Dhaka, Jan 3 (Representative) Amid a boycott call by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the nation’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged the people to fulfil their civic duty by exercising their franchise in the January 7 parliamentary election. “Let’s vote ourselves and encourage others to cast vote,” Shahabuddin told mediapersons after casting his vote through the postal ballot at his official residence Bangabhaban. “Voting is the democratic right of the people. As a citizen, it is our duty to vote. People give their democratic verdict through casting their respective votes,” he was quoted as saying by thecountry’s leading media outlet The Daily Star. The BNP and some other parties have boycotted the election demanding the polls be held under a neutral caretaker government as had been done on several occasions in the past. However, the Awami League government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has turned down the demand calling it as “unconstitutional”.
The President hoped the election would be held in a peaceful and festive environment with the participation of all, the report said. According to Bangladesh laws, the head of the state can cast his vote through the postal ballot. Meanwhile, the armed forces have been deployed across the country to assist the civil administration in conducting free, fair, and peaceful polls, official sources said.The forces will help the Election Commission and the civil administration till January 10 to control law and order before, after, and during the polling day. The armed forces are being stationed at nodal points and other convenient places in every district, sub-district and metropolitan area.Besides the army, the Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh and the Coast Guard are also being deployed. The Bangladesh Air Force will provide the necessary helicopter support to the polling centres in remote hilly areas.