Agriculture Minister: Polls to be held in January first week

Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque said that the election will be conducted by the Election Commission.

The minister emphasized that the commission possesses ample power to take action against any individual attempting to manipulate the election, including the option of disciplinary measures or dismissal of government officers.

He said these things in response to questions from journalists at the free medical camp program at Pirgacha Sait Paul's High School in Tangail’s Madhupur upazila on Friday afternoon.

Dr Razzaque expressed optimism that the upcoming election would be conducted smoothly and peacefully. However, he voiced concerns about the attempts by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to disrupt the election process, citing their involvement in nationwide disturbances since October 28, including the burning of vehicles and fatal attacks on police officers.

Calling on law enforcement agencies to enforce strict measures, the minister highlighted the BNP's efforts to hinder the electoral process and urged security forces to remain vigilant. He noted that despite the disruptive activities, the BNP would not succeed in preventing the election.

Dr Razzaque emphasized that maintaining public safety and protecting property are non-negotiable priorities, stressing that law enforcement should not compromise on these matters, especially in the face of hartals, blockades, and politically motivated violence by the BNP.