Election Commissioner (EC) Anisur Rahman said that any irregularities in the Upazila Parishad elections would be dealt with sternly.
"The way we handled the 12th national parliament election, the upazila will also be like that."
Decisions regarding irregularities would be made promptly without hesitation, said Anisur Rahman.
“As we have concluded the 12th national parliamentary election, the standards for the upazila elections will be equally stringent.”
Speaking at a view-exchange meeting session held at PTI Building in Chittagong city on Wednesday morning, Anisur Rahman addressed law enforcement and administration officials regarding the 6th Upazila Parishad election.
He said that under the current government, the conduct of the elections will be transparent for all to witness. Unlike national elections, there are no party candidates or symbols in the polls.
“We anticipate a higher voter turnout, ensuring a competitive electoral process,” said the commissioner.
Highlighting the unprecedented cancellation of Awami League candidate Mostafizur Rahman's candidacy for the Chittagong-16 (Banshkhali) constituency in the 12th national parliamentary election, he said: "In Bangladesh's 53-year history, such a cancellation has never occurred before. Mostafizur Rahman's candidacy was revoked just 15 minutes before polling ended on that day."
Explaining the grounds for cancellation, Anisur Rahman recounted: "There was proper evidence to warrant the cancellation. Mostafizur Rahman had been under observation for a week. When he assaulted the officer-in-charge upon entering a police station, with the circle SP failing to intervene, it became imperative for us to act. Hence, we decided to annul his candidacy."
Reiterating the commitment to ensure a fair electoral process in the sixth Upazila Parishad election, he said: "We will not hesitate to take decisive action. Our sole objective is to conduct elections with integrity. Presiding officers are allowed to address any irregularities, fraud, or malpractice. They are instructed to exercise full authority in upholding the law on polling day, with our unwavering support in any potential threats."
He further emphasized: "From the highest levels of government, there is a unified desire for transparent and fair elections. The prime minister has reiterated this sentiment in various addresses. We are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to uphold the sanctity of the vote."
The exchange meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Md Tofayel Ahmed, was attended by CMP Commissioner Krishna Pad Roy, Chittagong Range DIG Nur Alam Meena, BGB Regional Commander Md Azizur Rahman, DGFI Chittagong Branch Commander Brigadier General Tofayel Mostafa Sarwar, and Deputy Commissioner Abul Basar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman.