Adequate steps needed to control the law and order challenges in elections

There are only four days left for voting in the 13th National Parliamentary election. The election campaign will end by 7:30 am on February 10.

Therefore, there are only two days (February 8 and 9) left for campaigning. Thus, the entire country is busy with last-minute campaigning.

Candidates and their workers and supporters are trying to win the hearts of voters by going door to door.

Banners have covered almost all open spaces in the capital. Amidst this, some clashes and casualties are also taking place, creating fear in the minds of voters.

Meanwhile, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said mobile courts will be operated across the country from today (Sunday).

The army has also informed that it will maintain the law and order situation normal and under control in 411 upazilas of 62 districts and regular patrols and joint operations are being conducted by setting up 544 temporary camps in metropolitan cities.

One lakh soldiers were deployed on January 20. In addition, the Navy has deployed 5,000 and the Air Force 3,730 soldiers.

The Navy will be responsible for the two coastal districts.

Meanwhile, the two main parties have already begun preparations for the final election rally and to ensure a large turnout.

BNP said that the last public meeting of party chairman Tarique Rahman’s election campaign will be held in Dhaka.

Party leaders said that instructions have been sent to leaders of various units and organizations of the party to ensure a large attendance.

Party’s senior joint secretary general, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, said at a press conference held in Nayapaltan on Thursday that the last public meeting of the election campaign will be held on February 8.

The BNP chairman also announced the party’s election manifesto in Dhaka on Friday.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s election program included public rallies in Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Jhalokati, Narail, Faridpur Sadar and Boalmari on Friday.

He may conclude his election campaign by joining mass processions in Dhaka-15 constituency on Sunday and Monday.

According to Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, a member of the National Consensus Commission and an election expert, the intolerant behavior of political parties has gradually increased during the election campaign.

If this intolerant behavior continues in the last days of the election campaign, there is a risk that it will turn into violence.

We hope that the elections to be held after the mass uprising will be very fair, free and festive.

Thus, the highest level of action is necessary regarding the delicate law and order situation.