Shafiqul rules out confusion, security threats centring polls

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday dismissed any confusion and security threats centring the upcoming general elections and the referendum, saying that a specific quarter is spreading the confusion over the polls.

“The profiles of those who are spreading confusion over the polls are clear to us. Their past roles and motives are also clear,” he said, adding that with 37 days remaining before the election, the government is well prepared to hold the elections.

The press secretary made the remarks while replying to a question from a journalist at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday evening.

Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was present at the briefing.

About security measures, he said the confidence level of the security forces, including police, military, and BGB, is now stronger than before, as they have successfully managed three unprecedented large-scale events in recent times.

The events were a major funeral of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi, the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the massive political gathering on that day and the state funeral of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, which saw historic crowd numbers.

Responding to another question on security of contesting candidates in the upcoming polls slated for 12 February, Shafiqul said that security agencies have been in consultation with political parties, and candidates who require security have already been provided protection, including gunman, where necessary.

About Election Commission’s transparency in hearing over appeal to get back candidature, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad said the EC itself is maintaining the transparency while the government is monitoring the process.

The EC is moving forward based on documents irrespective of persons or political party affiliation, he said, adding, everyone will get justice in this regard.