Bangladesh Polls: Home Adviser Warns of Strict Action Against Election Irregularities

Bangladesh's Home Adviser has issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against law enforcement and election officials if irregularities like ballot snatching or fraudulent voting occur during the national election. The warning came during inspections of police facilities and polling centers in Dhaka as the country prepares for voting. Over 12.77 crore voters will elect representatives for 299 parliamentary seats and participate in a concurrent national referendum on the July National Charter. The European Union Election Observation Mission has described the pre-poll atmosphere as "very positive," with over 200 observers deployed across the country.

Key Points: Bangladesh Election: Strict Action Warned for Irregularities

  • Strict action warned for election irregularities
  • Over 12.77 crore eligible voters
  • Concurrent national referendum on July Charter
  • EU observers report positive pre-poll atmosphere
  • Security and logistics preparations complete
3 min read

Bangaldesh: Strict action will be taken if irregularities occur during polls, says Home Adviser

Bangladesh's Home Adviser warns of strict action against poll irregularities as 12.77 crore voters prepare for national election and referendum.

"strict action will be taken - Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury"

Dhaka, February 11

Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday has warned that "strict" action will be taken against members of law enforcement agencies and election officials if incidents such as ballot box snatching, fraudulent voting or other irregularities take place during the national election, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while visiting the Operation Control Room at Police Headquarters and later inspecting the New Market and Mohammadpur police stations under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

According to Deputy Chief Information Officer Faisal Hasan, the adviser reviewed the overall law-and-order situation nationwide and assessed security arrangements for the election at the Police Headquarters. In the presence of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam and other senior officials, he also examined the use of body-worn cameras by police personnel.

During his visits to the two police stations, the home adviser directed officers to fulfil their election responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.

Concluding his tour, he visited the Teachers' Training College centre in the capital, where election materials are being dispatched to different constituencies in Dhaka, the report added.

Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will cast his vote at Gulshan Model School and College polling centre in the city on Thursday morning, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Prof Yunus will cast a vote in the 13th Parliamentary Election and the Referendum on the July National Charter, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Wednesday afternoon.

Voting is scheduled for tomorrow in Bangladesh (February 12). The results are expected to be confirmed on Friday, February 13.

Following an intense 20-day official campaign period that concluded on February 10, authorities have now fully shifted to polling mode, with attention centred on voting-day logistics and security management.

Over 12.77 crore eligible voters will elect representatives for 299 of the 300 parliamentary seats, with one seat postponed following a candidate's death.

Alongside the parliamentary contest, voters will also participate in a concurrent national referendum on the July National Charter, a key document proposing major constitutional and institutional changes that could shape future governance.

The Election Commission said ballot papers are being distributed to polling centres with stringent security measures in place, noting that logistical preparations involving thousands of election officials and security personnel have been completed.

The European Union Election Observation Mission described the pre-poll atmosphere as "very positive," with Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs noting that stakeholders across districts and regions expressed a hopeful outlook, according to The Daily Star.

The EU has deployed over 200 observers, including 60 long-term observers who have been active since early January and 90 short-term observers assigned to monitor voting and counting.

Politically, the contest primarily pits candidates from two major alliances, one led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the other by Jamaat-e-Islami.

Despite the broadly positive outlook from authorities and observers, concerns persist in some regions regarding potential post-poll unrest.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Warnings are good, but action is what matters. We've seen in the past how election irregularities can lead to long-term instability. The use of body cameras is a positive step for transparency. Let's hope the security forces remain impartial.
A
Aman W
Over 12 crore voters! That's a massive democratic exercise. The logistical challenge is huge. As an Indian, I know how complex our own elections are. Respect to the election officials and security personnel managing this. All the best to our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters.
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Sarah B
The EU observer mission calling the atmosphere "very positive" is encouraging. International observation is crucial for legitimacy. However, the mention of potential post-poll unrest is worrying. Stability is key for economic ties and regional cooperation.
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Vikram M
The referendum on the National Charter seems like a bigger deal than the parliamentary elections itself. Constitutional changes can reshape a nation's future. Hope the people of Bangladesh make an informed choice. Their progress in recent years has been impressive.
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Karthik V
With all due respect, such strong warnings from the Home Adviser are standard before every election. The real test is whether action is taken *after* the polls if irregularities are reported. The track record in the region has been mixed. Hoping for a truly free and fair process.

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