The central steering committee of Ganatantra Mancha, a combine of six political parties, on Thursday condemned the decision of the Awami League government increasing security deposits of the candidates, taking part in the upazila elections.
The government had increased the amount of security deposit for the candidates 8 to 10 times. To contest for the upazila parishad chairman post, a security deposit of Tk 1,00,000 is required, and for the post of vice chairman, a security deposit of Tk 75,000 has to be paid.
Earlier, the deposit was Tk 10,000 for both posts.
Such abnormal increase of security deposits would encourage corrupts, undisclosed money holders and discourage honest candidates to take part in the elections, the resolution of the meeting said.
As a result the local government elections would be farcical like the national elections, leaders of the party said.
Chaired by coordinator of the combine and also chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan Zonayed Saki, the meeting held at central office of Nagarik Oikya.
Nagarik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary Saiful Huq, Bhashani Onusari Parishad convener Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Rastra Sanskar Andolan chief coordinator Hasnat Quaiyum, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD general secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmod Shapon and others attended the meeting.