Following a meeting between Election Commission (EC) and law enforcement agencies on Sunday and considering the overall law-and-order situation in the country, it has been decided that the army will be deployed in polling areas ahead of the scheduled time. The number of army personnel may also be increased.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said, “One hundred thousand army personnel will be deployed, one-third of whom have already been deployed in the field. The remaining two-thirds will be deployed gradually, and not just for five days, but much earlier than the election.”
Referring to the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, EC Sanaullah said the incident has affected the law-and-order situation in polling areas and disrupted the festive atmosphere. He said law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action against activities that undermine the electoral environment.
“The killing of martyr Osman Hadi is a major incident and has had an overall impact on the law-and-order situation at the field level. As a result, joint forces operations will continue,” he said.
He added that since the operation began on 13 December, an average of 2,000 criminals have been arrested daily. “In addition, one force alone has recovered 56 weapons. Thousands of illegal vehicles, particularly motorcycles, have also been checked, and their drivers brought to book,” he said.
Sanaullah noted that those seeking to disrupt the election are primarily targeting urban areas. “They are likely carrying out organised, targeted activities to maximise impact and create fear among the public,” he said.
He further said the EC has instructed authorities to ensure smooth implementation of all election-related activities according to the schedule so that people feel secure and political parties can conduct their campaigns properly.
Addressing concerns raised about journalists feeling unsafe following attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, Sanaullah said, “These are also our concerns, as such incidents are directly linked to the election environment. Anything that happens after the announcement of the schedule affects the election, directly or indirectly.”
Responding to a question, he said, “Since 5 August 2024, police have been instructed to perform their duties while upholding human rights. Unfortunately, some people have taken advantage of this. The Election Commission has made it clear to all law enforcement agencies that humanity will be shown to those who are humane. But no mercy will be shown to those who engage in violence, attempt to disrupt the election environment, or harm innocent people. The message is very clear.”
Asked about the incident in which mobs reportedly gave law enforcement 20 minutes to rescue those trapped inside The Daily Star office, Sanaullah said the matter had been discussed.
“Although the incident is not directly related to the election, our concerns are intertwined. We have been assured that legal action is being taken against the group that carried out this act by exploiting public sentiment. At least 20 individuals have been identified so far, and they will be brought to justice,” he said.
Urging political parties and candidates, Sanaullah said, “If you have even the slightest concern about your personal security, please seek assistance from local law enforcement agencies.”
Regarding the EC’s meeting with the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, he said the three service chiefs had informed the Commission that all necessary preparations were in place to ensure a fair election.
“They have assured us that their forces are fully prepared and committed to holding a credible election,” he added.
Asked whether a festive election atmosphere currently existed, Sanaullah said, “If an accident occurs during a major festival, does it not disrupt the festive mood? That is what has happened here. The killing of martyr Hadi has affected us deeply, but we are turning our grief into strength. Those who want to destroy the festive environment will fail. The festive atmosphere will return.”
