Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian has urged polling officials to carry out their duties with utmost honesty and neutrality ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum.
He issued the warning on Monday while addressing a views-exchange meeting and a day-long election training programme for polling officials of Satkania upazila, held at the Satkania Upazila Parishad hall. The programme was organised to ensure smooth and fair voting during the election and referendum.
“Bangladesh has reached its current position through the sacrifice of much blood. At this critical time of healing national wounds, there can be no question of selling one’s conscience.
Any form of dishonesty in carrying out this sacred electoral duty will not be tolerated,” the deputy commissioner said.
Zahidul Islam urged presiding and polling officers to remain conscious of the future generation while performing election duties, noting that the country’s future will be shaped by today’s actions.
He warned against bias, nepotism, and negligence, emphasising that voting processes for both the election and referendum would be monitored round-the-clock through security applications, CCTV surveillance, and body-worn cameras. “Any negligence will not be condoned,” he said.
Regarding the referendum, the DC said voters would naturally seek clarification and information. He instructed polling officials to have clear knowledge of referendum-related rules and procedures and to provide accurate information to voters, warning that misleading explanations or avoidance of responsibility would not be tolerated.
He also emphasized that personal political preferences must not influence election duties. “Loyalty during elections must be to the state and to one’s constitutional responsibility alone,” he added.
Chattogram Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, Deputy Director of Local Government Golam Mainuddin Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Sharif Uddin, Major Akhlaf of the 9 Field Regiment Artillery, Ansar and VDP Director and District Commandant (Additional Charge) Mostak Ahmed, and Senior District Election Officer Mohammad Bashir Ahmed were present at the training session.
A total of 126 presiding officers, 710 assistant presiding officers, and 1,420 polling officers from Satkania upazila participated in the day-long training. Sessions covered election laws, roles and responsibilities of polling officials, polling centre management, ballot and referendum procedures, and measures to handle unexpected situations.
The programme was chaired by Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khondker Mahmudul Hasan.
