Shafiqul Alam dismisses polls confusion, security concerns

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday ruled out any confusion or security threats surrounding the upcoming general election and referendum, saying that certain quarters are deliberately spreading misinformation about the polls.

“The identities and past roles of those spreading confusion are clear to us. With 37 days remaining before the election, we are fully prepared to conduct it,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing held at Foreign Service Academy.

Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was also present at the briefing.

Addressing security arrangements, Alam said the confidence of the security forces; including police, military and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), has strengthened after successfully managing several large-scale events in recent weeks.

He cited the funeral of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Shaheed Osman Hadi, the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and the massive political rally that followed, as well as the state funeral of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, all of which drew unprecedented crowds.

Responding to questions on the security of candidates contesting the February 12 polls, Alam said law enforcement agencies have been coordinating with political parties and have already provided protection, including gunmen where necessary, to those who require it.

On the issue of transparency in Election Commission’s hearing of nomination appeals, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad said the EC is independently ensuring transparency, while the government continues to monitor the process.

“The Commission is proceeding strictly on the basis of documents, without regard to individuals or party affiliation. Everyone will receive justice,” he added.

SH