BNP keeps close watch on high-risk election centres

The BNP has directed its leaders and activists nationwide to remain present at polling stations from early morning on election day, with a particular focus on centres identified as "high-risk".

At the same time, the party has stressed avoiding clashes and violence.

Party leaders said that at polling stations identified as high-risk, a larger number of leaders and activists have been instructed to remain active. 

Help booths have already been set up near polling stations in many areas to assist voters with their voter numbers and related information.

Speaking to The Business Standard earlier, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Secretary of the party's Election Management Committee, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, said any obstruction or intimidation of voters would be immediately reported to law enforcement agencies.

National election: Final security preparations underway as polling centres await voting

The party cannot take on the role of law enforcement or take the law into its own hands, he said, adding that the party only wants to ensure that its leaders and activists can go to polling stations freely and without fear.

Party sources said that before the election schedule was announced, a 110-member election committee was formed at each polling station. Primarily, members of this committee will play an active role. 

In constituencies where candidates of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance are in a strong position and could influence polling stations or voters in various ways on election day, BNP will deploy not only the designated committee members but also all local leaders and activists.

A central BNP leader told TBS, "A political alliance has already planned electoral fraud, including using illegal ballots and taking over polling stations in several constituencies. We have identified these centers as high-risk and are keeping a close watch on them."

BNP has instructed its activists in Sylhet to be present at polling stations immediately after Fajr prayers. They have also been directed to stay vigilant to prevent fake votes and electoral fraud. In addition, they have been asked to ensure that voters are brought to the polling stations. 

Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan Kayes Lodi said that party activists will maintain a peaceful presence in front of polling centers from early morning until the results are announced. Any attempt at fraud must be reported to the administration immediately.

Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of BNP's Election Management Committee and adviser to the party chairman, said that it is the responsibility of every political party to prevent all kinds of fraud and malpractice and to ensure a festive, spontaneous, and participatory election environment reflecting the aspirations of the people.

He urged all citizens to come to polling stations early in the morning. 

"Let this election be a victory for Bangladesh, and a victory for the people of Bangladesh," he added.