United News of Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday reaffirmed that all stakeholders are committed to ensuring a transparent, fair, and widely accepted election. “There is no political bias among those involved in the election. There is no such thing as an Awami League ally here. Everyone is prepared to conduct the election smoothly, and all are honest and capable officers,” he said. The adviser made the remarks while responding to journalists after addressing a views-sharing meeting at the PTI auditorium in the capital in the afternoon, organised to ensure the smooth conduct of the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum 2026. He said election preparations in Sylhet were highly satisfactory, noting that the local administration had made better arrangements than expected. “Maximum security will be ensured at every polling centre,” he said, adding that security apps, CCTV cameras and body cameras would be used at the centres. Dog squads and drones would also be deployed if necessary. The adviser mentioned that 10 Ansar members will be deployed at each polling centre—six male and four female—with three of them armed. “This year’s security preparations are stronger and more modern than in previous elections,” he said, adding that striking forces and mobile teams would also be deployed as part of the security measures. No possibility of postponing or destabilising Feb-12 election: Home Adviser When asked about comments made by an election commissioner regarding government officials allegedly campaigning in favour of the referendum, the adviser said he did not wish to comment as he had not heard the statement. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam attended the meeting as a special guest, while Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani presided over the event.