Law enforcement will ensure smooth election this time, unlike in previous polls: EC Sanaullah

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has assured that law enforcement agencies will work to ensure smooth and fair elections this time, unlike in previous polls where they reportedly "disrupted the voting process".

"Our law enforcement agencies may have been very powerful in the previous elections, but they disrupted the elections. This time, they may not be as powerful, but they will work to ensure a fair and smooth election," he said during a dialogue with journalists at the EC headquarters in the capital's Agargaon today (6 October).

The Election Commission (EC) has formed five special coordination and monitoring committees, including one for law and order, to prepare for the 13th national parliamentary elections scheduled for February. The law and order coordination committee is headed by Commissioner Sanaullah.

He noted, "Some of the forces have gone through trauma. Beyond that, deliberate cultural changes have taken place over the past 15-16 years. These cannot be solved overnight."

Sanaullah added, "However, we are trying to address the gaps. Nationally, we are focusing on areas where the Election Commission can extend its reach. We are also trying to involve volunteers, such as rovers and scouts, at the polling centres. We are taking the necessary measures to ensure that we can fully utilise our capacity.