Jatiya Party Chairman on Tuesday voiced concern that the ongoing Union Parishad (UP) polls have become a matter of panic instead of festivity.

In a statement, he said, “The second and third phases of Union Parishad elections are going on across the country. These elections of the local government were once held in a festive manner in the country. Now these polls have become a frightening matter instead of festivity.”

Read: Prices soaring for no reason: GM Quader

GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in Parliament, said the Election Commission has completely failed to maintain law and order in the ongoing UP elections.

“Attacks and exchange of fire over elections have become a daily affair. People have become panicked over the killing and violence every day,” he observed.

The Jatiya Party chief said the country’s people do not want to see bloodletting in the name of elections.

He also voiced frustration over the inaction of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring a congenial election atmosphere.

Read: Raising fuel price, transport fare an anti-people move: GM Quader

GM Quader also said the EC’s role in the UP polls gives an impression that it has nothing to do with polls violence.

He said people are getting disappointed as the violence and terrorist activities are taking place every day in front of the members of the law enforcement agencies.

GM Quader said some people have already been killed in election violence. “Terrorists hacked to death two sons of a mother at Kathuli union of Gangni Upazila in Meherpur. “Nothing can be more unfortunate and painful than this.”

He urged the Election Commission to take more stern measures to curb election violence.

The Jatiya Party chief said it is not acceptable that the EC will be unable to maintain a peaceful environment after declaring the election schedule. “Tougher initiatives need to be taken to hold polls in a free, fair and neutral manner.”