'A level playing field is ready, come and play'

Election Commissioner Ahsan Habib Khan yesterday said "a level playing field for the election is ready and all the players should come and play".

Speaking at a voter registration centre in Chapainawabganj municipality, he urged all political parties to take part in the upcoming national election.

Ahsan said, "Those signing up to become voters are performing their duties as per the constitution. I have seen their passion to become voters so that they can choose their leaders themselves."

About a foreign envoy's remarks regarding the polls, he said, "The government and the ministry concerned will talk about that. Our [the election commission's] duty is to ensure the election process as per the constitution. We will do whatever is needed for that."

About the EC efforts to ensure all parties' participation in the election, he said there was no "lack of cordiality" from their end.

"We called all the political parties for discussions and exchanging views. Some of them came and some didn't. However, our door is open for all. If any party wants to come and talk to us, we will oblige."

Asked whether CCTVs would be installed at the polling stations across all 300 constituencies, he said at least 350-400,000 cameras will be required for that.

"The matter is currently under discussion. We also need to consider that making quick decisions will be difficult after having to go through so many footages."