Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Returning Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian has called on polling officials to perform their duties with absolute honesty and neutrality ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the Referendum.
He made the remarks on Monday while addressing a views-exchange meeting and day-long election training programme for polling officials of Satkania Upazila as the chief guest.
"Bangladesh has reached its current position through the sacrifice of much blood. At this critical time of healing national wounds, there can be no question of selling one's conscience. Any form of dishonesty in carrying out this sacred electoral duty will not be tolerated," the DC said.
Addressing presiding and polling officers at the programme held at the Satkania Upazila Parishad hall, Zahidul Islam urged them to remember their children while performing election duties, noting that the future generation would grow up in the country shaped by today's actions.
He warned against bias, nepotism, or negligence in election duties, saying that the voting process in both the election and the referendum would be monitored round-the-clock through security applications, CCTV surveillance, and body-worn cameras. Any negligence, he said, would not be condoned.
On the Referendum, the DC said voters would naturally seek clarification and information. Polling officials must therefore have clear knowledge of referendum-related rules and procedures and provide accurate information to voters. There would be no scope for misleading explanations or avoiding responsibility.
He further said that while individuals might have personal political preferences, such sentiments must not be reflected while performing election duties. "Loyalty during elections must be to the state and to one's constitutional responsibility alone," he added.
Among others, Chattogram Police Superintendent Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, Deputy Director of Local Government Golam Mainuddin Hasan, Additional DC (General) Md Sharif Uddin, Major Akhlaf of the 9 Field Regiment Artillery, Ansar and VDP Director and District Commandant (Additional Charge) Mostak Ahmed, and Senior District Election Officer Mohammad Bashir Ahmed were present at the programme.
A total of 126 presiding officers, 710 assistant presiding officers, and 1,420 polling officers from Satkania Upazila took part in the day-long training. The sessions covered election laws, roles and responsibilities of polling officials, polling centre management, ballot and referendum procedures, and measures to deal with unexpected situations.
The programme was chaired by Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khondker Mahmudul Hasan.
