Chattogram: Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah today assured there is no concern regarding the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12, as the Election Commission (EC) commits to conducting the elections with transparency, impartiality, and firmness.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Election Commissioner confirmed that all necessary measures have been implemented to maintain law and order at the field level and that the commission’s actions will be evident on the ground. He emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward political parties and candidates in ensuring compliance with the electoral code of conduct during a press briefing.
Sanaullah’s remarks followed a meeting with the Law Enforcement Cell of Greater Chattogram at the Chattogram Circuit House, where preparations for the 13th National Parliament elections and referendum were discussed. Prior to this, he convened with the Vigilance and Observation Team to review security arrangements in Greater Chattogram.
“As a politically, economically, and strategically important border region, we have identified security-sensitive issues, assessed possible risks, and determined necessary actions,” said Sanaullah. He noted that political parties and candidates are under close monitoring for compliance with the code of conduct, highlighting the relatively low inter-party conflict as a positive indicator for the upcoming elections.
Sanaullah expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of the integrated security forces in Greater Chattogram and stressed the need for a fair and peaceful election. He also underscored the media’s role in countering misinformation, stating that spreading false information is a punishable offense and journalists can contribute significantly to preventing rumors.
Addressing concerns of alleged bias, he encouraged aggrieved individuals to file complaints with the Election Inquiry Committee or the EC’s complaint management system, promising that any issues would be investigated and appropriate action taken. He also touched upon the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’ against illegal arms holders, noting the recovery of over 200 illegal weapons thus far.
Sanaullah assured that voters would confidently proceed to polling centers, with the negative experiences of past elections not to be repeated. He stressed the importance of regular operational updates from law enforcement agencies being shared with the media and warned that any group or party attempting criminal activities would face consequences under national law.
The meeting was attended by officials including Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin, Chattogram Range DIG Ahsan Habib Palash, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, and Chattogram District Police Superintendent Nazir Ahmed Khan.