5 City Polls: Law enforcers for throttling internet speed

A section of law enforcers proposed throttling the internet speed during the upcoming polls to five city corporations at a meeting with the Election Commission yesterday.

The EC turned down the proposal, saying that it might backfire, said several sources, who attended the meeting, held at the EC office.

After the meeting, Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam said the law enforcers informed them that there is no possibility of any major sabotage or deterioration of law and order centring the polls, slated for May 25, June 12 and June 21.

Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said they would take necessary steps to control law and order.

He said the EC directed them to ensure an environment for free and fair polls. "We have assured them of performing our duties as per the directive of the Election Commission."

About the allegation of police favouring some candidates, the IGP said, "I don't think so. We have been performing election duties for many years following the law."

Several sources attended the meeting told this newspaper that more than one representative of law enforcement agencies proposed throttling the internet speed, citing that it would be helpful for them to maintain law and order as well as contain the spread of rumors.

They said, "In the meeting, the chief election commissioner said throttling internet speed will raise questions at home and abroad."

The EC advised the law enforcement agencies to take steps to stop the spread of rumors on social media so that no disinformation is spread.

According to the sources, the commission said the image of the commission as well as the administration and the law enforcement agencies should be upheld by ensuring that voters cast their votes freely.

In the meeting, the EC also asked the law enforcers to take measures so that the recurrence of irregularities in Gaibandha-5 by-polls does not take place.

The EC held the meeting with secretaries of several ministries and top officials of Rab, BGB, Coast Guard, NSI and others.

Elections to Gazipur City Corporation will be held on May 25, Khulna and Barishal city corporations on June 12 and Rajshahi and Sylhet city corporations on June 21.