No gatherings allowed near polling centres: EC

Election Commissioner Brigadier General, Retd, Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the upcoming 13th parliamentary election is directly linked to the country’s image, political stability, trade, investment and employment.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a coordination meeting with the law enforcement cell and vigilance and observation teams at Jhalakathi deputy commissioner’s office at 3pm, January 31.

The election commissioner said the election is not just a voting exercise and everyone, regardless of their institutional role, has a responsibility as citizens to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible election. He added that the Election Commission has been working tirelessly to achieve that goal and expressed satisfaction with the field-level situation observed so far.

Regarding law and order, he said security forces must perform their duties with professionalism, honesty and complete neutrality to maintain a proper election environment. He warned that no complaints regarding election neutrality would be tolerated.

Sanaullah said clear instructions have been issued nationwide, including in Jhalakathi, to maintain law and order ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum 2026. He said district administration, police, army and all relevant agencies must work in coordination.

On polling centre security, he said strict security must be ensured both inside and outside polling stations. He added that no gatherings would be allowed near polling centres so that voters can exercise their voting rights without disruption. Army patrols and joint force operations will be intensified.

Referring to the election code of conduct, he said pens would not be allowed inside polling booths and only pencils could be used. He added that maximum importance would be given to postal ballot management, monitoring mobile financial transactions, use of intelligence information and recovery of illegal arms.