CA assures EU of free, fair election: Says law enforcers ready to tackle disruption attempts

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday assured the European Union polls observers that the upcoming national election and referendum would be held in a free, fair, peaceful, and festive environment.

At a meeting with the head of the EU polls observers delegation Ivars Ijabs, Latvian political scientist and politician; EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller; and others at the State Guest House Jamuna, he said people linked to the fallen autocratic regime may try to disrupt the election and that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to handle any situation.

Yunus added that one of the biggest challenges is the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media. “False information is often being used to incite violence.”

Thanking the EU for sending an observation mission, he told the meeting that all political parties will get a level playing field, stressing that a fair election is crucial for Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

He added that law enforcers will be equipped with body-worn cameras in polling centres considered “risky”, and that a central app will be monitoring the footage. “This will allow authorities to monitor activities from Dhaka and all districts and upazilas. All centres will also have CCTVs so that those causing trouble can be identified. Besides, the army will remain deployed as a rapid response striking force.”

Yunus also acknowledged at the meeting that an EU delegation observing the polls was a major step for Bangladesh’s journey towards a democratic transition.

Following the meeting, CA Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told journalists that the chief adviser told the delegation that women and young people had expressed a strong interest in voting. The CA said he expects a good voter turnout.

Shafiqul added that there was no discussion about the Awami League or its participation in the polls.

He said the interim government is campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the referendum, adding that it sought opinions from senior legal experts on whether it can do so. “They said there was no legal barrier in doing so.”

The press secretary claimed that the law-and-order situation is now well under control. “A few incidents have occurred, but both the Election Commission and the government believe the overall situation remains stable and satisfactory.”

He said law enforcement agencies successfully handled situations surrounding the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, the return of Tarique Rahman to the country, and the funeral of Khaleda Zia. He mentioned that the law enforcers also played an active role in arresting those responsible for several high-profile incidents, including the killing of Swechhasebak Dal leader Aziaur Rahman Musabbir.

“Everyone is enjoying all the necessary facilities related to the election. Both small and large parties are getting a level playing field, and all will continue to enjoy equal opportunities even after the official election campaign begins. The government is not giving any extra advantage to any party.”

Responding to a reporter’s question regarding fake news, Shafiqul said the CA Office regularly issues alerts from its official page in this regard. “Coordinated efforts are underway involving government bodies, including the ICT Division and BTRC. We believe everyone, including the media, has a responsibility in this regard.”

He urged newspapers and all media outlets to conduct their own fact-checking and help prevent the spread of false and fake information ahead of the election.

Noting that around 120 million people are likely Facebook users and about 60 million use TikTok, Shafiqul said it takes several hours to intervene on even one such large platform.

He also expressed frustration over not receiving timely feedback from the platforms.