There is no plan to deploy the army for the by-election in the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has said.
He said the Election Commission plans to deploy nearly triple the number of law enforcement personnel used in the national election. The commission believes additional security measures will not be necessary.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a consultation meeting held at the conference room of the Thakurgaon deputy commissioner’s office on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting was organised to ensure that the by-election is held in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
Expressing satisfaction with the election environment and preparations, Sanaullah said the atmosphere surrounding the polls has been very good so far. He expressed hope of holding a free and fair election on 29 October. Necessary measures have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents, he added.
Regarding technology-based security measures for the election, Sanaullah said CCTV cameras would be installed at polling centres and their footage would be preserved. Preparations are also underway to use body-worn cameras used by members of the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar, along with drones, for surveillance and prompt response to any incidents.
On allegations of electoral irregularities, Sanaullah said the Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committee was working to investigate and resolve complaints.
Judges and executive magistrates were also performing duties at the field level. Of the three complaints received so far, one had been resolved, while the remaining two were under investigation.
Expressing optimism about the election, he said the people of Thakurgaon would feel proud after the polls for having experienced a neutral election conducted in a positive environment.
Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed spoke at the meeting as a special guest.
Discussions focused on maintaining law and order during the by-election, ensuring that voters could exercise their voting rights without obstruction, and the activities of vigilance and monitoring teams tasked with implementing the EC’s directives.
Senior local administration officials, representatives of law enforcement agencies and election officials were also present at the meeting.
