Dhaka: Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has confirmed that the government is making comprehensive preparations to conduct the upcoming elections in a free, fair, and impartial manner. He disclosed this during a meeting with a delegation from the Commonwealth's Electoral Support Section (ESS) at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Commonwealth delegation was led by ESS Legal Adviser Nancy Kanyago and accompanied by ESS Executive Officer Madonna Lynch. Senior officials from the Home Ministry were also present at the meeting. The Adviser assured the delegation that the interim government is focused on the elections and fully prepared for the polls. Approximately eight lakh law enforcement personnel and 80,000 armed forces members will be deployed nationwide to maintain law and order during the elections.
He further explained that election drills and training sessions have been organized for all law enforcement personnel. Special operations are ongoing to recover illegal weapons and ammunition. To facilitate communication with election centers, 'election control rooms' will be established at the Police Headquarters and all districts. CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras for police officers, along with necessary law enforcement staff, will be positioned at each polling center.
The Home Adviser also emphasized that the media will have full freedom to report on the elections. He expressed optimism that the electorate will participate freely and fearlessly in the upcoming national elections. Adequate numbers of election observation teams will monitor the polls, while mobile teams and striking forces will ensure a peaceful atmosphere.
Highlighting Bangladesh's longstanding ties with the Commonwealth, Nancy Kanyago noted that Bangladesh joined the organization shortly after gaining independence. She mentioned that the Commonwealth is prepared to deploy an election observation group if invited by Bangladesh. The Home Adviser affirmed that Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies are experienced in conducting elections, including through UN peacekeeping missions. He invited the Commonwealth to provide CCTV, body-worn cameras, and other election-related equipment.
In response, the Commonwealth representative expressed willingness to assist in training police officers on human rights. When asked about new appointments in law enforcement for election duties, the Home Adviser detailed the addition of 10,264 police personnel, 2,145 Ansar and VDP members, 5,513 BGB members, and 634 Coast Guard personnel.
Regarding the inquiry about forming a special tribunal for those involved in the July massacre, the adviser noted that the Ministry of Law could establish such a tribunal if necessary. Two international crimes tribunals are currently functioning to ensure justice for the July Martyrs.