Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Saturday said the upcoming 12 February election is not for merely fulfilling a procedural requirement; it is an election to meet the expectations of the people and protect national and social stability.
He made these remarks while addressing a meeting of Bhola District’s Law Enforcement Cell and Vigilance and Observation Team in the conference room of the deputy commissioner’s (DC) office in Bhola Town.
The election commissioner said ahead of the election and referendum, law enforcement agencies, along with vigilance and observation teams, will work actively at the field level.
To ensure that voters can exercise their voting rights without obstruction, centre-based monitoring will be further strengthened, he said.
Sanaullah also said that the law enforcement agencies must remain on maximum alert to prevent the presence of drug addicts and juvenile gangs at polling centres.
Calling upon all officials assigned for election duties to work in coordination with one another, he said that no leniency would be shown in ensuring a smooth and acceptable election.
The coordinated role of the administration, law enforcement agencies, and the Election Commission is crucial for organising a free, fair and impartial election. The meeting also noted that advance preparations have been taken to prevent any irregularities, rumours, or disorder.
Issues including election-time preparations, security of polling centres, compliance with the code of conduct, and the rapid identification and prevention of any irregularities were discussed at the meeting.
Bhola DC and District Returning Officer Dr Shamim Rahman, Bhola Superintendent of Police Shahidullah Kawsar and other officials concerned were also present at that time.
