Police seek magistracy power during elections

Superintendents of Police (SPs) have requested magistracy powers to maintain law and order during the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. 

They made the request during a meeting with divisional commissioners, police commissioners, election officers, deputy commissioners, and SPs at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon today (23 December).

At the session, several SPs, including the Cumilla SP, urged that police be granted magistracy authority to ensure smooth election management.

Police officers highlighted operational challenges, citing shortages of vehicles and personnel. They stressed the need of manpower to manage the two elections scheduled for the same day. The SPs also proposed deploying Red Crescent Society workers to assist sick and disabled voters.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said, "I firmly believe our personnel are fully capable of maintaining law and order. The police are committed to making this election successful."

Warning against minor disruptions, the IGP noted that roadblocks or highway obstructions could create public inconvenience. "If law and order cannot be maintained everywhere, supporting the EC will become extremely difficult," he added.

Chattogram Range DIG likened the current security situation to living in conflict zones such as Syria and Libya, citing political interference in policing. 

He urged hands-on training for presiding officers and hoped the 2026 elections would be remembered as free, fair, and credible.

Divisional commissioners and range DIGs emphasised creating a neutral, transparent, and festive voting environment. They also stressed strict action to prevent bail for identified criminals and to seize illegal weapons. 

Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-Un-Nabi noted the need to strengthen security at border-adjacent polling centres, track criminal movements, and prevent crimes inside prisons.

EC wants to show what rule of law truly means

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the police briefing had strengthened his confidence. "If field officials fail to perform, the EC's ability to conduct smooth elections will be severely affected," he said.

He said that the country's electoral system has been destroyed through staged elections. "The Election Commission wants to demonstrate what the rule of law truly means this time."

Highlighting minority voter safety, the CEC referred to a recent communal attack in Mymensingh and instructed field administration to prioritise communal harmony. 

"Voters from minority communities must be able to arrive safely, cast their votes peacefully, return home safely, and sleep without fear. This is very important," he said.

Addressing returning officers and field officials, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said preventing disruptions and removing criminal elements from polling areas is crucial.

Referring to the Osman Hadi murder case, he asked whether the accused could have escaped if checkpoints had functioned effectively. He added that nationwide checkpoints, both large and small, will be made more dynamic to allow coordinated law enforcement.