No need to be kind to election disruptors: EC to law enforcers
Earlier, the chiefs of three services met the CEC at 12pm at Nirbachan Bhaban and informed him about the overall preparations of their respective forces for the elections
The Election Commission has instructed law enforcement agencies to treat courteously only those who act humanely with fairness, while taking strict action against individuals who disrupt the electoral process through vandalism and violence.
"We have clearly instructed all forces and agencies that we will be humane towards those who are humane. But there is no need to be humane towards those who want to carry out banditry, vandalism, destroy the election environment or kill our brothers. The message is very clear," Election Commissioner Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah today (21 December).
He was briefing reporters after a two-hour security meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city on the occasion of the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026.
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Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin chaired the meeting with the participation of chiefs of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to review the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming elections, reports UNB.
Sanaullah said that since August 5, 2024, all forces had been instructed to operate in a more humane manner, upholding human rights, but the Election Commission believes some quarters have taken undue advantage of that good initiative.
Raising other directives issued for the law enforcing agencies, he said any activities that disrupt the election environment would not be tolerated.
"Strict instructions have been given to the forces to discourage and prevent any activities that harm the electoral environment, taking whatever steps are required," Sanaullah said.
The Election Commissioner said those trying to undermine the election process are mainly targeting urban areas. "Those who want to disrupt the festive atmosphere of the election will fail," he said replying to a question.
Noting that the security for the aspirants was discussed in the meeting, Sanaullah said the security agencies assured the Election Commission to ensure security for those who want to contest the election.
"The police have already put a protocol in place, and security is being ensured according to that protocol for those who have sought it. Even beyond this, if anyone feels a lack of security, they can approach the police and appropriate measures will be taken," he said.
Sanaullah also said the issue of electoral code of conduct was discussed in the meeting. "The Election Commission generally expressed satisfaction about it (maintaining of polls code)," he said.
Three other election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed and Anwarul Islam Sarker were present at the meeting, which began at 2:50pm.
The Home Affairs Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, Directors general of Border Guard Bangladesh, the Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), along with additional IGPs of Special Branch (SB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Inspector General of Prisons joined the meeting.
Earlier, the chiefs of three services met the CEC at 12pm at Nirbachan Bhaban and informed him about the overall preparations of their respective forces for the elections.
