No leniency for vandalism, arson on Prothom Alo, Daily Star: EC Sanaullah
Election festive mood disrupted by Osman Hadi’s death, but will be restored, he says
Those involved in widespread vandalism and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following Osman Hadi's death will not be given any further opportunity to repeat such acts, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said today (21 December).
"The message is very clear – no one will be spared," he said at a press conference after a meeting with the law enforcement agencies.
He stated that the festive atmosphere surrounding the election had been disrupted by the death of Osman Hadi but vowed that the commission would restore it.
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Responding to a question, Sanaullah said, "If an accident happens during a major festival, doesn't it disrupt the festive mood? That is what has happened nationally. The killing of Osman Hadi has shaken us. But we must turn this grief into strength and move forward. Those who want to destroy the festive atmosphere of the election will fail. The festive mood will return."
He added that the commission would take a hard line against those attempting to create disorder.
"Those who want to commit violence, those who want to kill, those who want to create chaos during the elections, we will not show them any leniency. Clear instructions will be given to law enforcement agencies. Anyone who has committed wrongdoing under the cover of emotion will be held accountable," he said.
The election commissioner further said the EC had issued directives to prevent any activity that could harm the election environment.
From now on, he said joint forces would be deployed at the field level, with operations to recover illegal weapons and detain those involved in criminal activities.
Sanaullah also said the police are ensuring the security of candidates from all political parties.
Earlier in the day, the Election Commission held a law and order meeting at the EC Bhaban to review the pre-election security situation, the role of joint forces and compliance with the electoral code of conduct.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, began at 2:30pm. Prior to that, the commission held a separate meeting with the chiefs of the army, navy and air force at noon.
