No need to be kind to election disruptors: EC to law enforcers

“We have clearly instructed all forces and agencies that we will be humane towards those who are humane. But there is no need to be humane towards those who want to carry out banditry, vandalism, destroy the election environment or kill our brothers. The message is very clear,” Election Commissioner Brig Gen Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Sunday.

He was briefing reporters after a two-hour security meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city on the occasion of the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin chaired the meeting with participation of chiefs of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to review the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming elections.

Sanaullah said that since August 5, 2024, all forces had been instructed to operate in a more humane manner upholding human rights, but the Election Commission believes some quarters have taken undue advantage of that good initiative.

Raising other directives issued for the law enforcing agencies, he said any activities that disrupt the election environment would not be tolerated.

“Strict instructions have been given to the forces to discourage and prevent any activities that harm the electoral environment, taking whatever steps are required,” Sanaullah said.

The Election Commissioner said those trying to undermine the election process are mainly targeting urban areas. “Those who want to disrupt the festive atmosphere of the election will fail,” he said replying to a question.

Noting that the security for the aspirants was discussed in the meeting, Sanaullah said the security agencies assured the Election Commission to ensure security for those who want to contest the election.

“The police have already put a protocol in place, and security is being ensured according to that protocol for those who have sought it. Even beyond this, if anyone feels a lack of security, they can approach the police and appropriate measures will be taken,” he said.

Sanaullah also said the issue of electoral code of conduct was discussed in the meeting. “The Election Commission generally expressed satisfaction about it (maintaining of polls code),” he said adding that political parties and candidates are, on the whole, playing a cooperative role, for which the Commission has appreciated them.

He said intelligence agencies have been instructed to assess why prior information could not be adequately gathered in the case of the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi and to take necessary measures so that such incidents can be prevented in future.

Sanaullah said the EC has directed that joint forces operations at the field level will be resumed. The objectives of these operations include recovery of illegal arms and ammunition, arresting terrorists and bringing them under the law, and creating an atmosphere of confidence among voters, candidates and political parties.

Area-based checkpoints will be set up and checkpoint operations will be strengthened, he said, adding that special drives have also been ordered, particularly in remote and sensitive areas where the presence of arms has been reported.

Noting that several acts of sabotage have taken place recently in different areas, the commissioner said such incidents undoubtedly influence the election environment to some extent.

He, however, said based on preliminary assessments received from the relevant agencies, no involvement of any mainstream political party has yet been found in these incidents. Rather, all parties have condemned such activities and highlighted their negative impact.

“Nevertheless, regardless of whether the perpetrators are small or large entities, the Election Commission has strictly instructed that appropriate legal action must be taken against anyone involved,” the EC said.

At the beginning of the meeting, prayers were offered seeking salvation for departed souls of several persons, including Sharif Osman Hadi, Air Vice Marshal AK Khandker, and six members of the Bangladesh Army who were killed recently in a terrorist attack in Sudan.

He said discussions were also held to examine whether recent incidents had any direct link to the elections and whether they were affecting the electoral atmosphere. Based on this, several specific directives were issued by the Election Commission.

Regarding the investigation into the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, Sanaullah said the Commission was informed that six people have been arrested so far, all of whom are linked to the incident in some way. The EC has instructed the agencies to pursue the investigation thoroughly and with sincerity, he said.

On postal voting, he said there are only four days left for eligible voters to register and urged them to complete the process within the stipulated time. He added that the Commission may consider extending the deadline for election officials, as their appointment process has been slightly delayed.

Replying to a question about recent attacks on the offices of two leading national dailies—Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—Sanaullah said the EC shares the same concerns as journalists, noting that such incidents definitely have implications for the election environment.

The Election Commissioner said when all were mourning during a national mourning and people had naturally gathered to express their anger and sorrow, some vested quarters exploited the situation and carried out these incidents by overpowering the law enforcement agencies.

“This opportunity will not be given again. The message is very clear,” Sanaullah said.

In reply to another question, Sanaullah said that since the launch of the ongoing ‘drive against crime’, one force alone has recovered 56 firearms, while on average around 2,000 criminals are being arrested every day.

Three other election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed and Anwarul Islam Sarker were present at the meeting, which began at 2:50pm.

The Home Affairs Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, Directors general of Border Guard Bangladesh, the Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), along with additional IGPs of Special Branch (SB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Inspector General of Prisons joined the meeting.

Earlier, the chiefs of three services met the CEC at 12pm at Nirbachan Bhaban and informed him about the overall preparations of their respective forces for the elections, reports UNB.