8 top police officials to monitor law and order cells in the election

Bangladesh Police has formed a law and order monitoring and coordination committee and cell for the upcoming 11th general election.

The country has been divided into four zones that are under the responsibility of eight police higher officials that form the Law and Order Monitoring and Coordination Cell.

Meanwhile, a six-member law and order monitoring and coordination committee, under the Inspector General of police (IGP), has also been created. 

According to directive issued by police headquarters on November 11, these are the officials responsible for monitoring the cells in their respective areas.

The six-member committee consists of the IGP as president, the additional IGP (admin) as vice-president, DIG (operations) as secretary—as well as the additional IGP (finance and development), additional IGP (T&IM) and additional IGP (operations) as members. 

The directive from the police headquarters further mentions that the headquarters will provide all official, administrative, and logistical support for the cells. If necessary, the committee and cell can co-opt officials as well.

Work procedures of area-based cells

The directive, signed by IGP Md Javed Patwary, also talks about the work procedures of area- based cells. They are: 

1. Abide by the instructions provided by the Election Commission regarding law and order

2. Give necessary instructions to field-level officials to control law and order following the announcement of the election schedule

3. Maintain communication at all times and provide advice and instructions to all field-level officials and employees on maintaining law and order—to facilitate the organization of a free and fair election

4. Coordinate with different organizations – such as the Election Commission, the civil administration, detective agencies, RAB, BGB, Coast Guards, Ansars and others – and provide instructions and advice to field-level officials regarding the coordination

5. Follow rules and regulations to implement law and order, and maintain professionalism 

6. Provide technical guidance about how to organize community policing meetings, open house days and meetings to raise awareness against drugs and terrorism

7. Give instructions and advice regarding the fastest way to solve unwanted situations 

8. To monitor the behaviour and activities of each police member so the overall image of Bangladesh Police remains intact

9. Analyze the currents stocks of guns, explosives, and other riot materials, and if necessary, cooperate in securing these weapons at the police headquarters

10. Evaluate the location, infrastructure, electricity supply, water supply and other utility services in the poll centres

11. Attempt to increase the Special Branch's scrutiny of people who have played a major part in creating violence and chaos. 

The directive also mentions that all area-based cell members are also a part of the 11th General Election Monitoring and Coordination Committee.

Additional IGP (media) Shohel Rana said: "Before every election, a monitoring and coordination committee is made to look after law and order.

"However, this year, a cell has also been made alongside the committee," he said. "The ones who have been made responsible will fulfil their duties accordingly."