Law enforcers must be extra cautious before and during election

RAPID Action Battalion detained three people in the capital’s Motijheel and Gulshan areas on Tuesday for their alleged bid to distribute money for influencing the upcoming election and instigating violence. The elite force seized Tk 8 crore and several cheques of around Tk 10 crore from their possession. There is always a vested quarter ready to influence voters ahead of national elections, thanks to law enforcers for busting out such illegal activities. The government, the Election Commission, and the law enforcement agencies have taken massive preparations to hold a peaceful and participatory election this time.
According to the law enforcement agencies, a group of suspected persons have so far distributed about Tk 150 crore in various constituencies to instigate violence and influence the 11th Parliamentary polls scheduled on December 30. Chief of the elite force claimed that pre-polls violence occurred in the specific constituencies where money from a vested quarter was distributed. As per RAB, the trio worked to help a political party under the guise of running a business for importing lubricants to deteriorate law and order and tilting the election in favour of a certain quarter.
Newspaper reports said over 100 people have been injured in pre-poll violence across the country. Members of Armed Forces are being deployed to provide security and ensure safety to general voters. Unlike 2014, the 11th national election must be participatory and unique in the political history of Bangladesh. But in some cases, the violent political environment is undermining the credibility of the election process. The UN, EU, USA and rights campaigner Human Rights Watch have asked the EC to be impartial and provide a free environment for all and act responsibly.
At this moment, any subversive activity by any quarter before or during the national polls will surely create panic among the voters. The law enforcement agencies should be more vigilant and extra cautious to fend off any awkward situation which could mess up the election process.