EC warns zero tolerance for polls disruption
Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission (EC) has directed law enforcement agencies to act courteously toward law-abiding citizens while taking firm action against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process through violence, vandalism, or intimidation.
“We have made it clear that humane conduct will be shown only to those who behave humanely.
There is no obligation to be lenient toward individuals who engage in hooliganism, sabotage the election atmosphere, or resort to violence and killing. Our position is absolutely clear,” Election Commissioner Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said on Sunday.
He made the remarks while briefing reporters after a two-hour security meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban, held in preparation for the upcoming national election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and attended by senior officials from law enforcement and intelligence agencies to assess the overall law and order situation ahead of the polls.
Senior officials, including the Home Affairs Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, and the heads of BGB, Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, DGFI, NSI, NTMC, and RAB, along with senior officers from SB, CID, and the Prison Directorate, also attended.
Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed, and Anwarul Islam Sarker were present at the meeting, which began at 2:50pm.
Earlier, at the noon, chiefs of three services were met with the CEC on the same issue.
EC Sanaullah said that since August 5, 2024, all forces had been instructed to operate with greater respect for human rights, but the EC believes certain groups have attempted to exploit this humane approach.
He stressed that any activity threatening the election environment would be dealt with strictly.
“Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to prevent and suppress any actions that undermine the electoral process, using all necessary measures,” he said.
According to Sanaullah, those seeking to disrupt the election are primarily concentrating their efforts in urban areas. “Attempts to spoil the festive spirit of the election will not succeed,” he said in response to a question.
On the issue of candidate security, he said the matter was discussed in detail and that security agencies assured the EC of adequate protection for election aspirants.
“Police have already implemented a security protocol, and protection is being provided accordingly. If anyone feels unsafe, they may contact the police for additional measures,” he added.
Sanaullah also noted that the enforcement of the electoral code of conduct was reviewed during the meeting, expressing general satisfaction with the current situation.
Earlier in the day, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force met the CEC at Nirbachan Bhaban and briefed him on their respective preparations for ensuring election security.
Meanwhile, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force met with the Election Commission (EC), led by Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin, ahead of the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and the referendum.
The meeting took place on Sunday at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan were present at the meeting.
Earlier, Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed received the three service chiefs separately upon their arrival at the Election Building.
Four Election Commissioners, along with senior officials of the EC Secretariat, also participated in the meeting.