Voter ID is a must
Ashfaque Chowdhry, Banani, Dhaka
In (possibly) 1973 parliamentary election, I went to vote in the designated polling centre BAWA School in Chittagong and found that my vote was already cast. The presiding officer smilingly informed me: "Oshubidha nai, aapnar bhot theek jaygai deya hoyechhey"(No problem, your vote has been cast in the right place.) Ever since, I have never been near a polling centre to vote (The readers are welcome to pass any judgement on this decision of mine). But when the leader of Moha Jote (14 + parties) Sheikh Hasina demanded voter ID with photo -- being one of her main demands -- before the country's 9th General Election is held, I supported this demand 100 percent so that I could make my own choice in a polling centre after long 36 years! Now, according to electronic and print media, the Moha Jote has backed away from their demand of voter ID for reasons, which perhaps is not so difficult for general public to understand.I, therefore, appeal, as a citizen, to the caretaker/interim government to make sure that voter ID -- preferably the National ID -- is introduced before the 9th parliamentary election is held. This is a golden opportunity for the CG/IG to do the country a great service -- no matter how long it takes to do. The CG/IG should consult the general public to ascertain what is good for the country, and not the (failed) political parties or the diplomatic community.
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