Despite the growing trend of covert attacks, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has assured that there are no concerns regarding the upcoming election, and that it will be held on time.
Speaking after a meeting with law enforcement agencies at the Election Commission office on Sunday, Sanaullah addressed the concerns surrounding the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi.
He stated that the attack had raised alarm and that a detailed discussion took place on the matter during the special meeting.
Sanaullah revealed that the suspected attackers are being identified, and their political connections and criminal records are being investigated. He also mentioned that a significant portion of the militants arrested during the “Devil Hunt” operation has already been released on bail and is operating freely.
The discussion also focused on whether the covert attacks were isolated events or part of a larger conspiracy.
If these attacks are part of a larger conspiracy, the meeting deliberated on whether law enforcement agencies had opportunities to take preventive action and if there had been any failures that allowed the incident to occur.
Sanaullah further noted that there had been attempts to set fire to election offices in two upazilas, but this should not dismiss the possibility of future covert attacks. While it cannot be completely ruled out, the meeting’s primary goal was to ensure that such incidents do not repeat and that they are dealt with strictly.
The election commissioner emphasised that all law enforcement agencies have issued a clear message, those who attempt to disrupt, obstruct, or harm the election process will fail.
He assured that law enforcement agencies would be firm wherever necessary. Sanaullah further affirmed that there are no concerns regarding the election, and that it will take place on time.
The meeting also discussed steps to arrest identified militants who have been roaming freely.
Operations to recover illegal weapons, ammunition, and missing arms will be intensified. The second phase of the “Rebel Hunt” operation, which had previously begun, was restarted on Sunday. This operation will be carried out in a coordinated manner.
Intensifying intelligence efforts were also highlighted during the meeting, particularly regarding the coordination of intelligence across all law enforcement agencies.
Special attention was given to trends in border areas, the southeast, and regions populated by Rohingya refugees, to determine if any larger events are connected to these trends.
Sanaullah further emphasised that law enforcement agencies are actively working on the ground. He assured that the nature of the recent covert attacks is being analysed, and effective measures will be taken to counter such incidents in the future.
Sanaullah warned political activists to stay alert, especially at the grassroots level, as infiltrators may pose as allies. He stressed that such attacks could be carried out under the guise of cooperation, making it essential for everyone to stay vigilant.
The meeting also discussed how terrorists may try to exploit political party blame games and how they may benefit from the situation.
In addition, the law enforcement agencies are aware of how misleading and immature information circulating on social media can incite violence or aid terrorists in escaping, and they are working to curb this.
When asked why the meeting was held two days after the attack on Hadi, Sanaullah responded that the law enforcement agencies had been given time to act. He mentioned that the agencies are working actively and time should be allowed to handle the situation.
Regarding the release of many suspects involved in terrorist activities who had been granted bail, Sanaullah confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had expressed concern over this issue. He stated that many identified terrorists, previously arrested, had been granted bail and were now out of custody.
He stressed that the authorities must remain cautious and vigilant regarding such individuals, particularly those who have previously been detained but released on bail.
