‘Govt making effort to ensure free, fair polls’
Staff Reporter :
Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated on Monday that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the upcoming general election is held in a free, fair, peaceful, and festive atmosphere.
He noted, “The tentative date for the next election has already been announced, while the Election Commission will soon declare the specific date. Everyone desires a peaceful election, and we are making every possible effort to achieve that.”
Jahangir made these remarks after visiting the polling centre at Teghoria High School, the 3rd polling station of the Dhaka-3 constituency in Keraniganj, Dhaka. The Home Adviser said preparations at the field level have started well in advance to guarantee a fair election.
However, he emphasized that peaceful and fair elections are impossible without the cooperation of all stakeholders, including candidates, voters, the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and administration.
“We seek full cooperation from all parties to ensure a fair and peaceful election,” he added.
In response to a question, Jahangir said the current law and order situation has improved significantly compared to July of last year, when police deserted stations and Ansar personnel protested.
“Though we have not yet reached the desired level of law and order, there is sufficient time before the election to achieve this goal. We anticipate no difficulties in conducting peaceful elections,” he said.
He further disclosed that adequate law enforcement personnel, including 80,000 military troops, will be deployed during the election period.
To monitor the elections centrally, body-worn cameras will be provided at every polling centre nationwide. Bangladesh Police currently have 10,000 such cameras, and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is also equipped with them. Additionally, the government plans to procure 40,000 more body-worn cameras before the election.
Regarding the recovery of illegal firearms, Jahangir revealed that a nationwide operation is ongoing, and the government will offer rewards for information leading to their recovery.
During his visit, the Home Adviser also inspected Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, RAB-10 Headquarters, and Keraniganj Model Police Station. He said his visit to the jail was to assess the overall condition of the prisoners.