Army, navy and air force chiefs assure full preparedness, coordinated deployment for fair polls: Sanaullah
Sanaullah noted that around 100,000 army personnel will be deployed, with one-third already on the ground
The chiefs of the army, navy and air force have assured the Election Commission of their full preparedness and coordinated deployment to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said today (21 December).
The chiefs of three armed forces – Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan – held a meeting with the Election Commission (EC).
After the meeting, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah told reporters that the discussions focused on preparedness, coordination and security arrangements for the upcoming election.
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He said the chiefs of three services briefed the commission on their coordinated preparations to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.
"They have assured us that all necessary measures have been taken and that deployment will be made as required," he said.
Sanaullah noted that around 100,000 army personnel will be deployed, with one-third already on the ground.
"The remaining forces will be deployed gradually, ensuring full deployment well ahead of polling day – not only during the final five days," he said, dismissing speculation about any reduction in forces.
Deployments will instead be increased where necessary, he added.
"The chiefs assured us that coordination at the field level is strong across the country and that all deployments are under full control," he said.
From the commission's side, Sanaullah said emphasis was placed on joint force operations, arms recovery and preventing terrorist activities.
"District-level coordination cells were instructed to remain vigilant, while magistrates were urged to take swift legal action against offenders," he added.
He further said detailed discussions were held on command and control mechanisms at the local level.
"Joint operations will function under a coordinated framework, with a designated lead controller in charge during specific operations," he said.
Sanaullah said the chiefs of the three services assured the commission that their forces are fully prepared and committed to ensuring a credible and successful election.
