By NNN-BSS,
Rangpur, Bangladesh : Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed directed the government officials to take measures so that the voters can cast their votes without fear in the upcoming general and upazila elections.
He also instructed them to take proper steps to ensure that the counting of votes and announcement of results can be made maintaining accountability and credibility.
The Chief Adviser said this while exchanging views with the government officials of Rajshahi Division at the RDRS auditorium in Rangpur on Saturday.
Adviser for Home Adviser Major Gen (retd) MA Matin, Adviser for Education Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Cabinet Secretary M Abdul Aziz, Home Secretary Abdul Karim and Education Secretary Momatazul Islam addressed the meeting.
Rajshahi Divisional Commissiiner Mohammad Hafizur Rahman gave the address of welcome. Dr Fakhruddin called upon the government officials to discharge their responsibilities with utmost honesty and sincerity rising above all sorts of fear, greed and influences for holding a free, fair and credible election.
He said the present government is determined to hold a peaceful election free from terrorism, anarchy, influence of black money and muscle power.
In this connection, the Chief Adviser directed the members of law enforcing agencies to take all necessary measures and strictly follow the rules for preventing any attempt, which may hinder the process towards holding the upcoming election in a credible manner.
Sounding a note of caution, he told officials concerned and members of law enforcing agencies that any negligence in discharging their duties would not be tolerated.
Dr Fakhruddin said the government is pledged bound to hold next general election and hand over power to an elected democratic government. He said all necessary preparation have already been taken in this regard.
He hoped that the people of the country are eagerly waiting for casting their votes to elect honest and dedicated candidates in the next general elections.
Terming exercising of voting rights as sacred duty of voter, the Chief Adviser directed the officials to ensure security and maintaining law and order so that people could cast their vote in an atmosphere of festivity.
“The government will provide all measures to ensure your safety and provide logistic support in this regard,” he added.
Referring to pre-election responsibilities of government officials, he said the main objective of the government is to resist evil forces who might create anarchy and terrorism during the upcoming elections.
Dr Fakhruddin asked the members of law and enforcing agencies to increase the vigilance of their intelligence network, mobile, patrol duty and anti-terror drives to ensure holding of peaceful polls across the country.
He asked the BDR and other concerned agencies to remain alert so that the terrorists, who are now staying abroad could not enter in the country during the polls.
About the responsibility of government officials on polling day, the Chief Adviser said apart from regular forces, mobile and striking forces would be deployed in and around the voting centres to ensure three-tire securities, he said the forces have to remain alert to ensure security in their place of duty.
In this connection, he directed the members of law and enforcing agencies to put especial importance on ensuring security of women, old people and members of minority community so that they could exercise their rights of franchise in a peaceful manner.
Referring to post election responsibilities, he said officials concerned have to remain alert to prevent attack on supporters of opponent candidates, especially people of minority community.
Dr Fakhruddin expressed his confidence that a free, fair and neutral election would be held with the support of all which would ensure handing over power to a democratically elected government.