The government is fully prepared to ensure free, fair and impartial national elections, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
He made the remarks on Monday (27 October) during a meeting at the Secretariat with a delegation from the Commonwealth Electoral Support Section (ESS).
The two-member delegation was led by ESS Legal Adviser Nancy Kaniyago, accompanied by Executive Officer Madonna Lynch. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs were also present.
Welcoming the delegation, the adviser said the current interim government is “election-oriented and fully prepared.” He noted that sufficient law enforcement personnel will be deployed nationwide to maintain order during the polls. Around 800,000 members of law enforcement and approximately 80,000 members of the armed forces will be assigned to election duties.
The adviser added that training and mock exercises are being conducted for all security personnel. Special drives are underway to seize illegal weapons and ammunition.
To ensure smooth communication with polling centers, the police headquarters and all district offices will set up Election Control Rooms, he said. Where possible, polling centers will be equipped with CCTV cameras, while officers will use body-worn cameras. Adequate numbers of law enforcement personnel will be deployed at every polling station.
The adviser emphasized that media will have full freedom to cover the elections, and a sufficient number of domestic and international observers will be accredited. Mobile teams and striking forces will also be on standby to maintain peace.
Commonwealth representative Nancy Kaniyago highlighted the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and the Commonwealth, noting that Bangladesh became a member shortly after independence. She said the Commonwealth has an established election observation group and will participate if Bangladesh issues an official invitation.
The adviser mentioned Bangladesh’s extensive experience in election security, particularly through the participation of Bangladeshi law enforcement in UN peacekeeping missions, where they have supported electoral processes in various countries.
He added that Bangladesh needs the Commonwealth’s financial assistance more than technical support regarding law enforcement. The Commonwealth, he said, could help by providing CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras, and other election-related equipment. The delegation noted they could support human rights training for police personnel.
When asked about new recruitment ahead of the election, the adviser said:
10,264 police officers, 2,145 Ansar and VDP members, 5,513 BGB personnel, and 634 Coast Guard members have been newly appointed for election duties.
Regarding the demand from July martyrs’ families to establish a special tribunal for the July killings, the adviser said the Ministry of Law may form such a tribunal if necessary. However, two international crimes tribunals are already working to ensure justice.
The adviser expressed confidence that voters will be able to come to polling centers freely, safely, and enthusiastically during the upcoming national election.
| Government Ready to Deliver Free, Fair and Neutral Elections
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