Strict action if anyone tries to obstruct polls: CEC
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (26 November) said action will be taken against anyone attempting to obstruct the 13th National Election.
"Those who are announcing plans to obstruct the election, we will take all necessary measures. With everyone's cooperation, we will be able to hold a good election," he said while speaking to journalists after attending the 13th national election training and drill at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in the capital today.
The CEC also said special measures will be taken in high-risk areas during the election.
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The chief election commissioner said high-risk areas will be handled separately.
"We will divide the areas into red, yellow, and green zones and determine the deployment strategy accordingly. A meeting with the law enforcement agencies is scheduled for 30 November, where the deployment strategy will be finalized," he added.
Replying to a question on the law-and-order situation, he said that although the situation has not been perfect since 5 August, it has improved significantly and will further improve ahead of the polls.
The CEC added that the police, Ansar, BGB, and other forces are conducting regular training, which will have a positive impact on ensuring a fair election.
He also said the Election Commission is committed to delivering a fair, neutral, and well-conducted election to the nation.
Mock election
Meanwhile, a full election drill was held this morning at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana, where a mock polling centre named "Fulpori Government Primary School" was set up. Voters, journalists, observers, and law enforcement participated in the simulation.
The situation suddenly turned chaotic with slogans, a procession and motorcycles attempting to storm the centre.
As voters fled, the presiding officer sought support from the BGB. Within minutes, BGB members arrived, warned the intruders, carried out a baton charge, and detained several people. Order was restored, and voting resumed.
CEC AMM Nasir Uddin, election commissioners, the EC secretary, and the BGB DG observed the drill.
Around 300 BGB members took part. The EC said the national election and referendum will be held in early February, with the schedule to be announced in early December. This drill aimed to prepare BGB personnel to handle any unwanted situation on election day.
