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Bangladesh is in my heart.Bangladesh Independent day 26th March 1971,victory day 16th Dec 1971
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I want to write but I can't, I don't know what happened with me but I understand that if I want I can.
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This is an empty page. My life is also like this without you. Love you more then I can say. Love you more then I want. Missing you Bangladesh.
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Sometimes I read your old message and I cried for you. Sometimes I played with memories and I cried againe. Sometimes I see your photo and remember our memeories which also cried me a lot.
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I wrote some stories for you. I know that when you read it you will surely cry because it was taken from our love story. One question for you how could you do this? May I know how do you pass your time without me?
Friday, 5 August 2016
Saturday, 30 July 2016
আসুন, জেনে নিই কি আছে রামপাল চুক্তিতে. I love my country? Do you?
আসুন, জেনে নিই কি আছে রামপাল চুক্তিতে :
১. রামপাল বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্রের জন্য প্রাথমিকভাবে মোট ব্যয় ধরা হয়েছিল ২০১ কোটি ডলার।
• এই অর্থের ৭০ শতাংশ ভারতীয় এক্সিম ব্যাংক থেকে ঋণ হিসেবে নেওয়া হচ্ছে (এই ৭০ ভাগ ঋণের সুদ টানা এবং ঋণ পরিশোধ করার দায়িত্ব বাংলাদেশের এবং সুদের হারও অজানা। এবং ধারণা করে নেওয়া যেতে পারে সেই সুদের হারের অঙ্কটাও তুলনামুলকভাবে কম হবে না)!
• বাকী ৩০ ভাগের ১৫ শতাংশ অর্থ দেবে বাংলাদেশের সরকারী কোম্পানি পিডিবি এবং বাকি ১৫ শতাংশ দেবে ভারতের কোম্পানি এনটিপিসি। অর্থ্যাৎ,
৮৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ বাংলাদেশের আর মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ ভারতের।
এই প্রকল্পের জন্য পুরো জমি, অবকাঠামোগত ও আনুষঙ্গিক সবকিছু সরবরাহ করবে বাংলাদেশ। অথচ শেষ বিচারে বিদ্যুৎ কেন্দ্রটির মালিকানা আর নিট মুনাফার ভাগীদার হবে মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়গকারী গোষ্ঠী (ভারত)! কেননা চুক্তি অনুযায়ী এই কেন্দ্র থেকে উৎপাদিত বিদ্যুৎ পিডিবি কিনবে এনটিপিসির কাছ থেকে। আর যে নিট লাভ হবে সেটা ৫০ শতাংশ হারে পিডিবি ও এনটিপিসির (অথচ তাদের বিনিয়োগ মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ) মধ্যে ভাগ হবে!!!
মগের মুল্লুক বলে কথা!!
২. এবার আসা যাক উৎপাদিত বিদ্যুতের ক্রয়মূল্য প্রসঙ্গে। চুক্তি অনুযায়ী কয়লার ক্রয়মূল্যকে বিদ্যুতের দাম নির্ধারণের ভিত্তি হিসেবে নির্ধারণ করা হয়েছে। সে হিসাব অনুযায়ী ইতিমধ্যেই রামপাল বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্রের জন্য সরকারি পর্যায়ে ১৪৫ ডলার মূল্যে কয়লা আমদানির সিদ্ধান্ত চূড়ান্ত হয়ে যাওয়ায় পিডিবি তথা সরকারকে দেশের জনগণের জন্যে প্রতি ইউনিট ৮ দশমিক ৮৫ টাকা মূল্যে বিদ্যুৎ কিনতে হবে।
অথচ পিডিবির সঙ্গে দেশীয় ওরিয়ন গ্রুপের যে ক্রয় চুক্তি হয়েছে তাতে এই কোম্পানির মাওয়ায় প্রতিষ্ঠিতব্য কয়লাভিত্তিক বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্র থেকে প্রতি ইউনিট ৪ টাকা মূল্যে এবং খুলনার লবণচরা ও চট্টগ্রামের আনোয়ারায় প্রতিষ্ঠিতব্য কয়লাভিত্তিক বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্র থেকে প্রতি ইউনিট ৩ দশমিক ৮০ টাকা মূল্যে বিদ্যুৎ কেনা হবে!!!
পরিবেশগত ক্ষতির কথা বাদ দিয়ে যদি ধরেও নেই যে পরিবেশীয় ক্ষতির পরিমাণ কম, সেক্ষেত্রে এই বিপুল অঙ্কের আর্থিক ক্ষতির বোঝা কে বইবে?
এই বিপুল অঙ্কের অর্থ ঋণের সুদ আর উৎপাদিত বিদ্যুতের উচ্চমূল্য বইতে যে ভবিষ্যতে জনগণের উপর নিত্যনতুন করের খড়গ নেমে আসবে তাতে সন্দেহ নেই।
সবশেষে, দুটি প্রশ্ন। উত্তর চাই।
প্রশ্ন ১:
মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ করে বিনিয়োগকারী মালিক বনে যায় কিভাবে? মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ করে নিট লাভেরঅর্ধেক কিভাবে ভারত নিয়ে যায়?
তদুপরি, চুক্তি অনুযায়ী কয়লা আমদানির দায়িত্ব বাংলাদেশের এবং ক্ষয়ক্ষতির দায় বহন করতে হবে কিন্তু বাংলাদেশেরই!! বিনিয়োগ ৪ আনা কিন্তু লাভের ভাগ ১৬ আনা তাদের জন্যে নির্ধারণ হয় কিভাবে?
প্রশ্ন ২ :
দেশীয় কোম্পানি যেখানে যথাক্রমে ৩ টাকা ৮০ পয়সা আর ৪ টাকা দরে বিদ্যুৎ সরবরাহ করছে। সেখানে কেন একই ধরণের প্রযুক্তি ব্যাবহার করা আমাদের দেশের বাইরের একটি কোম্পানি থেকে দিগুণেরও বেশী দরে (৮ টাকা ৮৫ পয়সা) বিদ্যুৎ কিনতে হবে?
এই লাভের গুঁড় কে খাবে?
বন্ধুত্বের খাতিরে এত দেশপ্রেমের(!) বোঝা কে বইবে?
আমি এই সহজ হিসেবটা মেলাতে পারছি না। আপনারা কেউ পারলে মিলিয়ে দিয়ে যাবেন। ধন্যবাদ
১. রামপাল বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্রের জন্য প্রাথমিকভাবে মোট ব্যয় ধরা হয়েছিল ২০১ কোটি ডলার।
• এই অর্থের ৭০ শতাংশ ভারতীয় এক্সিম ব্যাংক থেকে ঋণ হিসেবে নেওয়া হচ্ছে (এই ৭০ ভাগ ঋণের সুদ টানা এবং ঋণ পরিশোধ করার দায়িত্ব বাংলাদেশের এবং সুদের হারও অজানা। এবং ধারণা করে নেওয়া যেতে পারে সেই সুদের হারের অঙ্কটাও তুলনামুলকভাবে কম হবে না)!
• বাকী ৩০ ভাগের ১৫ শতাংশ অর্থ দেবে বাংলাদেশের সরকারী কোম্পানি পিডিবি এবং বাকি ১৫ শতাংশ দেবে ভারতের কোম্পানি এনটিপিসি। অর্থ্যাৎ,
৮৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ বাংলাদেশের আর মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ ভারতের।
এই প্রকল্পের জন্য পুরো জমি, অবকাঠামোগত ও আনুষঙ্গিক সবকিছু সরবরাহ করবে বাংলাদেশ। অথচ শেষ বিচারে বিদ্যুৎ কেন্দ্রটির মালিকানা আর নিট মুনাফার ভাগীদার হবে মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়গকারী গোষ্ঠী (ভারত)! কেননা চুক্তি অনুযায়ী এই কেন্দ্র থেকে উৎপাদিত বিদ্যুৎ পিডিবি কিনবে এনটিপিসির কাছ থেকে। আর যে নিট লাভ হবে সেটা ৫০ শতাংশ হারে পিডিবি ও এনটিপিসির (অথচ তাদের বিনিয়োগ মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ) মধ্যে ভাগ হবে!!!
মগের মুল্লুক বলে কথা!!
২. এবার আসা যাক উৎপাদিত বিদ্যুতের ক্রয়মূল্য প্রসঙ্গে। চুক্তি অনুযায়ী কয়লার ক্রয়মূল্যকে বিদ্যুতের দাম নির্ধারণের ভিত্তি হিসেবে নির্ধারণ করা হয়েছে। সে হিসাব অনুযায়ী ইতিমধ্যেই রামপাল বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্রের জন্য সরকারি পর্যায়ে ১৪৫ ডলার মূল্যে কয়লা আমদানির সিদ্ধান্ত চূড়ান্ত হয়ে যাওয়ায় পিডিবি তথা সরকারকে দেশের জনগণের জন্যে প্রতি ইউনিট ৮ দশমিক ৮৫ টাকা মূল্যে বিদ্যুৎ কিনতে হবে।
অথচ পিডিবির সঙ্গে দেশীয় ওরিয়ন গ্রুপের যে ক্রয় চুক্তি হয়েছে তাতে এই কোম্পানির মাওয়ায় প্রতিষ্ঠিতব্য কয়লাভিত্তিক বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্র থেকে প্রতি ইউনিট ৪ টাকা মূল্যে এবং খুলনার লবণচরা ও চট্টগ্রামের আনোয়ারায় প্রতিষ্ঠিতব্য কয়লাভিত্তিক বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্র থেকে প্রতি ইউনিট ৩ দশমিক ৮০ টাকা মূল্যে বিদ্যুৎ কেনা হবে!!!
পরিবেশগত ক্ষতির কথা বাদ দিয়ে যদি ধরেও নেই যে পরিবেশীয় ক্ষতির পরিমাণ কম, সেক্ষেত্রে এই বিপুল অঙ্কের আর্থিক ক্ষতির বোঝা কে বইবে?
এই বিপুল অঙ্কের অর্থ ঋণের সুদ আর উৎপাদিত বিদ্যুতের উচ্চমূল্য বইতে যে ভবিষ্যতে জনগণের উপর নিত্যনতুন করের খড়গ নেমে আসবে তাতে সন্দেহ নেই।
সবশেষে, দুটি প্রশ্ন। উত্তর চাই।
প্রশ্ন ১:
মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ করে বিনিয়োগকারী মালিক বনে যায় কিভাবে? মাত্র ১৫ শতাংশ বিনিয়োগ করে নিট লাভেরঅর্ধেক কিভাবে ভারত নিয়ে যায়?
তদুপরি, চুক্তি অনুযায়ী কয়লা আমদানির দায়িত্ব বাংলাদেশের এবং ক্ষয়ক্ষতির দায় বহন করতে হবে কিন্তু বাংলাদেশেরই!! বিনিয়োগ ৪ আনা কিন্তু লাভের ভাগ ১৬ আনা তাদের জন্যে নির্ধারণ হয় কিভাবে?
প্রশ্ন ২ :
দেশীয় কোম্পানি যেখানে যথাক্রমে ৩ টাকা ৮০ পয়সা আর ৪ টাকা দরে বিদ্যুৎ সরবরাহ করছে। সেখানে কেন একই ধরণের প্রযুক্তি ব্যাবহার করা আমাদের দেশের বাইরের একটি কোম্পানি থেকে দিগুণেরও বেশী দরে (৮ টাকা ৮৫ পয়সা) বিদ্যুৎ কিনতে হবে?
এই লাভের গুঁড় কে খাবে?
বন্ধুত্বের খাতিরে এত দেশপ্রেমের(!) বোঝা কে বইবে?
আমি এই সহজ হিসেবটা মেলাতে পারছি না। আপনারা কেউ পারলে মিলিয়ে দিয়ে যাবেন। ধন্যবাদ
Wednesday, 8 June 2016
All National Park of Bangladesh
Protected areas in Bangladesh cover some 2% of the country's total area or 243 677 ha. There are eight national parks in Banglades has well as seven wildlife sanctuaries, five conservation sites and one game reserve.Bangladesh's National Parks can be defined as relatively large areas of natural beauty where the flora and fauna are protected and preserved for the public to enjoy and gain education. Wildlife sanctuaries are designated areas where wildlife and natural resources are protected and for the provision of undisturbed breeding. A game reserve is defined by the government as a place that protects wildlife as well as serves to increase the numbers of various species.
Bhawal National Park in Gazipur was established in 1982 to preserve important habitats and create opportunities for recreation, education and research. The prominent form of flora is coppice sal forest. Himchari National Park was founded in 1980 at Cox's Bazar. Semi-evergreen as well as deciduous forest dominate the area. Ramsagar National Park, developed in Dinajpur in 1974 encompasses man-made forest of ornamental and fruit trees.
Below is a list of Bangladesh's National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries, game reserve and other conservation areas.
Bhawal National Park – Gazipur
Himchari National Park – Cox' Bazar
Kaptai National Park – Chittagong Hill Tracts
Lawachara National Park – Moulavibazar
Medha Kassapia National Park – Cox's Bazar
Modhupur National Park – Tangail/Mymensingh
Nijhum Dweep National Park – Noakhali
Ramsagar National Park – Dinajpur
Satchari National Park – Hobigonj
Himchari National Park – Cox' Bazar
Kaptai National Park – Chittagong Hill Tracts
Lawachara National Park – Moulavibazar
Medha Kassapia National Park – Cox's Bazar
Modhupur National Park – Tangail/Mymensingh
Nijhum Dweep National Park – Noakhali
Ramsagar National Park – Dinajpur
Satchari National Park – Hobigonj
Char Kukri-Mukri Wildlife Sanctuary – Bhola
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary – Chittagong
Pablakhali Wildlife Sanctuary – Chittagong Hill Tracts
Rema-Kelenga Wildlife Sanctuary – Hobigonj
Sundarban (East) Wildlife Sanctuary – Bagerhat
Sundarban (West) Wildlife Sanctuary – Satkhira
Sundarban (South) Wildlife Sanctuary – Khulna
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary – Chittagong
Pablakhali Wildlife Sanctuary – Chittagong Hill Tracts
Rema-Kelenga Wildlife Sanctuary – Hobigonj
Sundarban (East) Wildlife Sanctuary – Bagerhat
Sundarban (West) Wildlife Sanctuary – Satkhira
Sundarban (South) Wildlife Sanctuary – Khulna
Teknaf Game Reserve – Cox's Bazar
Baldha Garden - Dhaka
Dulahazara Safari Parks – Cox's Bazar
Madhabkunda Eco-Park – Moulavibazar
National Botanical Garden – Dhaka
Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-park - Chittagong
Dulahazara Safari Parks – Cox's Bazar
Madhabkunda Eco-Park – Moulavibazar
National Botanical Garden – Dhaka
Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-park - Chittagong
Tuesday, 7 June 2016
Sunday, 5 June 2016
The registration of electors and the electoral roll
The registration of electors and the electoral roll |
| 4.1 Responsibility of the Election Commission: Under the Constitution it is the mandatory responsibility of the Election Commission to prepare electoral rolls for the purpose of election to Parliament. It is also the responsibility of the Election Commission to prepare such rolls for the purpose of election to the local bodies under relevant laws. The Registration Officer (District Election Officer), under the direction, control and supervision of the Election Commission, obtains a statement in the prescribed form from each eligible voter who fulfils qualifying conditions. Every statement is required to be signed by or bear the thumb impression of the persons eligible for enrolment as voters. Each statement contains a certificate from the authorized person in the prescribed form to the effect that the statement made under law has been obtained after a personal visit to the house and also a certificate by the supervisor to the effect that the entries thereon have been verified and corrected after a house to house visit. 4.2 Eligibility for Registration A person shall be entitled to be enrolled as elector on the electoral roll for a constituency delimited the purpose of election to Parliament, if he/she – (a) is a citizen of Bangladesh ; (b) is not less than eighteen years of age ; (c) does not stand declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind; and (d) is or is deemed by law to be a resident of that constituency. 4.3 Registration Process : The following are the steps in the registration: (1) A statement in the prescribed form is obtained by the enumerator from each eligible voter through house to house visit. (2) Each statement is verified by the supervisor who has to certify to the effect that the entries have been verified or corrected after house to house visit. (3) The draft electoral roll is thereafter prepared on the basis of the statements and published by the Registration Officer after verification of entries to the extent of at least ten percent through house to house visit by an authorized officer together with a notice inviting claims or objections. The period of lodging claims and objections is fifteen days. (4) Each claim or objection is to be addressed to the Revising Authority appointed by the Election Commission for this purpose and presented to the Revising Authority or the Registration Officer or the Assistant Registration Officer. (5) Notice for hearing of claims or objections is to be issued by the Revising Authority and served either personally or by post. Claims and objections will be heard and disposed of after considering verbal or written objections or holding inquiry or summary inquiry, if required. (6) The decision of the Revising Authority is final. (7) The Registration Officer, after incorporating necessary changes in the draft electoral roll, publishes the final electoral roll in the prescribed manner. Even after final publication of electoral rolls, there are provisions for amendments, i.e. correction, inclusion or deletion and revision of electoral rolls in the prescribed manner. Updating of the electoral rolls is thus a continuous process. 4.4 Process for preparation and issuance of Identity Card to the voters : In 1994 an amendment was introduced in the relevant laws to the effect that no voter shall be given a ballot paper in the polling station, unless he is in possession of a valid identity card. Thereafter the Commission launched a scheme for issuance of identity cards. When about one-third of the work was completed, the schedule for June 1996 election of Parliament was announced. As a result, the work for preparation of identity cards was suspended. 4.5 Improvement of the system of Registration : There are certain problems faced by the field level officials during the registration process namely - (i) non-availability of the dwellers in the proper place during working hours, (ii) lack of holding number in rural areas including some cases in urban areas, (iii) determination of age, (iv) changes of occupation and residence, (v) illiteracy, (vi) lack of identification of proper individuals and the like. To explore the possibility of simplification of the existing registration system and to resolve the field problems, the Election Commission has planned to undertake an exercise in this behalf with the assistance of a consultant. In this process, the census mechanisms and existing linkages between local government, health department and other relevant governmental agencies which are used for population statistics and voter’s list will be reviewed. Steps have also been taken in the meantime to simplify the registration form which is considered to be complicated by some quarters. With a view to ensuring continuous updating process of registration, necessary proposals are also under consideration for computerized electoral database. Steps are also being taken for mass awareness and voter education which include workshops, motivation rallies, awareness campaign, producing and disseminating posters, leaflets, television and radio spots. Steps are also being taken for comprehensive training programmes, updating the Training of Trainers Manual, other manuals and strengthening the Election Commission. |
Preparing for the election (parliament)
Preparing for the election (parliament) |
| 5.1 Setting up administrative machinery : For preparing for the election, the Election Commission has to make all arrangements for setting up the administrative machinery in the Divisional, District and Thana Headquarters and to undertake activities, namely, delimitation of constituencies, preparation of electoral rolls and its updating, appointment of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers, setting up of polling stations, appointment of polling personnel, publication of notification specifying the different stages of election which are discussed in the following paragraphs. 5.2 Delimitation of Constituencies (Parliament): According to the provisions of section 8 of the Delimitation of Constituencies Ordinance, 1976, the Election Commission delimited the territorial constituencies and published the list of Constituencies on 30th May, 1995. Since the law provides that delimitation of territorial constituencies is to be made upon the completion of each census for the purpose of general election to Parliament to be held following of each census, unless otherwise directed by the Commission for reasons to be recorded in writing, the delimitation of 300 constituencies published on 30th May, 1995 stands valid for use in the general election of Parliament held subsequently until the next census. 5.3 Preparation of electoral rolls: The electoral rolls prepared and published on 26th October, 2000 were updated in accordance with the provisions of the relevant law for use in the Parliament election held on 1st October, 2001 and the by-elections held subsequently. 5.4 Appointment of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers: For the purpose of election of a Member of a Constituency, the Commission appoints a Returning Officer for each constituency. A person may also be appointed as Returning Officer for two or more constituencies. The Commission may appoint as many Assistant Returning Officers as may be necessary. Traditionally DCs (Deputy Commissioner) and T/UNOs (Thana/Upzila Nirbahi Officer) are appointed as ROs (Returning Officer) and AROs (Assistant Returning Officer) respectively. It may be said that according to law a person may not be appointed as Assistant Returning Officer for more than one constituency. It is the duty of a Returning Officer to do all such acts and things as may be necessary for effectively conducting an election in accordance with the laws and the rules. Subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the Commission, the Returning Officer supervises all works within his jurisdiction in the district in connection with the conduct of election and also performs such other duties as may be entrusted to him by the Commission. 5.5 Setting up of Polling Stations : The Returning Officer, before such time as the Commission may fix, submits to the Commission a list of Polling stations, needed to be provided in a constituency. The Commission may make such alterations in the said list of polling stations as it may consider necessary and is required, at least fifteen days before the polling day, to publish in the official Gazette the final list of Polling stations specifying the area the electors will be entitled to vote at each polling station. The Polling station must be set up in a public building with facilities for secret casting of votes for an average of 2500 voters and under no circumstances it should be housed in a place within the influence of any candidate or political party. Peace and order inside the polling station is a necessary prerequisite for fair election. Easy dispatch of election materials to the polling station, arrangement for their safe and proper storage, easy movement of the polling personnel, convenience of voters, sufficient accommodation, etc. also determine the selection of a polling station. A Polling station has usually five booths. There were approximately 30,000 Polling Stations during the last October 2001 elections . 5.6 Appointment of Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding Officer and Polling Officer : The Returning Officer, by a notice in writing, requires all heads of Offices, institutions and establishments, whether Government or non-government, in the district, to provide him with a list of their officers and employees of such grade as he may specify for the preparation of a Panel of Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers and Polling Officers from among them. After preparation of the panel, the Returning Officer sends a copy thereof to the heads of all the offices, institutions and establishments whose officers and employees are included in the Panel with the request to place the services of these officers and employees at the disposal of the Commission for use for election purposes and also forwards a copy of the Panel to the Commission. The Returning Officer appoints from the Panel for each polling station a Presiding Officer and such number of Assistant Presiding Officers and Polling Officers to assist the Presiding Officers as the Returning Officer may consider necessary. The Election Commission directs the Returning Officer to select such honest, impartial and courageous officers and employees as polling personnel who can tackle odd situations and are capable of maintaining peace and order at the polling stations. The Presiding Officer conducts the poll in accordance with laws and rules and is responsible for maintaining order at the polling station and also reports to the Returning Officer any fact or incident which may, in his opinion, affect the fairness of poll. 5.7 Training of Polling Personnel : Since holding of a free, fair and impartial election depends to a great extent on the efficiency of the polling officials, the Election Commission conducts training to make polling officials conversant with the electoral laws and regulations, need for their total neutrality and effective enforcement of laws . The Electoral Training Institute has been set up to train polling officials, Political workers, media etc. especially on election related laws and allied issues. Training courses are also conducted at divisional, district and thana/upzila levels. Moreover, the training institute provides facilities for training regarding voting system. prohibited acts during the elections, election offences concerning candidates, election agents, polling agents, political activists and voters and also procedures to be followed by the members of law enforcing agencies during election. During the last October 2001 general elections a massive training programme was mounted to train roughly 1.54 million polling personnel. 5.8 Supply of Electoral Roll (Parliament) : The Election Commission provides the Returning Officer for each Constituency with copies of electoral rolls for the constituency. The Returning Officer provides the Presiding Officer of each polling station with copies of electoral rolls containing the names of the electors entitled to vote at that polling station. 5.9 Calling upon the electors to elect a member from each constituency and issue of election programme (Parliament): For the purpose of holding election for constituting Parliament, the Commission holds dialogue with the political parties for the election schedule and by notification in the official Gazette, calls upon the electors to elect a member from each constituency and specifies, in relation to each constituency, the following in the notification : - a day on or before which the nomination of candidates may be filed; - a day or days for the scrutiny of nomination papers. - a day on or before which candidature may be withdrawn. - a day, at least fifteen days after the withdrawal day, for the taking of poll. 5.10 Disposal of Appeal Against the order of Rejection of Nomination Paper: After the date fixed for scrutiny is over, the Commission has to dispose of all appeals filed against the orders of rejection of nomination papers and pass necessary orders as quickly as possible before the time fixed for withdrawal of candidature. There is no provision in the law for appeal against acceptance of nomination. 5.11 Allocation of Symbols to the Candidates Nominated by Political Parties: Allocation of symbols to the candidates nominated by the political parties is an important as well as a sensitive task for the Election Commission. Article 20 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 provides that in case there are more contesting candidates than one in respect of any constituency, the Returning Officer is required to allocate, subject to any direction of the Election Commission, one of the prescribed symbols to each contesting candidate. In order that the candidates of one political party can use a common symbol in more than one constituency, the Election Commission invites the political parties to indicate their choice. After hearing the representatives of the political parties at a meeting arranged by the Election Commission fixed for the purpose and considering the past practices, the Election Commission allocates the symbols to the political parties from the list of symbols as mentioned in rule 9(1) of the conduct of Election Rules, 1972. On this basis the candidates nominated by the political parties can use a common symbol. Following the decision of the Election Commission, the Returning Officer allocates the elections symbols to the candidates nominated by the Political parties. Other symbols as mentioned in rule 9(1) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1972 are allocated by the Returning Officers to the independent candidates having regard to any preference indicated by the candidates. 5.12 Procurement and distribution of Election Materials : The task of printing and procurement, of election materials and their distribution to 30,000 polling stations is a colossal one, entailing close attention of the Election Commission. It is made sure that these reach the Polling Stations at least the day before the polling so that polling can start on time at 00800 hours in the morning. During the October 2001 national election, no case of late arrival of election materials was reported from any polling station of the country. |
Training and technology
Training and technology |
| 8.1 Election is an integral part of the institution of democracy and as such, a free, fair and efficient election process is a must for safeguarding democracy. Effective and fairly conducted election largely depends on skilled and well-trained election personnel as well as on the awareness of the voters and political activists about their franchise rights and knowledge of election rules and regulations. 8.2 The Bangladesh Election Commission is putting in considerable efforts in making the existing election process effective and smooth. In a bid to cope with the changing circumstances and to familiarize the election officials, political activities and voters with the election process, the Election Commission has established one Electoral Training Institute in Dhaka. Since election process involves complex functions and procedures it is necessary that the election personnel take extensive training in performing their task properly and effectively. This applies also to voters and political activists so that they also share similar knowledge about election procedures. The objectives of such specialized training are : · To create an efficient electoral management system. · To provide training facilities for the polling personnel. · To educate the polling agents and political activists. · To make the voters aware about their civil, political and franchise rights. 8.3 So far training programmes have been conducted on the methods and procedures of voter registration, up-dating the electoral rolls of election, election offences, pre-poll irregularities, duties and responsibilities of the polling personnel, role of Judicial officials of Electoral Enquiry Committees, duties and responsibilities of law enforcing agencies, the requirement and the use of different forms, packets and materials at the polling station, conducting polls, franchise rights and role of the voters, role of observers, role of political activists in ensuring fair election, process of counting of votes, preparation of ballot paper account, statement of counts and consolidation of results etc. 8.4 The Election Commission arranges several training programmes for training of the polling personnel on election process centrally at the Electoral Training Institute in Dhaka as well as at Divisional, District and Thana/Upzila head quarters. Separate handbooks and manuals on election process for the guidance of the Returning Officers, Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers, Polling Officers etc. are also prepared and distributed under the direction of the Election Commission. 8.5 Extensive use of the mass media including Radio & TV has been made in relaying voter education message through radio spots, documentaries, and short films etc. 8.6 The Election Commission Secretariat already houses several stand-alone PCs. Projects are underway to equip the secretariat with modern powerful computers which will be connected to the computers located in all districts of Bangladesh. Upon successful completion of such countrywide network, the Election Commission Secretariat will be able to train all district election personnel through this network. The Electoral Training Institute which already uses some of its computers for preparing training materials will be able to send training manuals electronically to all district office computers. |
Post-poll appraisal
12.1 Post-election appraisal provides an opportunity to learn from experience and take measures for improvement so that the goal of holding free and fair elections is better achieved.
12.2 The general elections of June 1996 and 2001were organized by the Election Commission in the context of a unique political experiment initiated by the 13the amendment of the Constitution. The amendment provides for setting up a limited-purpose non-party care-taker government whose principal function is to provide assistance to the Election Commission to hold free and fair elections. The intense political environment of the time subjected every aspect of election management activity of the Election Commission to searching scrutiny and demanding standards of performance. As a result, the views expressed by political parties, voters, local and international poll observers, the press and the media on the quality of the election have been well documented.
12.3 These provided the Election Commission with a fair view of public assessment of the total operation and a sound basis for conducting in-house appraisal of different aspects of election management. The reactions reviewed by the Election Commission ranged from general appraisal of the Election Commission's overall management to specific aspects of the election process. As a result, certain issues have been identified as needing further scrutiny and immediate action.
12.4 A number of by-elections held since then provided the Election Commission with the opportunity to introduce steps for operational improvement : like appointing a substantially large number of security personnel including female Ansars (an auxiliary force) to supplement the existing arrangements for the maintenance of peace and order in and around the polling stations, and the appointment of senior govt. officers from outside the Election Commission Secretariat to work as election observers etc.
Secondly, to expedite disposal of election petitions (which until now are heard by District Judges along with their other judicial functions), Election Tribunals at all the 6 Divisional headquarters have been set up. These Courts are headed by judicial officers of the level of a `District Judge. Their sole and exclusive function is to try election petitions arising out of election disputes. 64 elections petitions were submitted by contestants in the June'96 elections, out of which 6 could be disposed of by the district courts so far. The constitution of exclusive tribunals to deal with elections petitions are expected to expedite the disposal of the pending cases.
Thirdly, the Commission has also taken up in right earnest the issue of improving the voter registration method. Views of political parties, election observers, human rights groups and eminent lawyers etc. have been sought for simplification of the existing registration form and dialogues have been initiated with different interest-groups. A broader review of voter registration in the light of practice in other countries is to be conducted by a subject-matter specialist. The Election Commission proposes to hold a series of workshops for exchange of opinion to help it evolve broader understanding and support for an improved voter registration system.
Fourthly, a working committee has been set up to look into the question of registration of expatriate Bangladeshis as voters. There is considerable public interest in the subject and the issue had received prominence during the last general elections.
Fifthly, the Election Commission has recently completed a review of its project for issue of voter ID cards. The law of the land requires the commission to issue such cards to each voter. The possibility of setting up a computerized voters' data base is also under active consideration.
12.5 The Commission feels that there is need and scope for improvement of the election management system as a whole to reflect intense democratic aspirations of the people. There is also a recognition that a lot can be learnt from the experience of other countries. With that end in view, the Commission sent two study teams recently to some countries in south and south-east Asia. The interaction will continue.
12.6 The Commission has recently constituted an Electoral Reforms Committee to look into possibilities of introducing further reforms. The terms are wide-ranging.
12.2 The general elections of June 1996 and 2001were organized by the Election Commission in the context of a unique political experiment initiated by the 13the amendment of the Constitution. The amendment provides for setting up a limited-purpose non-party care-taker government whose principal function is to provide assistance to the Election Commission to hold free and fair elections. The intense political environment of the time subjected every aspect of election management activity of the Election Commission to searching scrutiny and demanding standards of performance. As a result, the views expressed by political parties, voters, local and international poll observers, the press and the media on the quality of the election have been well documented.
12.3 These provided the Election Commission with a fair view of public assessment of the total operation and a sound basis for conducting in-house appraisal of different aspects of election management. The reactions reviewed by the Election Commission ranged from general appraisal of the Election Commission's overall management to specific aspects of the election process. As a result, certain issues have been identified as needing further scrutiny and immediate action.
12.4 A number of by-elections held since then provided the Election Commission with the opportunity to introduce steps for operational improvement : like appointing a substantially large number of security personnel including female Ansars (an auxiliary force) to supplement the existing arrangements for the maintenance of peace and order in and around the polling stations, and the appointment of senior govt. officers from outside the Election Commission Secretariat to work as election observers etc.
Secondly, to expedite disposal of election petitions (which until now are heard by District Judges along with their other judicial functions), Election Tribunals at all the 6 Divisional headquarters have been set up. These Courts are headed by judicial officers of the level of a `District Judge. Their sole and exclusive function is to try election petitions arising out of election disputes. 64 elections petitions were submitted by contestants in the June'96 elections, out of which 6 could be disposed of by the district courts so far. The constitution of exclusive tribunals to deal with elections petitions are expected to expedite the disposal of the pending cases.
Thirdly, the Commission has also taken up in right earnest the issue of improving the voter registration method. Views of political parties, election observers, human rights groups and eminent lawyers etc. have been sought for simplification of the existing registration form and dialogues have been initiated with different interest-groups. A broader review of voter registration in the light of practice in other countries is to be conducted by a subject-matter specialist. The Election Commission proposes to hold a series of workshops for exchange of opinion to help it evolve broader understanding and support for an improved voter registration system.
Fourthly, a working committee has been set up to look into the question of registration of expatriate Bangladeshis as voters. There is considerable public interest in the subject and the issue had received prominence during the last general elections.
Fifthly, the Election Commission has recently completed a review of its project for issue of voter ID cards. The law of the land requires the commission to issue such cards to each voter. The possibility of setting up a computerized voters' data base is also under active consideration.
12.5 The Commission feels that there is need and scope for improvement of the election management system as a whole to reflect intense democratic aspirations of the people. There is also a recognition that a lot can be learnt from the experience of other countries. With that end in view, the Commission sent two study teams recently to some countries in south and south-east Asia. The interaction will continue.
12.6 The Commission has recently constituted an Electoral Reforms Committee to look into possibilities of introducing further reforms. The terms are wide-ranging.
Elections organized by the Election Commission since Independence of Bangladesh
Elections organized by the Election Commission since Independence of Bangladesh |
| Bangladesh achieved freedom on December 16, 1971 through a historic nine-month bloody war of liberation. Since independence, the people of the Republic have cast their votes directly in the following elections organized by the Bangladesh Election Commission : -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. The National Level Elections : (i) 8 Parliamentary Elections held on 7 March 1973, 18 February 1979, 7 May 1986, 3 March 1988, 27 February 1991, 15 February 1996, 12 June 1996, and 01 October 2001. (ii) 8 Presidential Elections held on 8 April 1973, 3 June 1978, 15 November 1981, 15 October 1986, 8 October 1991, 22 August 1996, 14 November 2001 and 16 September 2002. (iii) 3 Referendums held on 30 May 1977, 21 March 1985 and 15 September 1991. and b. The Local Bodies Elections : (i) 7 Union Parishads (Union Councils) Elections held on 19-30 December 1973, 13-31 January 1977, 27 December 1983 (1983-84), 10 February 1988, 22 Jan-6 Feb 1992, 1-31 December 1997 and 25 Jan-16 March 2003. (ii) 5 City Corporations Elections held on 3 March 1988, 30 January 1994, 3 January 2000 (Chittagong City), 25 April 2002 (Dhaka, Rajshahi & Khulna City) and 20 March 2003 (Barisal & Sylhet City). (iii) 7 Pourashava or Municipality Elections held on 31 December 1973, 13 August 1977, 11 February 1984, 28 Jaunary 1989, 30 January 1993, 23-25 February 1999 and 5-10 May 2004. (iv) 1 Hill District Council Elections held on 25 June 1989. (v) 2 Upazila Parishads (460 Upazilas) Elections held on 16, 20 May 1985 and 14 - 25 March 1990. |
Code of conduct, prevention of pre-poll irregularities and election petitions
Code of conduct, prevention of pre-poll irregularities and election petitions |
| 11.1 The code of conduct: To avoid malpractice and manipulation of any kind in the election process to ensure free and fair election, the Election Commission has, under article 92B of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, formulated the Code of Conduct for the observance of political parties and the contesting candidates. The salient features of the Code of Conduct are the following : a) Ban on subscription, donation etc. to any institution.- Following the announcement of the election schedule till the day of polling, no candidate or any person on his behalf shall, openly or in secret, give any subscription or donation, or make promise for giving such subscription or donation, to any institution of their concerned constituency or to any other institution, nor shall commit to undertake any development project within the concerned constituency. b) Use of Government accommodation like Circuit Houses, rest houses : All parties and candidates shall be given equal rights for using government rest house and circuit house on the basis of the application first made and in accordance with the existing rules for using of same. But the government officers engaged in the conduct of the election shall get preference to use Government dak-bungalows, rest houses and circuit houses. c) Election campaign : All political parties and candidates shall be given equal rights with respect to election campaign. Meetings, processions and election campaigns of the opponent shall be disrupted. d) Other activities include ban on use of any thoroughfare creating hindrances to the movement of the public, use of government media, government officers, employees vehicles or other state facilities, pasting of posters, leaflets or handbills over those of rival candidates, setting up camps on any road or places meant for use of the public, use of government rest houses, circuit house as a place of election campaign, use of printed paper imported from outside the country and use of multi-colored posters, use of number of microphones at a time, damage of land, building, movable or immovable properties of any citizen, wall writings, use of motor cycle or any other mechanical transport or any other mechanical transport, carrying of fire arms or explosives within the premises of a polling station, illegal interference of government officers or local influential persons in the election process, procession of buses, trucks or any other vehicles or torch procession, any bitter and provocative statement and any such statement that may hurt the sentiments of the followers of any religion, crossing of limits of election expenses, influences of money, arms, muscle power or local influence. e) Pre-poll irregularities :- Violation of any provision of these rules shall be considered as pre-poll irregularities. Pre-poll period, as defined in the rules, means the period commencing on the announcement of the election schedule and ending on the declaration of election results. 11.2 Prevention of pre-poll irregularities : (a) Establishment of Electoral Enquiry Committee : Any person or political party aggrieved by such violation may apply to the Electoral Enquiry Committee or Election Commission seeking redress. If the applications filed with the Election Commission is found by the Commission is tenable, it shall send the same to the concerned Electoral Enquiry Committee for investigation. In both cases, the Electoral Enquiry Committee, after making any investigation as per law shall submit its recommendation to the Commission. (b) Formation of Electoral Enquiry Committee: The Election Commission is empowered by article 91A of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 to establish a Committee to be known as Electoral Enquiry Committee with the judicial officers. (c) Functions of the Electoral Enquiry Committee: The Committee shall on the basis of information received or complaints made to it or on its own initiative, inquires into any matter or situation or any pre-poll irregularity including any situation or matter, which, in its opinion, may involve, by any person whosoever, as act or omission constituting intimidation, obstruction, coercion, or the publication of false information, or any other act or omission intended to or actually resulting in the obstruction of frustration of the preparation for, or the conduct of, free and fair election. 11.3 Election petitions: Under article 49 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, an election petition shall be presented to the Election Commission within 45 days after the publication in the official gazette of the name of the returned candidate. The Election Commission will then make arrangement for submission of the election petitions to the concerned Election Tribunals constituted for the purpose by the Election Commission. The election tribunal is set up with the District and Sessions Judges at all the District headquarters. Besides, to expedite disposal of election petitions, Election Tribunals have been set up at all the 6 Divisional headquarters. These courts are headed by judicial officers of the level of a District Judge. Their sole and exclusive function is to try election petitions arising out of election disputes. . |
Party agents and election observers
Party agents and election observers |
| There is provision in Bangladesh election laws for appointment of Election Agents and Polling Agents to act on behalf of candidates. 10.1 Election Agents : The Election Agent of each candidate is entitled to visit the polling station and observe the poll. There is only one Election Agent for each candidate. The candidate must submit prior written notice to the Returning Officer containing particulars of his election agent. 10.2 Polling Agents : Each candidate may appoint up to two polling agents to be present and to observe polling at each polling station. However, if the station has more than one booth, the candidates are entitled to have up to five polling agents for the station. 10.3 Election Observers : While there is no specific provision of law allowing election monitoring or observation, the Election Commission has adopted a very liberal policy of entertaining local/International Observers to observe all elections conducted by the Commission. The following facilitator guidelines have been drawn up by the Election Commission for both foreign and local observers willing to observe the elections. 10.4 Role of the Observers : The observers may watch activities prior to polling day and observe actual polling including count of votes on the election day. It may be noted that on the election day (a) the observers may only observe the proceedings in the polling station and shall not participate in activities like campaign, voting, counting etc.; (b) they will not interfere with any of the election activities going on at the polling station; (c) announcement of any result of voting of a center or constituency must not be done by the observers/observer groups; (d) the observers are to be completely neutral and non-partisan and are required to satisfy the Election Commission on this. 10.5 Foreign Observers : (1) Foreign Observers (FO) who like to observe polling in Bangladesh may get in touch with concerned Bangladesh Embassy abroad. (2) FOs on arrival in Bangladesh are advised to enlist their names with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to obtain necessary assistance from the assistance cell in the MOFA. (3) During their stay in Bangladesh they (FO) are to remain fully responsible for their board, lodging and transport. (4) FOs are issued appropriate accreditation cards. 10.6 Local Observers (1) Such Observers shall not be supporters of any political party and shall not do anything covertly or overtly which may compromise the quality of the election. Election Commission /Returning Officers reserve the right to cancel permission in cases of violation. (2) Such Observers are to obtain clearance individually or in a group from the Election Commission/Returning Officers, as decided by the Election Commission. 10.7 Requirements (1) All observers are expected to inform the Election Commission of the district/locations they want to visit during polling, so that the District Administration may assist them during the visit. They may be required to obtain IDs from the Returning Officer after having furnished the names and other particulars of the observers to be fielded. The Returning Officer of any Electoral area will have the authority to deny issue of ID to any Observer group if the Returning Officer is not satisfied with their antecedents. (2) While in the districts they are advised to act in accordance with the advice of the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, Presiding Officer, Polling Officer, as the case may be, and to refrain from doing things which may disrupt poll proceedings. (3) At any given time not more than one Observer (Local and Foreign) may enter inside a polling center to avoid crowding and to facilitate the entry of others who may be waiting outside. A Presiding Officer/Asstt. Presiding Officer may ask any observer to withdraw from the center at any time if he thinks that the observer’s presence may prejudice the voting in the center. (4) During their visit to the polling centers the observers are to abide by all the legal and administrative requirements of the Presiding Officer/Asstt. Presiding Officer. (5) It is expected that a copy of the written report by the Observer Group will be given to the Election Commission soon after the conclusion of the poll. 10.8 Pre-poll Activities by Observer Groups : Observer Groups are encouraged to carry out at their own cost voter education programme, TV programmes, rallies etc. to encourage people to participate in the poll. Such activities are to be completely non-partisan, unbiased and free from any religious, local or sectarian prejudice. 10.9 Journalists : Journalists willing to observe the polling are also covered by these guidelines. The participation of large number of observers - national and international in 1991 and June, 1996 general elections improved transparency of the process of conducting the national election and added to their credibility and political acceptance. . |
Poll and count
Poll and count |
| According to law, casting of votes and counting of votes are the pivotal and final tasks in the whole process of the election, though the consolidation of results and declaration of the names of returned candidates are the subsequent legal requirements. 9.1 Before Poll : The Returning Officer provides each Presiding Officer with necessary ballot boxes of such material and design as are approved by the Commission. Not more than one ballot box is used at a time for the purpose of the poll at any polling booth. 9.2 Poll : At least half an hour before the time fixed for the commencement of the poll, the Presiding Officer is required to ensure that every ballot box to be used is empty, show the empty ballot box to the contesting candidates and their election agents and polling agents whoever may be present, close and seal the ballot box and place the ballot box so as to be conveniently accessible to the elector -- visible to all present in the booth -- officials and election or polling agents as may be present. Every elector will mark his ballot paper in secret before the same is folded and inserted in the ballot box by the elector himself. The Presiding Officer regulates the number of electors to be admitted to the polling station at a time and excludes from the polling station all other persons except those connected with the polling. The Presiding Officer is responsible for keeping order at the polling station so that an elector can exercise his free will to cast his vote at the polling station. Where an elector presents himself at the polling station to vote, the Presiding Officer shall, after satisfying himself about his identity, issue to him a ballot paper after giving him a personal mark made with indelible ink on his thumb or any other finger of either hand, placing a mark on the electoral roll against the number and name of the elector to indicate that a ballot paper has been issued to him and recording the elector's number and procuring signature of the elector on the counter foils of electoral roll and ballot paper respectively . The elector, on receiving the ballot paper, shall forthwith proceed to the place reserved for marking the ballot paper, put the prescribed mark on the ballot paper at any place within the space containing the name and symbol of the contesting candidate for whom he wishes to vote and after he has so marked, fold the ballot paper and insert it in the ballot box. He has to do the whole thing at the quickest speed. If a person representing himself to be an elector applies for a ballot paper when another person has already represented himself to be that elector and has voted under the name of the person so applying, he shall be entitled to receive a ballot paper which is called a tendered ballot paper. The Presiding Officer maintains separate accounts of tendered and challenged votes and also spoilt ballot papers as per law. The polling time is generally 0800-1600hrs local time. No person is allowed entry into the polling station enclosure after 1600hrs. 9.3 Count of Votes : Immediately after the close of the poll with the casting of vote by the last voter of the day, the Presiding Officer, in the presence of such of the contesting candidates, election agents, polling agents and election observers as may be present, proceeds with the count of votes. The Presiding Officer gives such of the contesting candidates, election agents and polling agents as may be present, reasonable facility of observing the count and gives them such information with respect thereto as can be given consistent with the orderly conduct of the count and the discharge of his duties in connection therewith. Under the law no person other than the Presiding Officer, the Polling Officer, any other person on duty in connection with the poll, the contesting candidates, their election agents and polling agents are to be present at the count. However, authorized observers are allowed by the Election Commission to observe the count as a special dispensation. The Presiding Officer shall open the used ballot box or ballot boxes and count the entire lot of ballot papers taken out there from in presence of these persons. The valid ballot papers cast in favor of each contesting candidate are preserved in separate packets. The Presiding Officer, immediately after the count, prepares a statement of the count and if so requested by any candidate or election agent or polling agent present, gives him a certified copy of the statement of the count and the ballot paper account. The Presiding Officer puts in good order all records of the poll and sends them to the Returning officer immediately. The Returning Officer is required to give the contesting candidates and their election agents a notice in writing of the day, time and place for the consolidation of the results and, in the presence of such of the contesting candidates and election agents as may be present, consolidate in the prescribed manner the results of the count furnished by the Presiding Officer, including therein, the postal ballots received by him before the time aforesaid. 9.4 Recount : The Returning Officer shall recount the valid ballot papers in respect of any polling station if the count by the Presiding Officer is challenged in writing by a contesting candidate or his election agent and the Returning Officer is satisfied about the reasonableness of the challenge or he is directed so to do by the Commission. Where, after consolidation of the results or the count, it is found that there is equality of votes between two or more contesting candidates and the addition of one vote for one such candidate would entitle him to be declared elected, the Returning Officer shall forthwith draw a lot in respect of such candidates and the candidate on whom the lot falls shall be deemed to have received the highest number of votes entitling him to be declared elected. The lot shall be drawn in the presence of such of the contesting candidates and their election agents as may be present. The Returning Officer shall, after obtaining the result of the count or of the draw of the lot declare by public notice the contesting candidate who has or is deemed to have received the highest number of votes to be elected. The Commission is required as per law to publish in the official gazette the name of the returned candidate. The Returning Officer shall supply duly attested copies of the consolidated statement and the return of election to such of the candidates and their election agents as may desire to have them. |
Voter awareness
Voter awareness |
| 6.1 Voter awareness is an important factor to conduct an election in a free, fair and impartial manner. Willingness of the eligible persons to be registered as voters and their participation in the voting process are important ingredients for a sound democratic process. 6.2 Right from enumeration work for registration of voters to the time of casting of votes at the Polling station, efforts are made to make people aware of their right of franchise and the importance of the exercise of this right. The Election Commission undertakes voter education programmes on democracy and various aspects of election through different news-media, cinema slides, Radio and TV. The Mass Communication media, Department of Films and Publications also play significant roles to educate voters on their right of franchise and the method of casting votes. The Election Commission also arranges through the Divisional and District authorities including Thana administration meetings/rallies with the electorate, representatives of political parties, local elite and people of all walks of life for creating awareness about democracy, the right and value of franchise. 6.3 The public awareness campaign also includes a series of poster campaigns. Rallies and processions are organized to mobilize public support for free and fair elections. Special events like folk songs and drama are also organized by local volunteers. 6.4 Non-government organizations are also encouraged by the Election Commission to conduct voter education programmes with the materials (posters, slides, films etc.) developed by them highlighting the importance of vote, the right of the voter, functions of the legislature, responsibilities of the elected representatives to the electorate etc. 6.5 The underlying idea of voter awareness programmes is to ensure large-scale participation of citizens in the choice of their representatives so that establishment of a representative and responsible government is ensured. |
Relations with the parties and media
Relations with the parties and media |
| 3.1 The Election Commission maintains close contact and relations with all the political parties. On matters of election schedule, election process and over-all arrangement for election, dialogue is initiated with all political parties. Discussion on issues relating to voter registration, preparation and updating of electoral rolls and allied matters is also conducted with political parties. 3.2 Maintenance of peace and order figures prominently in the discussions the Election Commission conducts with the political parties. Efforts are made to seek co-operation and understanding to ensure prevention of terrorism and violence before, during and after the polls. The Election Code of Conduct formulated in consultation with the major political parties is enforced on them for strict adherence, without any set-up or discrimination. 3.3 The Election Commission, after detailed discussions with all political parties, undertakes various tasks for : a. updating the electoral rolls, setting up of polling stations, allocation of symbols to the political parties, preventing undesirable pre-poll activities by appointing Judicial Officers. In addition, vigilance and observation teams are set up at the grass root level to prevent pre-poll irregularities and untoward incidents. b. Creating confidence among the people through improvement of the overall law and order situation, enforcement of the Election Code of Conduct, voter education programmes through mass media including radio and TV, posters, rallies and by providing security cover, both stationery and mobile, on the polling day. c. Arranging participation of the political parties to observe the polling process, counting of votes, consolidation and declaration of results so as to make the entire polling process transparent to all. 3.4 The media play a vital role in publicizing various issues relating to election. The Election Commission carries on briefing of the media on regular basis so that people are informed of all developments. Problems, difficulties and complaints which are highlighted in the media are attended to promptly by the Election Commission on priority basis. The media also play an important role in educating the voters on the importance of their votes and also the need for their active participation in the electoral process. The Election Commission maintains close and regular contact with the media seeking co-operation for balanced, non-partisan news coverage and editorial views encouraged to offer constructive suggestions for improvement of the overall election environment and to express views impartially before and after the polling. 3.5 The Election Commission takes care to see that the state-owned newspapers and electronic media like radio and television provide balanced and objective news coverage of contesting political parties. In this behalf clear guidelines are prepared and issued for strict adherence, covering also speeches of the political party chiefs and interviews over radio and television. During the last election an innovative interview programme on TV called "SHOBINOYE JANTE CHAI" (May we know with due respect ?) to which major political parties were invited to express their views on various national issues through a question-answers session attracted massive attention of the people and was widely acclaimed. |
Election management body
Election management body |
| 2.1 Establishment of the Election Commission Article 118 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of an Election Commission for Bangladesh consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time direct. The appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (if any) is made by the President. When the Election Commission consists of more than one person, the Chief Election Commissioner is to act as its Chairman. Under the Constitution the term of office of any Election Commissioner is five years from the date on which he enters upon office. A person who has held office as Chief Election Commissioner is not eligible for appointment in the service of the Republic. Any other Election Commissioner is, on ceasing to hold such office, eligible for appointment as Chief Election Commissioner, but is not eligible for appointment in the service of the Republic. Powers of Election Commission (Article 118(4) and 126 of the Constitution, read with Article 4 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972): The Election Commission is an independent constitutional body in the exercise of its functions and subject only to the Constitution and any other law. The Commission may authorize its Chairman or any of its members or any of its officers to exercise and perform all or any of its powers and functions under the law. Article 126 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 5 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 provide that it shall be the duty of all executive authorities to assist the Election Commission in the discharge of its functions. The Commission has the power to require any person or authority to perform such functions or render such assistance for the purpose of electron as it may direct. 2.2 Election Commission Secretariat The Election Commission has a full-fledged Secretariat under it to render all assistance to execute the decisions and orders of the Commission. The Election Commission Secretariat is headed by a Secretary to the Government. 2.3 Functions of the Election Commission Secretariat: Assistance to the Election Commission for - (a) preparation of electoral rolls for use in all national and local bodies elections. (b) Delimitation of territorial constituencies for the purposes of election to Parliament. (c) Conduct of referendum and elections (including bye-election/re-election) to the office of President, Parliament, Paurashavas (Municipal Committees), City Corporations, Union Parishads (Union Councils) and Three Hill Districts Councils etc. (d) Reservation and allocation of symbols to political parties/candidates, when required; (e) Supervision of polling arrangements throughout the country on the eve of each election and appointment of polling personnel, namely : Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers and Polling Officers; (f) Printing and supply of ballot papers to all polling stations located all over the country; (g) Procurement of election materials including ingredients for the manufacture of indelible ink and their distribution amongst the polling stations; (h) Procurement, supply, storage and maintenance of ballot boxes throughout the country; (i) Setting up of elaborate machinery throughout the country for collection and dissemination of result of elections; (j) Consolidation of all election results and their formal publication in the official gazette, as required by law; (k) Constitution of Tribunal for the disposal of election petitions and performance of such other functions in this regard as may be prescribed by any other law; (l) Framing and publicity pertaining to the elections and their implementation; (m) Collection and compilation of election data for research, reference and records; (n) Preparation and publication of comprehensive reports of all types of elections; (o) Regulation and control of officers and staff of the Election Commission Secretariat and its field establishment; (p) All laws on subjects allocated to it. 2.4 Field Offices : (a) Divisional : There are 9 Deputy Election Commissioners posted at 9 Divisional Headquarters. Functions of the Divisional Offices are to maintain liaison between the Election Commission Secretariat and the subordinate field level offices and to co-ordinate the work relating to conduct of all types of elections and registration of voters and preparation of electoral rolls including day to day amendment and correction in the list of electoral rolls and other matters as and when entrusted by the Election Commission . (b) District: There are 83 Election Offices in the 64 District Headquarters headed by District Election Officer. Functions: The District Election Officers carry out all work relating to registration of voters, printing of voters’ list, management of national and local level elections, training of polling personnel and all logistical arrangements for elections. As an officer of the Election Commission, the District Election Officer renders all possible assistance to the Returning Officer and polling personnel with forms, packets, manuals, instructions and supply of ballot boxes, electoral rolls, ballot papers and maintains all accounts for expenses incurred for different elections. (c) Thana/Upzila set-up : At the lowest tier of the field organization, there are Thana/Upzila Election Officers in all Thanas/Upzilas. The main functions of the Thana Election Officer are to assist divisional/district offices in the discharge of functions relating to elections. 2.5 Returning Officers and Asstt. Returning Officers : For all national and local level election, Returning Officers and Asst. Returning officers are appointed from among government officials by the Election Commission or by authorized officers of the Commission for conducting specified election. 2.6 Presiding Officers and Polling Officers: Within the constituency, Polling Stations, each generally having five polling booths, are organized in such a way that about four hundred voters can cast their votes at a booth between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the polling day. Each polling station is headed by a Presiding Officer (PO) and each booth by an Assistant Presiding Officer (APO). Each APO is assisted by two Polling Officers. All these officials – POs, APOs and Polling Officers are drawn from government and non-government organizations, taking into account their experience, abilities, integrity and courage. 2.7 Budgetary provisions : The Election Commission Secretariat (ECS) is a full fledged division of the Government of Bangladesh which directly deals with Ministry of Finance about all matters relating to allocation of fund for all administrative and electoral activities. For elections to all tiers (local and national) the Secretariat sends estimates to the Ministry of Finance for allocation of required fund which normally the Secretariat gets. Not only electoral and administrative budget but also budget relating to law and order for conduct of election are also allocated to EC Secretariat. The EC Secretariat reallocates fund to the Ministry of Home for all the law enforcing agencies. This is unique in Bangladesh in the context of Budget allocation for conduct of election. http://amardesh.com/electoralSystemManagementBody.php |
Information on Bangladesh electoral system
Information on Bangladesh electoral system |
| 1.1 Bangladesh started its journey with Parliamentary System of Government, then switched over to Presidential System and in 1991 reverted back to Parliamentary system. According to Article 65 of the Constitution there is a Parliament (known as Jatio Sangsad) in which, subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the legislative powers of the Republic are vested. Parliament consists of three hundred members elected in accordance with law from single-member territorial constituencies. Besides this there was a provision for thirty seats reserved exclusively for women members up to the year 2000 who were elected according to law by the members of Parliament. Parliament has a tenure of 5 years unless dissolved sooner. 1.2 General Election of Members of Parliament : The general election of members of Parliament is held within ninety days after Parliament is dissolved, whether by reason of the expiration of its term or otherwise than by reason of such expiration [Article 123 (3) of the Constitution]. 1.3 Qualifications and Disqualifications for Election to Members of Parliament : A person is qualified to be elected as a member of Parliament if he is a citizen of Bangladesh and has attained the age of twenty-five years. A person is disqualified for election as, or for being, a member of Parliament who- (a) declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind ; (b) is an un discharged insolvent ; (c) acquires the citizenship of, or affirms or acknowledges allegiance to, a foreign state; (d) has been, on conviction for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a period of five years has elapsed since his release; (e) holds any office of profit in the service of the Republic other than an office which is declared by law not to disqualify its holders; or (f) is disqualified for such election by or under any law. Further, Article 12 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 provides that any elector of a constituency may propose or second for election to that constituency, the name of any person qualified to be a member under the Constitution : Provided that a person shall be disqualified from being elected as, and from being, a member if he/she - (a) is a person holding any office of profit in the service of the Republic or of a statutory public authority : (b) whether by himself / herself or by any person or body of persons in trust for him/her or for his/her benefit or on his/her account or as a member of a Hindu undivided family, has any share or interest in a contract, not being a contract between a co-operative society and Government for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any contract or the performance of any services undertaken by, Government; and (c) is a bank defaulter. 1.4 Election Commission: According to Article 119 of the Constitution the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for elections to the office of President and to Parliament and the conduct of such elections vest in the Election Commission which shall, in accordance with this Constitution and any other law - (a) hold elections to the office of President ; (b) hold elections of members of Parliament ; (c) delimit the constituencies for the purpose of elections to Parliament ; and (d) prepare electoral rolls for the purpose of elections to the office of President and to Parliament . The modes and procedures for holding elections to the members of Parliament are laid down in the Representation of the People Order, 1972, as amended in pursuance of law. 1.5 Candidature for More Than one Constituency and Bar against Double Membership : No person may at the same time be a candidate for more than five constituencies. The Constitution also provides that no person shall at the same time be a member of Parliament in respect of more than one Constituency. In the event of a person being elected for more than one Constituency, he shall vacate all other seats except one, as per procedure laid down in law. 1.6 Delimitation of Single Territorial Constituencies: For the purpose of holding election of three hundred Members of Parliament, the country has been divided into three hundred single territorial Constituencies in accordance with the provision of the Delimitation of Constituencies Ordinance, 1976, as amended. The procedures and principles for delimitation of each constituency are laid down in the aforesaid Ordinance. The main principles are geographical compactness of areas, administrative convenience and, as far as practicable, the distribution of population. 1.7 Electoral Roll: Article 121 of the Constitution provides that there shall be one electoral roll for each Constituency for the purposes of election to Parliament and no special electoral rolls shall be prepared so as to classify electors according to religion, race, caste or sex. Article 122 of the Constitution provides that the elections to Parliament shall be on the basis of adult franchise. A person shall be entitled to be enrolled as elector on the electoral roll for a constituency delimited the purpose of election to Parliament, if he/she – (a) is a citizen of Bangladesh ; (b) is not less than eighteen years of age ; (c) does not stand declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind; and (d) is or is deemed by law to be a resident of that constituency. Sub-section (8) of section 7 of the Electoral Rolls Ordinance, 1982 also empowers the Election Commission to cause the electoral rolls to be re-grouped, if necessary, for the purpose of election to different elective offices. For the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls the procedures have been prescribed in the Electoral Rolls Ordinance,1982. 1.8 Nomination : Any elector of a Constituency may propose or second for election to that constituency, the name of any person qualified to be a member under the Constitution and the Representation of the People order, 1972. 1.9 Deposit: No nomination paper is accepted unless- a sum of Taka five thousand is deposited in cash or in the Government treasury by the candidate or by any person on his behalf at the time of submission of nomination paper. 1.10 Elections to the seats reserved exclusively for women members: Besides the provision of three hundred seats for members of Parliament, there are thirty seats exclusively reserved for women members up to 2000 A.D. as per provisions of Clause (3) of Article 65 of the Constitution. For this purpose, a law entitled ''The Representation of the People (Seats for Women Members) Order, 1973, as amended, was framed. According to Article 3 of the Order, the Election Commission divides the country into 30 zones for election of women members. The directly elected MPs were the electors for election of women members. 1.11 Election to the Office of President : The President of Bangladesh is, according to Article 48 of the Constitution, elected by the members of the Parliament in accordance with law. The mode and procedures for holding election to the office of President are laid down in the Presidential Elections Act, 1991 and the Presidential Election Rules, 1991 made there under. The President holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. 1.12 Local Body Elections: Article 59 of the Constitution provides that the local Government in every administrative unit of the Republic shall be entrusted to bodies, composed of persons elected in accordance with law. Existing laws and rules governing the conduct of elections to different local bodies empower the Election Commission to conduct the following local level elections : (a) Union Parishads (Union Councils) (b) Upzila Parishads (c) City Corporations (d) Pourashavas (Municipal Committees) (e) Hill District Councils Creation of some more local bodies is under active consideration of the present Government. 1.13 Non-party Care-Taker Government: With the objective of ensuring free, fair and impartial general elections to Parliament, the Thirteenth Amendment Act, 1996 of the Constitution was made on 28th March, 1996 to provide for a Non-party Care-Taker Government, operative from the date on which the Chief Adviser of such Government enters upon office after Parliament is dissolved or stands dissolved by reason of expiration of its term till the date on which a new Prime Minister enters upon office after the general elections to the Parliament. The Care-Taker Government is collectively responsible to the President. The executive power of the Republic during this period, subject to the provisions of Article 58D(1) of the Constitution (discharging functions as an interim government and carrying on routine functions), vests in the Chief Adviser. The Non-Party Care-taker Government consists of the Chief Adviser at its head and not more than ten other Advisers, all of whom are to be appointed by the President. The Chief Adviser is required to be appointed, in the manner stipulated in Article 58C of the Constitution, from among the two last retired Chief Justices or from the two last retired judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court or from eminent citizens qualified to be an Adviser after consultation with major political parties. An Adviser is required to be a person qualified for election as an MP, not to be a member of any political party or of any organization associated with any political party, not be a candidate for the ensuing Parliamentary election and not over seventy two years of age. The Care-taker Government’s primary responsibility is to render to the Election Commission all possible aid/assistance that may be required for holding the general election of members of Parliament peacefully, fairly and impartially. The concept of Care-taker Government is a constitutional device to enable the holding of general parliamentary elections in a fair and impartial manner, free of any party influences on the Government machinery. http://amardesh.com/electoralSystemInformation.php |
