No safety risk, come to polling centres, cast your vote without fear: EC Anwarul

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker has assured voters of holding a peaceful election and a referendum on 12 February and said there is nothing to be panicked over safety. People will witness one of the best elections in the country's history. In an exclusive interview with The Business Standard's Jahir Rayhan at Nirbachan Bhaban yesterday, Anwarul said election results would be available by 13 February.  

Under the current law-and-order situation, how confident is the Election Commission (EC)?

On behalf of the EC, I want to say clearly that there is no reason for any concern. All the doubts regarding the election have already been overcome.

Insha'Allah, on 12 February 12, we will be able to deliver a beautiful, peaceful, and acceptable election. Compared to all previous elections in Bangladesh's history, the electoral environment this time is better.

Today (yesterday) army and magistrates were deployed across the country. How many law enforcers will be on duty in total?

Around 11 to 12 lakh personnel from all forces will be deployed to maintain law and order. Everyone has the same goal to deliver one of the best elections in the history of Bangladesh. Under the leadership of the returning officers and the supervision of the EC, the election will be conducted in a well-coordinated manner.

Those deployed to maintain law and order will perform their duties under their respective commands. We believe that the law-and-order situation has improved significantly compared to earlier situations.

How will the monitoring cell and media cell operate on election day?

In each constituency, there will be multiple monitoring teams—electoral, judicial and executive magistrates, observer committees, and law and order cells. Information will be collected every two hours and sent to district and regional election offices as well as the central monitoring cell.

What measures are taken to prevent fake campaigns, and other issues?
Our fact-finding cell is monitoring electronic, print, and social media. Information is being verified to determine what is true and what is false, and legal action is being taken as necessary.

What about cameras, technological surveillance at polling stations?
CCTV cameras will be at centres with uninterrupted electricity. In addition, body-worn cameras will also increase further transparency.

What is the stance of the EC regarding rumour of delays in publishing election results

Our hope and effort are that the results will be available by 13 February. It may not even take the whole of 13 February because multiple devices and modern systems will be used to collect the results.  

Can vote counting continue until midnight or even later?

It's difficult to say precisely. In some remote and backward areas, it may take time to get the results.

Many concern over illegal arms and safety

A joint forces operation is underway. Most of the looted weapons have already been recovered.

Tell something about the safety concerns of women voters.

Our goal is to ensure the safety of all voters, not just women. Security forces have been deployed on such a large scale so that everyone can vote without any trouble.

What is the role of the EC regarding safety of media workers?

The media will work completely independently. If any journalist is obstructed or harassed intentionally, it will be strictly suppressed. Law enforcement agencies have been given clear instructions in this regard.

What is your message to the voters?

I will appeal to all voters to come to the polling station without fear and vote for your preferred candidate.