No need to deploy army for Thakurgaon-1 by-polls, says EC Sanaullah

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah today (14 October) said there is no need to deploy an army for the Thakurgaon-1 by-polls, as the number of law enforcement personnel deployed for the polls is three times higher than that of the 12 February parliamentary election.

"The electoral environment remains satisfactory so far. Adequate law enforcement personnel will be deployed at polling stations, which will also be monitored by CCTV cameras. Considering the existing security arrangements, there is no need to deploy the army for this by-election," he said.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with members of the law and order cell, vigilance and observation teams, and other officials concerned at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office at around 10:00am today.

Earlier, at an administrative meeting held at the Thakurgaon Circuit House, the election commissioner instructed law enforcement agencies and relevant officials to remain prepared to ensure that the by-election to the Thakurgaon-1 constituency was conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner.

The meeting emphasised maintaining normal law and order, enforcing the electoral code of conduct and ensuring an environment in which voters could cast their ballots without obstruction.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed attended the meeting as a special guest. Deputy Commissioner of Thakurgaon Mohammad Rafiqul Islam chaired it.

Participants discussed the overall law and order situation surrounding the by-election, measures to maintain a peaceful electoral environment and stronger coordination among the agencies involved in election management.

The election commissioner arrived in Thakurgaon yesterday night to assess security preparations on the ground and provide necessary instructions to election officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and orderly by-election.