Returning officers may suspend voting if necessary: EC Anwarul

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam has said that several important amendments have been made to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) ahead of the upcoming national election. Under the new provision, returning officers or presiding officers may suspend polling at their assigned centres if necessary.

The government has taken all necessary preparations to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election, he said.

He made the remarks while addressing as chief guest a workshop titled “Identifying and overcoming challenges in performing election duties by polling officials” held at the CODEC Training Centre in Kuakata at 12 pm on Saturday, November 1.

Anwarul Islam said the government is determined to hold a fair election and will not tolerate any irregularities or obstacles during the process. “All officials assigned to electoral duties must carry out their responsibilities with courage and sincerity,” he added.

The workshop was presided over by Barishal Regional Election Officer Md Faridul Islam. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed, Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Dr Md Shahid Hossain Chowdhury, Additional Superintendent of Police Apu Sarowar and Deputy Chief of the Election Commission Secretariat Muhammad Mostafa Hasan attended as special guests.

Around 60 officials from different government departments, including upazila election officers from eight upazilas of Patuakhali district, took part in the workshop.

During the session, election-related officials said that the administration, law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission are working together to ensure a fair environment in the upcoming polls. “Our main goal is to deliver a free and fair election,” they said.