The government’s goal has always been the continuation of the democratic process; they advanced this goal by ensuring that the election schedule was declared successfully. Post schedule deceleration, the same level of vigilance and determination is being observed to ensure that the elections can take place peacefully and on schedule.
Anticipating acts of violence by BNP and Its allies after declaration of election schedule; security had been beefed up across the country. Stringent security measures had been implemented. 181 platoons of BGB were deployed across the country and members of law enforcement agencies were on high alert in the capital. Police monitored the main roads with drone cameras. These measures were prudently taken by law enforcement officials before the declaration of the election schedule. The law enforcement agencies will continue such vigilant operations to ensure a free, fair and peaceful elections.
Security Measures taken before the Election Schedule Declaration
Anticipating an escalation of violence and vandalism by BNP and its allies; special security measures were taken. To safeguarded the Election Bhaban in Agargaon, seven RAB patrol teams equipped with specialized vehicles were strategically deployed in the surrounding areas. Additionally, 60 RAB patrol teams were mobilized across other parts of the capital. To secure the vicinity of the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon ahead of the polls schedule announcement, at least 10 platoons of BGB were deployed.
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BNP led arsonists did torch two vehicles and declared strikes in response to the successful declaration of the election schedule; however, their ultimate goal to create mass anarchy was averted due to the vigilant and steadfast stand by the government and law enforcement agencies.
The government’s goal has always been the continuation of the democratic process, they advanced this goal by ensuring that the election schedule was declared successfully. Post schedule declaration, the same level of vigilance and determination is being observed to ensure that the elections can take place peacefully and on schedule.
Security Measures Beefed up to Ensure Peaceful Elections
Even before the deceleration of the Election schedule, law enforcement authorities were already planning security measure to ensure a peaceful elections could take place. Law enforcement authorities conveyed to the Election Commission on 30th October that organizing the forthcoming national election posed no significant challenges. During their engagement with the EC, they assured a steadfast commitment to vigilance, particularly in safeguarding against any potential deterioration of law and order amid the political anarchy and arson committed by the BNP.
Post schedule declaration, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman issued a stern warning, emphasizing that rigorous measures would be taken by law enforcement agencies in the face of any anarchy or disorder masquerading as movements.
In a media interaction at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, the DMP chief assured that movements adhering to established rules and regulations would receive police protection and support.
Beyond the capital, police forces nationwide have been instructed to exercise “extra caution” to prevent any undesirable situations related to the upcoming elections, according to police sources. An additional superintendent of police highlighted the pivotal role of the police in maintaining law and order, especially in addressing potential unrest surrounding the imminent national elections.
Role of Rapid Action Battalion
In preparation for the imminent 12th national elections, RAB Director General Khurshid Hossain asserted that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) stands ready to confront any challenges, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining law and order stability.
Highlighting RAB’s pivotal role in upholding law and order, the official expressed the agency’s dedication to facilitating a secure environment, “RAB’s primary objective is to ensure the safety of our nation’s people, preventing the consolidation of militancy and thwarting the establishment of terrorist dominance. RAB’s proactive efforts in this regard are steadily earning increased trust, love, and faith from the public.”
According to Director General Khurshid Hossain; RAB will ensure that law and order is maintained leading up to and during the election and that people can go to polling centers to exercise their democratic right to vote.
Continuation of Democracy Through Peaceful Elections
The government of Bangladesh is constitutionally obligated to hold a free and fair election after its term ends. To this end, the government is committed to ensuring that the democratic process is not hampered by BNP and its Allies who would use tools such as arson, vandalism and violence to disrupt the democratic spirit of the nation. The law enforcement agencies have taken up the challenge of ensuring that the government and its dedication to democratic free will is not usurped by those who would return the nation to the days of anarchy, chaos and lawlessness.
