All stakeholders must work together for free, fair election: Home adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam on Wednesday (8 October) said that citizens play the most crucial role in ensuring a free, fair and peaceful national election, urging all stakeholders to act responsibly in the run-up to the polls.

Talking to reporters after handing over 20 pickup vans to various police stations under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at its headquarters, the adviser stressed that cooperation among institutions and the public is essential for credible elections, reports UNB.

"The Election Commission, administration, law enforcement agencies and political parties — all must work together. The cooperation of these entities is crucial," Jahangir Alam said, adding that people are the 'biggest stakeholders' in any election.

He said public engagement will determine the success of the polls. "Once they are engaged, no one can derail the process. Our people are very aware when it comes to elections. Discussions have already started at tea stalls, and as the day draws closer, this discussion will intensify further."

Expressing optimism about the overall security environment, the adviser noted that politically motivated crimes tend to decline as elections approach. "When elections near, political parties usually focus on their campaigns and processions," he said.

On recent street demonstrations, Jahangir Alam said unauthorised processions by the Awami League and its affiliated organisations have reduced since the arrest of 244 leaders and activists in Dhaka. "If the media and the public continue to cooperate, I believe these unlawful processions will decline even further — eventually be eliminated," he said.

The adviser also addressed ongoing challenges faced by the police, including shortages of vehicles and housing facilities. He said that 200 pickup vans are being procured to strengthen law enforcement capacity, made possible through the 'sincere efforts' of the chief adviser and other officials.

"Out of 50 police stations under DMP, 25 are currently operating out of rented buildings. Foundation stones have been laid for five new stations recently, and two of them may be completed soon. Others will be built gradually," he added.

Responding to questions about sporadic attacks on police in recent months, including a recent assault on an Additional Superintendent of Police in Narsingdi, Jahangir Alam said such incidents have decreased compared to previous years.

"The number of attacks on police has declined significantly. If the media highlights such events constructively, people themselves will resist such acts," he said.

The adviser handed over the new vehicles as part of efforts to enhance the operational efficiency of DMP ahead of the upcoming national election.