Local admins flag arms inflow, bail to criminals ahead of polls

Top officials of local administrations have voiced serious concerns over the influx of illegal arms and criminals through border routes as well as the granting of bail to listed offenders ahead of the 13th national election and the referendum.

The concerns were raised on Tuesday at a conference at the Election Commission Secretariat auditorium in Agargaon. The event was attended by deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, DIGs of all ranges, divisional commissioners and regional election officers.

Citing potential risks to law and order, they called for heightened security at polling centres near border areas and emphasised close monitoring of criminal movements to prevent any attempt to destabilise the electoral environment.

Officials reiterated a zero-tolerance policy to maintain law and order, strengthen border security and prevent the misuse of technology, pledging to ensure a free, fair, neutral and festive election atmosphere.

The divisional commissioner of Sylhet said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployment was crucial, as weapons and criminals often enter through border areas.

He stressed strengthening security at nearby polling centres, tracking criminal movements and preventing crimes being orchestrated from inside prisons. Identified criminals, he said, should not be granted bail under any circumstances.

The divisional commissioner of Khulna highlighted criminal groups operating in Daulatpur of Kushtia, saying firm action was needed and that joint drills at upazila and district levels could deter wrongdoing.

The divisional commissioner of Mymensingh called for better coordination with the judiciary to curb indiscriminate bail. 

The Dhaka Range DIG said police were committed to holding a free and fair election, adding that the overall situation was normal and the polls would be conducted in a festive environment.

The Chattogram Range DIG criticised what he described as exaggerated media portrayals of law and order, urged responsible reporting and said political pressure was often applied for the release of arrested individuals.

He also stressed the need for practical training for presiding officers.

The commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police said law enforcers would focus on arresting terrorists, recovering illegal arms and collecting licensed firearms, while also countering rumours on social media.

The commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police said the BTRC had been alerted to stop AI-generated fake images or videos and stressed strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam said Bangladesh Police had the capacity to ensure a peaceful election and would take firm administrative measures to maintain law and order.

He said instability would not be tolerated. He also welcomed the Election Commission’s move to empower Electoral Inquiry Committees to conduct summary trials.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the views expressed by field officials had strengthened his resolve. He urged DCs and SPs to remove illegal posters, establish complaint centres and ensure communal harmony, warning against any form of bias. Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar said the upcoming polls must be the best in the country’s history, adding that even minor coordination failures would not be taken lightly.

He reiterated that the Election Commission was independent and accountable only to the law.