Road blockade culture must stop for smooth polls: IGP

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam on Tuesday warned that the growing practice of blocking roads and highways over trivial issues must stop immediately, as it could hamper the police's ability to provide full security support for the national election scheduled for 12 February.

"We see attempts to create instability in society through road and highway blockades with minor demands or trivial matters. We think the time has come to stop these practices. If we cannot establish order everywhere, it will not be possible for us to provide all-out support to the Election Commission for conducting the elections," he said.

The IGP made the remarks while addressing a briefing arranged for returning officers and senior field officials.

The Election Commission (EC) organised the briefing on electoral management affairs for deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs) and other field-level officials at 10:00am at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area, ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum scheduled for 12 February 2026.

Besides DCs and SPs, the briefing was attended by divisional commissioners, metropolitan police commissioners, deputy inspectors general (DIGs) of police, regional election officers and district election officers.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and four election commissioners—Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Saker and Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah—provided guidelines and instructions to ensure free, fair and festive elections. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed presided over the briefing.

Reflecting on past challenges, the IGP said police faced significant difficulties in maintaining law and order during the post-July movement period.

"We must overcome such situations. I believe we have enhanced our capabilities sufficiently ahead of this election. We seek the Election Commission's continued support for taking strict measures to maintain order," he said.

Baharul Alam pledged that police would exert their utmost efforts to ensure the elections are held successfully and peacefully.

"On behalf of Bangladesh Police, I assure the Chief Election Commissioner and all election commissioners that we will be able to hold this election successfully, fairly and peacefully with all our strength and full capability," he said.

He praised the EC's initiatives, including empowering the Electoral Inquiry Committee to conduct summary trials for immediate action on election-related offences, describing the provision as timely.

During the briefing, the IGP also sought clarification regarding field-level police transfers, particularly those involving lower-ranking personnel such as sub-inspectors (SIs) and constables.

He said the EC issues directives on postings of SPs and senior officers, but clear guidelines are needed for transfers of lower-level personnel.

High-level government officials were also present at the opening session of the briefing.