‘No scope for doubt over election credibility’
Khulna Correspondent :
Home and Agriculture Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir AlamChowdhury yesterday asserted that there is “no scope for doubt” regarding the credibility of the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum, pledging that both will be held in a free, fair, neutral and festive environment.
Speaking to journalists after a law and order coordination meeting at the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s office, the adviser said overall preparations for the election and referendum are “very strong” and comprehensive security arrangements have already been put in place.
Law enforcement agencies will remain deployed for seven days-before, during and after the polling day-to ensure peace and order, he said, expressing confidence that no post-election violence will occur.
Highlighting the extensive security framework, the adviser said modern technology will be used nationwide.
Every polling centre will be brought under CCTV surveillance, while body cameras, dog squads and drones will also be deployed to strengthen monitoring and prevent irregularities.
He added that a massive security force will be on duty during the polls, including around 100,000 army personnel, 5,000 navy members, 4,000 coast guard personnel, about 3,500 from the navy support units, 150,000 police members, 37,000 BGB personnel, 9,000 RAB members and more than 500,000 Ansar members.
“There is no shortage in our preparations to ensure a credible and orderly election,” the adviser said.
Referring to the role of the media, he expressed hope that journalists would continue to act responsibly in the national interest.
“Even a small amount of misinformation can sometimes worsen the situation,” he cautioned.
Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry NasimulGhani, BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad AshrafuzzamanSiddiqui, RAB Director General AKM ShahidurRahman, Khulna Divisional Commissioner MdMokhter Ahmed, Additional IGP KhondakerRafiqul Islam, among others, were present at the briefing.