No One to Be Posted in Own or In-Laws’ Area During Election: Press Secretary

The announcement was made by Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, at a press conference held on Wednesday (October 29) afternoon.

According to him, a high-level meeting on election preparations took place earlier in the day at the State Guest House Jamuna, where the Chief Advisor gave a series of instructions to ensure neutrality and fairness in the upcoming national elections.

“The Chief Advisor emphasized that no officer should be posted in their own area or their in-laws’ area, and no one should be stationed where their relatives are running for election,” the press secretary said.

He added that the nearly two-hour-long meeting discussed several key issues, including social media misinformation, appointments of election officials, training, and law and order control during the election period.

Discussing election security, Shafiqul Alam said the Bangladesh Army and Navy will jointly deploy about 92,500 personnel during the election — 90,000 from the Army and the rest from the Navy. In addition, special security arrangements will be in place 72 hours before and after the polling day.

The Home Affairs Advisor informed the meeting that a list of law enforcement officials for all 64 districts has already been prepared. The Chief Advisor also instructed that the most competent officers be assigned to the most sensitive and high-risk areas.

The press secretary further said that it has been decided to exclude from duty any officials — including Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), and Magistrates — who were involved in any of the last three elections.

“Anyone who had even a minimal role in the last three elections — whether as a Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, or Polling Officer — will not be included in election duties this time,” he stated.

On the issue of misinformation, he said, “There was an extensive discussion on how false information and propaganda are spreading through social media. Two committees will be formed — one being the Central Coordination Committee, which will oversee coordination down to the upazila level.”

He also mentioned that Parliament Television, previously run under BTV, will now be used to broadcast election-related programs and information, as there is currently no sitting parliament.