Election Commission won’t give police unlawful instructions during local govt polls: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission (EC) will not issue any unlawful instructions to police during the upcoming local government elections, assuring that the polls will be held in a free, fair and credible manner like the 13th national election.

“Our commitment has no shortcomings. I can guarantee that the Election Commission will not give police any unlawful instructions during the election. They [police] have also promised that they will work to ensure a fair and credible election,” he made the remarks while speaking to journalists today (9 September) after a discussion titled “Enhancing the Skills and Capacity of Police to Perform Election Duties Professionally” at the Rajarbagh Police Lines Auditorium in the capital.

The CEC said the commission is preparing to hold local government elections very soon and would have to rely heavily on the capacity of the police.

He said he had requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrange training as soon as possible for personnel who would be deployed during the local polls but had not previously received election-related training.

“The IGP started the programme within about two weeks. Today was its inaugural event,” he said.

Nasir Uddin said both the Home Ministry and the Election Commission are committed to holding free, fair and credible elections.

“We want to conduct the local government elections at least at the same standard as the national election. We have sought police cooperation so that we can hold a credible and acceptable election,” he said.

He added that the Home Ministry was also fully committed to supporting the Election Commission.

The CEC said the national election had demonstrated the commission’s ability to deliver and helped restore public confidence in the Election Commission, civil service, police and other law enforcement agencies.

He said police are facing some logistical constraints, including a shortage of vehicles, as many were burned during July Movement and have yet to be replaced.

The training programme will cost around Tk22 crore, which police would have to spend from their regular training fund, making it difficult for the force, he said, adding that police had sought additional funding.

Nasir Uddin said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Ansar would also begin training in phases.

“We hope that together we will be able to present the nation with a good local government election,” he said.

“The situation now is not worse than what it was during the national election; rather, it has improved. I have confidence in the police. If they remain committed to fulfilling their responsibilities, they will be able to do it. The IGP has also assured me that they can,” he added.

On plans to reduce violence during the local government elections, Nasir Uddin said it was too early to disclose a concrete plan.

However, he said the commission would use CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras, digital monitoring, online monitoring and real-time monitoring of the ground situation so that authorities could intervene immediately when necessary.

Regarding the election schedule, the CEC said, “You will see it soon. Once everything is complete and the time comes to announce the schedule, it will be announced.”

On whether candidates associated with the Awami League, whose activities are banned, would face any restrictions in the non-partisan local elections, the CEC said eligibility would be determined by law.

“On the day nomination papers are submitted, those who are eligible under the law will be able to submit them. Those who are legally disqualified will not be able to. Everything is stated in the law. Those who are eligible will have their nominations declared valid,” he said.

Responding to a question on whether police would be able to work without pressure under a party government, Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir said the force would take all necessary measures, in line with Election Commission guidance, to ensure free and fair elections.

On whether police morale had been restored, he said, “You [journalists] and the people will say that. I believe we have been able to restore morale.”