Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General and Additional IGP AKM Shahidur Rahman on Wednesday assured voters that there is no threat to them in Thursday’s national election, warning that those attempting to disrupt the polls will face strict action.
“The risk in this election is for those who want to sabotage it,” he said while responding to a question at a press briefing held at Rajdhani High School in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital. “Those who attempt fake voting, snatch ballot boxes, attack polling centres, or violate the law by rejecting the results will be at risk.”
Emphasising RAB’s firm stance against violations of the electoral code of conduct, the RAB chief said the force remains highly vigilant.
“Those involved in such offences are being detained. From today until the election, we will remain on the highest alert,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies are working in coordination with executive and judicial magistrates to ensure a smooth process.
When asked about the number of RAB personnel deployed, Shahidur Rahman said the force is operating jointly with other law enforcement agencies.
“With our manpower alone, it is not possible to cover all polling centres. We are working together with all forces to prevent any potential disruption,” he added.
Addressing concerns about possible disorder at polling centres, he said law enforcers would take immediate action if any untoward incident occurs.
“If a conducive voting environment cannot be ensured, polling will be suspended. Depending on the Election Commission’s decision, voting at a centre or even in a constituency may be halted and rescheduled if necessary,” he said.
Reiterating his warning, the RAB DG said those involved in sabotage, ballot snatching, fake voting or attacks on polling centres would face the toughest legal measures.
“If anyone creates disorder by refusing to accept the results, we will act without hesitation within our legal mandate,” he said.
RAB has been deployed as a striking and mobile force in all 64 districts and eight metropolitan areas since February 8 and the deployment will continue throughout election day, he said.
Shahidur Rahman added that adequate measures have also been taken to maintain law and order after the election, expressing confidence that the pre-election period had passed more smoothly than many had anticipated.
SH
