Polls training of officials done, cameras ready

The Election Commission yesterday asked Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to prepare to record on December 10 CEC AMM Nasir Uddin's address to the nation unveiling the polls schedule.

The address will be delivered at the EC office in Agargaon.

Speaking to reporters at the Election Bhaban in the afternoon, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that although the address will be recorded on December 10, it may be broadcast either on the same day or the following day.

"The EC has already sent letters to BTV and Bangladesh Betar in this regard."

In the 12th national election, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal announced the polls schedule live on both state-run broadcasters. This time, the EC has decided to record the address.

Meanwhile, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that all necessary preparations for the upcoming national election have been completed, including training for law enforcement agencies, procurement of body-worn cameras, and ensuring electricity at every polling centre.

He said this while briefing journalists after the 17th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the home ministry conference room in the Secretariat.

The adviser also said the recovery process for looted weapons is ongoing.

Asked whether a level-playing field has been ensured for the election, he said, "We want to deliver a free and fair election."

Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday said the EC has yet to ensure a level-playing field.

The party also expressed concerns over the worsening law and order situation as the country prepares for the polls and July Charter referendum in mid-February.

Jamaat expressed these concerns when a six-member delegation met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Bhaban in Dhaka's Agargaon in the afternoon.

Speaking to reporters after the hour-and-a-half-long meeting, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, "We are witnessing serious disturbances during our campaigns. Party meetings are being attacked, and even women involved in voter outreach are being harassed, attacked, and injured.