Mayor and councillor aspirants yesterday demanded strengthening vigilance to check use of black money and muscle power in the December 22 Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) elections.

Unsatisfied with the idea that additional law enforcers could be appointed to maintain law and order and ensure security to voters, some even proposed army deployment during a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) at Narayanganj Club.

Ruling Awami League's (AL) mayoral candidate Selina Hayat Ivy said law enforcers should remain alert so that no vested quarters could destabilise the situation. Mobile courts should be kept running till late night to foil any attempt to woo voters with money, she said.

That of BNP, Shakhawat Hossain, alleged that the returning officer was not taking action although he filed complaints repeatedly over miscreants barring his campaign.

Apprehending further harassment of his polling agents, he sought necessary measures from the EC.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) candidate Masum Billah and Islami Oikkyo Jote candidate Ezharul Islam placed similar allegations of criminals intimidating their campaigners around city.

Popy Rani Sarker, a councillor aspirant of ward 5 (reserved), demanded cancellation of nominations of candidates whose supporters were found involved with vote trading.

Al Mamun, a councillor aspirant of ward 15, urged law enforcers and electoral administration to play a neutral role to hold the polls in a free and fair manner.

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad said a sufficient number of law enforcers would be deployed analysing the situation. "We have given directives to law enforcers to take all out action against miscreants, whoever they are," he said.

He said complaints would be investigated and action taken accordingly. Two other election commissioners, the returning officer, law enforcers and civil administration officials attended.