No level-playing field within EC: Mahbub Talukdar

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar said there is no level-playing field within the Election Commission as his capacity to address various issues has been curbed.

Mahbub alleged that he sent four unofficial notes to the chief election commissioner and other commissioners regarding lawmakers and ministers following the electoral code of conduct during the Dhaka city mayoral elections slated for February 1.

“But those unofficial notes were ignored,” Mahbub said at a press meet at noon today.

“No discussion took place regarding the notes, let alone taking proper steps to address the issues. I should have been notified if my statements were unacceptable,” he said.

On the other hand, Mahbub said since the announcement of the election schedule on December 22, three commission meetings took place but there was no agenda to discuss the city election.

Another meeting is scheduled for January 28 and the city corporation election is not on the agenda for that meeting either, he added.

“No discussion was held on the complaints submitted by the political parties and candidates regarding the city election,” he said.

“We want to protect the independence and dignity of the commission, so our work should be visible,” he said.