Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said there would be no compromise under any circumstances if the integrity of voting is undermined.
“If anyone casts a vote without following proper procedures, that vote will be declared invalid,” he said, adding that general and postal ballots would be counted simultaneously, although postal ballots would take longer to tally.
Sanaullah made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting with the law enforcement cell and vigilance and observation teams at the Deputy Commissioner’s office ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum.
He said there was strong enthusiasm among voters and stressed the responsibility of the authorities to ensure a peaceful, festive voting environment so that everyone could cast their vote without fear.
The election commissioner said there were instances where malicious groups attempted to obstruct voters from rival sides from reaching polling centres. “Everyone may bring their own voters, but the administration must ensure that no one is prevented from voting,” he said.
He also explained that postal ballots would be divided into two categories—those sent from abroad and those from within the country. Ballots from abroad would be delivered directly to the returning officer by the postal department, while domestic postal ballots would come through local post offices.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam chaired the meeting, which was attended by upazila nirbahi officers, election officials, and representatives from the Army, Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Navy, Coast Guard, Ansar and other departments.
Speakers at the meeting discussed issues related to election law and order, the voting environment and the referendum.
