The transfer of superintendent of police (SP) of Jessore to Dhaka just a day before the fourth phase of upazila election has raised questions in the district.
Jessore SP Joydeb Kumar Bhadra was transferred as a deputy commissioner of police to Dhaka while elections in Jessore Sadar and Keshabpur upazila are scheduled to be held today. The copy of Joydeb’s transfer order was received on Friday.
Sources say Aminul Islam, AIG (establishment), police headquarters, signed the transfer order on Friday. Noakhali SP Anisur Rahman replaced Joydeb.
Reshma Sharmin, assistant superintendent of police of Jessore, told that additional superintendent of police KM Ariful Haque was made the acting superintendent of police. “The incumbent SP is yet to take over,” she added.
Joydeb told journalists that he handed over to the additional superintendent of police on Friday night after receiving the transfer order in the evening.
Political leaders described the incident as alarming.
Former lawmaker and AL leader Khaledur Rahman Tito said the issue could have a negative impact on today’s election.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Iqbal Kabir Jahid, polit bureau member of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, said the transfer had raised doubt about holding free and fair upazila polls. “A large number of voters will not go to polling stations citing security concerns,” he added.
BNP Standing Committee member Tariqul Islam said the incident was a bad signal ahead of upazila elections.
Ali Reza Raju, president of Jessore district unit of Awami League, and AKM Mainul Islam, returning officer of Jessore, however, ruled out any possibility of untoward situation during the upazila polls.