We will present an excellent selection

Just three days after the end of the 17-year long agony of disenfranchised citizens being unable to choose their representatives through various gimmicks, including dummy and night voting, Bangladesh is entering the month of mourning, where there is a lot of excitement behind security fears and sinister rumors.

By keeping Awami League banned and registration suspended, how orderly and fair and peaceful will the polling day of the Thirteenth National Parliament elections be kept? The Election Commission and security forces are constantly answering these questions; Even the interim government. However, contrary to the message of hope, there are also voices of fear, discussions and analysis are going on.

In this context, Election Commissioner (EC) Anwarul Islam Sarkar spoke openly with the mediapersons on the night of February 8 to highlight the Election Commission's overall preparations, security measures, monitoring activities, technical surveillance and the commission's message to the voters for the polling in 299 constituencies on February 12. His voice expressed his determination to put aside all fears and present the 'best election in history'.

Question: Only three days left for voting. Questions are still being raised in the public mind whether the polling will be held on February 12 or not. There are also concerns about the law and order situation. How confident is the Election Commission in this situation?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: On behalf of the Election Commission, I want to say clearly that there is no cause for fear. All the apprehensions about the election, we have already overcome them with the cooperation of everyone. InshAllah, I will be able to present a beautiful, peaceful and acceptable election on February 12. I strongly want to say that on the 12th we will present an excellent election. Compared to the past elections in the history of Bangladesh, this election environment is better.

Question: There is concern among political parties and common people about the law and order situation. Army and magistrates have already been deployed in the field. How many people will be in charge?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: Around 11 to 1.2 lakh members of all forces will be engaged to maintain law and order in the elections. All have one goal – to present one of the best elections in the history of Bangladesh. The election will be conducted in a coordinated manner under the leadership of the Returning Officers and under the supervision of the Election Commission. Everyone will perform duties under their command to maintain law and order. We feel that the law and order situation has improved a lot compared to the previous situation. I would say that the law and order situation this year is better than the previous elections. All the forces will carry out their duties in concert.

Question: How will monitoring cell and media cell work on election day?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: Each constituency will have multiple monitoring teams, including electoral, judicial and executive magistrates, monitoring committees and law and order cells. The data will be collected every two hours and sent to the Central Monitoring Cell along with District and Regional Election Offices. These data are also available in real-time through our automation system.

Question: What measures have been taken to prevent rumors and false propaganda and violation of code of conduct on social media?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: Our fact-finding cell is monitoring electronic, print and social media everywhere. Which information is true, which is false; After verifying it, legal action is being taken as required.

Question: Is there any other system of technical surveillance besides CCTV cameras in the polling station?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: CCTV cameras are installed in centers where there is uninterrupted power supply. Besides, body-worn cameras will also be provided for officials. It will increase transparency.

Question: As the referendum and the National Assembly elections are held on the same day, there are indications that the results may be delayed. Some say it may take three days. What is the preparation of the commission?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: We are not calculating this for days. Voting will be held on February 12. It will be 12th until 12:00 PM on that day, then 13th will start at 12:00 PM. Our hope and effort is to get the results by February 13. It is not supposed to take the whole 13th. Because multiple devices and modern systems will be used to collect the results.

Question: Can the count continue till 12 midnight or beyond?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: It is difficult to say precisely. Results may take time in some remote and backward areas. There may be a slight delay if the board results of some centers come late.
But now the communication system is much better than before. As such, the delay is not serious. Result will be declared in due time.

Question: Many are concerned about illegal weapons and security risks. What is the Commission's position on this matter?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: The operation of joint forces is going on. Most of the looted weapons have already been recovered. More will be saved. The commission is on high alert to keep elections safe.

Question: What is the Commission's role in ensuring safety and independent working environment for journalists?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: The press will work completely independently – this is the position of the Election Commission. If any journalist is obstructed or purposefully harassed, it will be severely repressed. Law enforcement agencies have been given clear instructions in this regard.

Question: Leaders of many women's organizations have expressed special concern about the safety of women voters. How is the commission looking at the matter?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: Our aim is to ensure the safety of all voters, not just women. Security forces have been deployed on such a large scale so that everyone, regardless of men and women, can vote freely. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

Question: What is your message to voters?

Anwarul Islam Sarkar: The Election Commission has completed all the preparations. I appeal to all the voters, come to the polling station without fear, vote for the candidate of your choice. Let's all present a beautiful and acceptable election.