Campaign ends as Bangladesh awaits election
EC says election environment better than ever before
Highlights:
- All campaigning banned 48 hours before February 12 polling
- EC promises improved election environment, heavy security deployment
- Over 1.1 million law enforcers, 1,051 magistrates deployed
- Movement outside localities restricted 82.5 hours around voting
- Voting nationwide February 12; one constituency suspended after death
- Complaints persist; 259 cases filed for code violations
All forms of electioneering for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum scheduled for 12 February is ending today.
Under Election Commission (EC) regulations, all campaign activities by political parties and candidates will be prohibited 48 hours before polling – which starts from 7:30am today. During this period, no meetings, rallies, processions, poster campaigns, leaflet distribution or promotional activities on social media will be allowed.
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Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed said, "Campaigning after the stipulated time, as per the Election Commission Act and rules, is completely prohibited. If anyone violates this directive, immediate legal action will be taken."
The EC claims that the electoral environment this time is better than at any time in the past. Commission officials say reports of electoral violence, major clashes or widespread irregularities are fewer than before. With active engagement by field-level administration and law-enforcement agencies, the situation is largely under control.
Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker told TBS, "On behalf of the Election Commission, I want to state clearly – there is no cause for concern. With everyone's cooperation, we have already overcome the apprehensions surrounding the election. Inshallah, on 12 February we will be able to deliver a beautiful, peaceful and acceptable election. Compared with all past elections in Bangladesh's history, the electoral environment this time is better."
He said that around 11 to 12 lakh members from all law enforcement agencies combined will be deployed to maintain law and order during the election. "Everyone has one goal – to deliver one of the best elections in Bangladesh's history."
In addition, 1,051 executive magistrates are on duty and will remain deployed until 14 February.
Meanwhile, the EC has imposed a ban on individuals staying outside their own localities for 82.5 hours to ensure a free, fair and impartial vote.
The decision was communicated yesterday through directives sent by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam to all deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and police commissioners across the country.
The restriction will remain in force from 7am today, which is 48 hours before the start of polling, until 4:30pm on 13 February, 24 hours after the completion of voting, the EC decision said.
Voting will be held simultaneously across the country on Thursday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. Voting will take place in 299 parliamentary constituencies using ballot papers and transparent ballot boxes, and the referendum will also be held on the same day. Voting has been suspended in one constituency due to a candidate's death.
According to the EC, the total number of voters in this election is 12 crore 77 lakh 11,899. More than 42,000 polling centres and around 2,50,000 polling booths have been set up nationwide. The EC said each centre has been provided with necessary logistics and security arrangements.
Last-minute surge of complaints at the EC
Complaints continued to pour into the EC even at the last stage of the election campaign. Yesterday, 11-party alliance leaders met the Chief Election Commissioner and raised various complaints. Complaints were also lodged by Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Ducsu VP Sadiq Qayem, and Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Kader Siddique.
At a press conference at the Election Bhaban in Agargaon, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair said, "The role being played by some officials responsible for law and order is not conducive to a free, fair and acceptable election. They need proper directives and, if necessary, withdrawal; otherwise elections in these and some other areas will not be fair."
NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said the EC appears to take some decisions under influence. "For example, we heard a position about not deploying BNCC at centres following a demand from one party. Administrative reshuffles should have been neutral and routine, but we see certain parties being given special treatment. When candidates of a particular party complain, officers are withdrawn immediately."
He added that written complaints submitted by their candidates have not received replies. "Our voters and election volunteers – especially women volunteers – are facing repeated attacks, cyberbullying and physical insults. For these constituencies, there should be specific and targeted plans, and clear instructions to law-enforcement agencies."
Following a meeting with the CEC, Ducsu VP Sadiq Qayem claimed attempts were being made to spoil the election atmosphere.
Kader Siddique told the media after meeting the CEC that he does not feel the usual enthusiasm among the public on the streets. He alleged that in some areas of Tangail, law-enforcement agencies are breaking into homes at night and making arrests. The EC heard his complaints and assured that necessary steps would be taken.
Meanwhile, executive magistrates across the country have filed 259 cases over 461 violations of the electoral code of conduct and imposed fines amounting to Tk3,21,59,950. Mohammad Saiful Islam, member secretary of the central coordination committee for the referendum and the 13th parliamentary election, said these actions were taken between 8 January and 8 February.
It was learned that the highest number of violations – 33 – occurred on 3 February, leading to 13 cases and fines totalling Tk2,54,400.
