DHAKA: Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed, now in New York, expressed his concern over poll related violence and irregularities in the ongoing upazila parishad election.

Last three phases of the fourth upazila parishad election is going to be completed in absence of the CEC as he is on personal leave till the end of this month.  

The EC under his supervision arranged polls to 213 upazilas in two phases on February 19 and 27. The elections were held amid violent incidents, including capturing of polling stations and stuffing of ballot papers, allegedly by the ruling Awami League men in many polling centers.

Rest two phases of the elections also marked by violence and unlawful activities, said media reports.

In these circumstances, a row is prevailing in home and abroad. Recently, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia demanded the resignation of CEC.

Following the row, the CEC has sent a letter for the second time to Acting Secretary of Election Commission M Sirajul Islam seeking up-to-date information about legal actions taken by the EC over the alleged violence and irregularities.

In his letter, Kazi Rakibddin also asked the election commission secretary to take actions against those who were involved in irregularities.

Earlier on March 21, the CEC sent an e-mail to EC in same language with instruction of polls management.

BDST: 1034 HRS, MAR 31, 2014