The Election Commissioner made these remarks to reporters at his office at the Election Building on Tuesday (January 27).

He said, "The returning or assistant returning officers in charge of the election cannot take any side. They will only motivate the people. However, if government officials participate in any other campaign, I will not comment on that. However, the commission is working completely independently as a constitutional institution."

Addressing the election officials, he said that returning and assistant returning officers will not be able to take any side in the referendum to be held alongside the upcoming parliamentary elections. They can only motivate the people to vote in accordance with their legal obligations. However, it will be completely illegal to participate in campaigning for any particular party.

Responding to a question about attacks and threats against candidates in the election field, the Commissioner said, "Although political parties have expressed concerns, the Election Commission does not see any concern. The news we are receiving through various media and what we are seeing through field visits, the environment is satisfactory. All small and big parties are coming to us, we are taking immediate action according to their suggestions. Specific instructions have been given to the law enforcement agencies. In addition, the army, navy, air force, coast guard, police, Ansar and even BNCC have been involved to ensure the security of voters."

Giving the latest information on violations of the electoral code of conduct, he said that mobile courts have been conducting extensive activities across the country from January 8 to January 26. There were 144 violations of the code of conduct in 128 constituencies. 94 cases have been filed and a total fine of Tk 955,500 has been imposed.

He also said that this time the candidates have given a pledge to abide by the code of conduct along with their nomination papers, which has resulted in a much cleaner environment on the ground. This has not been seen in the past.

Regarding the results of the vote, he said that since the parliamentary elections and the referendum are held simultaneously, it may take some time. However, most of the results will be available by midnight or late at night.

Regarding the installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations, he said, "Information is being collected from the field level. The number of centers where CCTV has been installed locally will be announced later."