personnel for the by-polls. The BNP lawmakers accused their AL counterparts of raising points of order in violation of the parliamentary rules of procedure. They, however, assured the opposition deputies of a free, fair by-election. Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and Law Minister Moudud Ahmed attempted to reply to the opposition lawmakers, but Speaker Jamir Uddin Sircar overlooked Moudud and gave BNP lawmaker Mashiur Rahman the floor. Bhuiyan, also ruling BNP secretary general, let BNP lawmakers Joynal Abedin Faruk and Ilias Ali speak on the issue. The main opposition AL lawmaker Shajahan Khan, rising on a point of order, demanded adequate security for voters in the by-elections to Ramna-Tejgaon seat. He said the AL has lent its support to Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh candidate Abdul Mannan and is campaigning for him. He referred to last week's attack and manhandling of an opposition parliamentarian by BNP adherents during the election campaign and said: "Voters are scared… we're doubtful about free and fair election. Despite the demand for deployment of army apprehending violence and intimidation, the government has not responded to the Election Commission's request." The AL lawmaker called for comprehensive steps to ensure fair vote in the by-election. Rising on a point of order, AL lawmaker AKM Jahangir Hossain sought an explanation from the government for a lawmaker and a state minister's alleged involvement with the smuggling of Tk 3.50 crore in foreign currencies seized at Zia International Airport recently. Opposition Chief Whip Abdus Shahid demanded relief for the flood-affected areas in Moulavibazar, which prompted the speaker to say he will no more allow any deputies to speak on a point of order until the budget is passed. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Abdul Hamid in a surprising move seconded the speaker.
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