Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has said there will be no concessions for any lack of neutrality among officials assigned to election duties, warning that proven allegations of bias will invite strict and adverse consequences.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a view-sharing meeting with law enforcement agencies, vigilance, and observation teams at the Feni Deputy Commissioner’s Office around 2:30 pm on Tuesday (January 27).
The election commissioner said questions had been raised over past elections due to the absence of neutrality. Learning from those experiences, he stressed that even the slightest bias would not be accepted this time. Neither the Election Commission nor the government would issue any instructions encouraging partiality, he said. However, if any official fails to remain above personal likes or dislikes and such conduct is proven, they will face severe consequences.
He further said that the country’s image is directly linked to the upcoming election. “This isn’t just an election to restore the democratic process; it’s also about Bangladesh’s image in the international arena,” he noted. After a long gap, the election is being held again, which he likened to rainfall after a drought. He added that the initiative to effectively implement postal ballots for the first time and the expanded use of information technology would make this election a new experience, even compared to the competitive election of 2008, which didn’t have such a technological environment.
Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said coordinated efforts by all stakeholders at the field level are the foundation of a free, fair, and acceptable election. In Feni, he observed, such coordination is visible so far. Compared to the past, there is also greater adherence to the code of conduct, which has made election management easier. There is no scope for bias or violations of the code of conduct in this election, he said, stressing the need to carry out responsibilities with transparency, neutrality, and firmness.
Addressing members of the law enforcement agencies, he said the primary objective is to ensure that voters can cast their ballots for candidates of their choice without fear or obstruction. Any deviation from this would render the election meaningless, he warned. A sound law and order situation is a prerequisite for a credible election, he added, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts by all agencies. Restoring lost public trust and confidence, he said, requires collective action.
Chaired by Feni Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Monira Haque, the meeting was also addressed by Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mosharaf Hossain, commander of the Feni Battalion of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Representatives of the army, upazila nirbahi officers from the district’s six upazilas, officers-in-charge of police stations, and officials from various levels of the administration and law enforcement agencies were also present.