'Where is law-and-order deterioration?' asks CEC, says attack on Hadi will not impact polls
AMM Nasir Uddin mentioned the killings of Awami League leader Ahsanullah Master and former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria, saying such incidents have happened in Bangladesh and that this is nothing new.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has said the recent attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi is an isolated incident and does not indicate any deterioration in law and order, stating that it will not have any impact on the upcoming election.
Speaking at the "Gen Vote Festival" in the capital today (15 December) and responding to a journalist's question on law and order, the CEC said, "Where is the law and order deterioration? One or two murders happen once in a while. The attack on Hadi is one such incident, and we consider it an isolated case."
Referring to similar incidents in the past, the CEC mentioned the killings of Awami League leader Ahsanullah Master and former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria, saying such incidents have happened in Bangladesh and that this is nothing new.
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He also urged people not to have any doubts or concerns regarding the upcoming national election. The Election Commission is ready and the election will take place, he added.
Speaking on the election and the commission's preparations, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin said there may be concerns about the election, but the EC has no doubts.
He said it is fully prepared and that the election will be held with the participation and cooperation of all. He also urged people to set aside their worries.
Comparing the current situation with 5 August last year and the July Uprising, he said law enforcement agencies were then inactive and police stations non-functional, but the situation has improved significantly, allowing people to move freely and live in peace.
Calling the upcoming election "historic," he said expatriate Bangladeshis will vote by postal ballot for the first time in 54 years.
"Around 10 lakh officials and employees, including law enforcement personnel, will also be able to vote by postal ballot. Arrangements are being made for prisoners, expatriates, and government employees posted outside their constituencies."
He said, "A referendum will be held alongside the election, making it historic in multiple ways."
Nasir emphasised the role of youth in moving the country forward and said participation from all, especially young people, is crucial for a free, fair, and credible election.
"The Election Commission alone cannot ensure success and highlighted the need for everyone's cooperation to deliver a smooth, inclusive, and well-organised election," he added.
