No scope for election not being held: Army Chief

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said there is no possibility of the national election not being held, as all stakeholders including the government, Election Commission, police and the army, navy and air force are committed to the process.

He made the remarks on Tuesday, February 3, during a visit to Gazipur district by the chiefs of the three services and a meeting with law enforcement officials.

The army chief said the forces are fully capable of ensuring a proper election and that everyone involved is committed to conducting it.

He also said attempts could be made to influence the election through financial transactions via mobile banking services such as bKash, and that discussions have been held with the Election Commission on the matter. He noted that some criminals may be involved but not everyone will engage in such activities.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the army will take action against anyone who intimidates voters or prevents them from going to polling centres on election day. Offenders will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

At the meeting, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan said criminals are being arrested through operations conducted day and night and that an atmosphere of fear must be maintained among wrongdoers to ensure a fair election.

Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan said visible presence of deployed forces must be increased to build public confidence and ensure a fair electoral environment.

According to a press release from ISPR, the service chiefs exchanged views with senior military officers and officials from law enforcement agencies and civil administration from Gazipur, Narsingdi and Narayanganj districts at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute auditorium.