Armed forces allowed inside polling stations; chaos to be dealt with strictly: Home adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said any kind of chaos at polling stations will be dealt with strictly, as armed forces members are being allowed inside polling stations for the first time.

“Any disruption at polling centers will be dealt with strictly. There will be no tolerance for anyone trying to obstruct the election,” he said while talking to reporters after a views-exchange meeting on law and order ahead of the national election at Faridpur Deputy Commissioner office.

Officials from five districts of greater Faridpur including district administration, police, army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and election officers attended the meeting.

The Home Affairs Adviser said the law-and-order situation is under control and the election is expected to be peaceful.

“In Bangladesh history, no election has seen the deployment of so many law enforcement personnel. This election is being conducted more smoothly than ever before. I seek everyone’s prayers,” he added.

Responding to questions on women wearing burqas at polling stations, he said the Election Commission has clarified the rules.

Female Ansar members will be present at each polling station to take necessary action, if needed.