EC warns of stealth attacks, orders firm action ahead of polls

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said today (14 December) that there is a possibility of stealth attacks ahead of the national election and that the Election Commission is not dismissing such risks, adding that steps have been taken to prevent any recurrence and to deal with such incidents firmly.

"The commission's message is very clear—there is no uncertainty about the election. It will be held on time, and any attempt to create obstacles in the election process will be suppressed," he said while briefing the media after an emergency law-and-order meeting at the Election office.

The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and attended by four election commissioners and senior officials of law enforcement agencies.

The meeting followed the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, in Dhaka a day after the EC announced the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

Sanaullah said the EC reviewed the overall law-and-order situation, progress made so far and the steps needed going forward.

"We discussed the situations that have emerged since the election schedule was announced and what our future course of action should be. We heard views from all agencies," he said.

He said the attack on Hadi was discussed in detail but declined to share specifics in the interest of the investigation, adding that those involved were being identified.

Asked whether the incident had created fear among candidates and voters, Sanaullah said creating fear was the attackers' objective.

"That is precisely why the commission sat with law enforcement agencies. This attempt will not be allowed to succeed," he said.

He also said the meeting discussed concerns that many criminals arrested during special operations had later secured bail and returned to society, as well as what measures could be taken to address the issue.

The commissioner said there had been attempts in recent times to set fire to two upazila election offices, reinforcing concerns about possible stealth attacks.

"These incidents suggest the risk remains. Today's main objective was to ensure such attacks do not recur and, if they do, that they are dealt with firmly," he said.

He added that law enforcement agencies jointly conveyed a clear message that anyone trying to sabotage or hinder the election would fail.

"The commission's message is very clear—there is no fear about the election. It will be held on time. We are satisfied with the actions taken so far, though we have also identified areas where further work is needed," he said.

Meanwhile, the CEC expressed deep concern over the shooting of Hadi so soon after the schedule announcement.

"This felt like a bolt from the blue for me. I announced the schedule one day, and the next day such an incident occurred. It is extremely unfortunate," AMM Nasir Uddin said at the meeting.