EC directs police to tighten security at all election offices

In the wake of recent attacks targeting candidates and election facilities, the Election Commission (EC) has instructed police to beef up security at election offices nationwide.

The directive, issued on Saturday, was sent to the inspector general of police and relevant authorities to ensure heightened protection ahead of the general election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

A day after the schedule was announced on Thursday, a potential candidate, Sharif Osman bin Hadi, was shot in Dhaka and the Lakshmipur election office was targeted in an arson attack.

An EC official, asking not to be named, said the measures include stronger police escort for election commissioners and the secretary, armed guards for returning officers in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, and boosted security at all election offices nationwide.