The law and order situation centring the upcoming parliamentary election is better than ever, and law enforcers are well prepared to ensure a peaceful environment during the polls, said Inspector General of Police Mohammad Javed Patwary yesterday.
“If the prevailing situation continues, we will be able to deliver a wonderful election,” he told reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The IGP and several other top police officials went to meet the CEC to update the Election Commission on police preparation for the December 30 polls.
On the allegation by opposition parties that police are not under the EC's control, the police chief said, “We are taking actions on specific allegations. Now, not only the police but also all the administration and the law enforcers are under the commission.”
His comment came at a time when the rift between the CEC and an election commissioner has deepened over the issue of level playing field.
On Monday, Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar told journalists that a level playing field was still absent and the words -- level playing field -- had become meaningless. The next day, the CEC told reporters in Rangamati, “He [Mahbub] did not speak the truth. The overall election atmosphere is good.”
Moreover, leaders of the BNP-led alliance on several occasions alleged that police were playing bias role against opposition candidates and activists.
Different civil society bodies also expressed concerns about the absence of a level playing field and the continued attacks on the opposition camps in different parts of the country.
'ATMOSPHERE CONGENIAL'
The CEC yesterday once again said a positive and congenial atmosphere for election was prevailing across the country.
People are very enthusiastic about the upcoming polls, he told field-level election officials, who will prepare polls results.
The CEC also urged them to be extra careful while handling the election results so that no mistakes were found in them.
If anyone has any complaints regarding the field-level election atmosphere, they should immediately inform the returning officer and the electoral inquiry committee, he added.
'DEPOSIT ARMS'
Holders of licensed arms must surrender those to concerned police stations or treasuries by December 24, a week before the polls, said a home ministry circular yesterday.
The ministry issued the circular as per the EC directive.
The circular says the firearms will remain in the police stations or treasuries till January 6.
Punitive action will be taken against those who will not comply with the directive, it added.
The candidates contesting the election, government officials and members of law enforcement agencies and security personnel working at private establishments and financial institutions will be outside the purview of the directive.
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