Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found negligent in the discharge of their duties.
He made the remarks on Sunday morning while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting with members of law enforcement agencies, vigilance and observation teams, and relevant officials ahead of the Bogra-6 (Sadar) by-election.
The Election Commissioner said, “The 13th parliamentary election was conducted in a neutral manner, without conflict or bloodshed. This being a by-election does not make it any less important. The Commission is giving it equal priority. Strict action will be taken against anyone who shows negligence in their responsibilities.”
He added, “In the previous election, controversy arose due to the carelessness of some presiding officers, which is in no way desirable. All concerned must remain vigilant to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.”
Referring to illegal and missing weapons, he said, “These matters must be given special attention. More than 400 pistols are still missing. Law enforcement agencies must remain alert to ensure they are not used for any malicious purposes.”
The meeting was chaired by Bogra Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, Akhter Ahmed, spoke as a special guest.
Among others present were Additional Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party Brigadier General Mamunur Rashid, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner ANM Bazlur Rashid, DIG of Rajshahi Range Shahjahan, Commanding Officer of Naogaon 16 BGB Lieutenant Colonel Ariful Islam Masum, Director of Ansar Rajshahi Range Shafiqul Islam, Bogra Superintendent of Police Mirza Sayem Mahmud, Commanding Officer of 40 Bir Lieutenant Tanvir Ahmed Tamal, and Returning Officer for the Bogra-6 by-election Fazlul Karim.
It may be noted that BNP Chairman and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was elected from the Bogra-6 constituency in the 13th parliamentary election. However, as he also won from Dhaka-17, he vacated the Bogra-6 seat. As a result, a by-election will be held in the constituency on April 9.
The candidates contesting the election are Md Abidur Rahman of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Md Rezaul Karim Badsha of BNP, and Md Al Alim Talukdar of the Bangladesh Development Party.
