Army deployment is imperative in holding the next parliamentary election in a free, fair and credible manner, said Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) at a roundtable discussion yesterday.

The civil society platform also urged the Election Commission to remain alert and watchful ahead of the election.

“No election can be held in a free, fair and transparent manner without deployment of army in the present context,” said M Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, president of Shujan, at the programme.

Shujan held the discussion titled “The upcoming city corporation elections: Thoughts of citizens” at the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

Earlier on April 8, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda expressed his opinion that army should be deployed in the upcoming parliamentary polls. But, the decision rests with the EC, he added.

However, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said the EC has no jurisdiction to deploy army. Rather, the government will take steps in this regard realising the necessity, he added.

Hafiz, also former adviser to a caretaker government, said, “It is a matter of regret that the Election Commission did not raise its voice against such statement [of the AL leader].”

Holding of credible election is the commission's moral responsibility, Hazif said. “The Election Commission is asleep. It will have to wake up. We hope that it would do whatever necessary in arranging the next general election in a transparent manner.”

At the programme, M Sakhawat Hossain, former election commissioner, also stressed the need for army deployment.

“I cannot say whether the local body election will be held in a free and fair manner. But, I can say the national polls will not be fair without army deployment.”

In 2003, the then chief election commissioner was barred by the government to deploy army in the local government elections, said Sakhawat, referring to the point of view of Obaidul Quader.

Local government expert Dr Tofail Ahmed presented a key note paper.

He said casting their votes fearlessly is the people's civil and constitutional rights and it is the duty of the government to restore the rights.