Multiple local and foreign communities are spreading propaganda and rumours to sabotage the 11th parliamentary election, said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia while addressing the press regarding the upcoming polls at his own office in Dhaka on Saturday around 12pm.
They are trying to create a fearsome environment so that voters do not appear at voting centres to cast their votes and exercise their rights, he alleged.
Among others present during the briefing were:Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit chief Monirul Islam, DMP Joint Commissioners Abdul Baten and Krishna Pad Ray, and Proloy Kumar Joardar, the deputy commissioner at DMP’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit.
DMP commissioner said:"A collective and coordinated security measure has been taken consisting of members from the Armed Forces, BGB, RAB and the police. The polling centres have been given airtight security. There will be mobile patrol teams and striking forces as back up. Security has been strengthened in all the important locations of Dhaka."
"All measures have been taken so that the voters can safely go to the polling stations. The mobile patrol is going on to ensure a fair and free election environment. We are being very cautious so that no one can influence voters, either indirectly or indirectly. We have set up control rooms to monitor everything during the polls," he added.
DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said: "I want to make one thing clear to the voters, candidates, agents and the concerned parties:If anyone or any particular group tries to disrupt peace and harmony during the polls, or tries to violate the electoral code of conduct, they will be strictly subdued by law enforcement members.SWAT, the Bomb Disposal Unit and the Dog Squad will be ready for any emergency situation."
"The security of every Bangladeshi citizen is very important to us. Not just Dr Kamal Hossain or the other national leaders, but every citizen will be assured safety and security upon investigation and proof. We are on high alert regarding this," he added.
No 'important' polling centres in Dhaka
When asked about the strategy of the police for "important" voting booths in Dhaka, the DMP commissioner said:"There is always the element of risk present during the election period. The candidates and their agents sometimes violate the electoral code of conduct,being overexcited, and in some cases use their muscle power to serve their own interests."
"Taking all things into consideration, we call a voting centre or a particular constituency 'important', although nothing of that sort is present in Dhaka," he said.
"We are all prepared to counter and handle any given situation. We are fully committed to ensure a safe and sound environment for the voters and for every citizen of the country as a whole. I urge everyone to come and vote without any fear or hesitation," he added.
