Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, Vice Chancellor of Jagannath University:
The general election is just around the corner. If a dialogue for establishing a system for a non-partisan and neutral government starts within this short period, it will never end. Time is now at a premium to hold talks over such an issue. I do not think a dialogue is necessary at all.
Is not a good election the main objective of holding a dialogue? If so, we all have to remove the hurdles to a free and fair election. If existing laws or rules have to be amended to that end, then it can be done through a discussion.
There is no obligation to hold a dialogue at the highest level. It can be held even with the low-ranking leaders.
There may be a discussion as to how to hold the election in a free, fair and acceptable manner; how to stop fake votes and prevent occupying the polling centres. There has been much discussion over the polls-time government. Many local and foreign organisations including the UN have talked over it. Have they been able to reach any solution?
There has been much discussion on the TV talk-shows over the issue where the both AL and BNP leaders have talked profusely. Discussion is going on incessantly. Any formal discussion can only be held through the Election Commission.
The Prime Minister’s stand over the use of electronic voting machine (EVMs) is right.
While addressing a press conference at the Gono Bhaban on September 2, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said EVMs should not be imposed hurriedly as the machines need to be introduced on a limited scale in national elections.
I am in full agreement with the views of the PM. There is no need to hurry. However, the use of EVMs is safe. We should use the machines. Adoption of a new technology can rid us of the culture of fake vote and occupying polling centres. There is no scope of casting fake vote through the EVMs. An electronic voting machine does not accept a vote twice.
The EVMs can be used in city areas. However, it will not be time-befitting to use the EVMs in all 300 constituencies.
Based on an interview by Ashiq Rahman, translated by Hossen Sohel