Minority security and voter rights protection are top priorities for elections

Dec 24, 2025
Politics

Photo: Briefing session with returning officers and field administration by the Election Commission (Collected)

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections and referendum, field administration and top police officials identified illegal arms, online misinformation, rumors, border security weaknesses, and bail for identified criminals as major challenges.

During a briefing and exchange session at the Election Commission in Agargaon on Tuesday, officials discussed practical experiences, highlighted problems, and suggested measures to address them.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin instructed field administration and law enforcement personnel to perform their duties professionally and impartially. Four other election commissioners emphasized strict adherence to election laws, regulations, and codes of conduct.

The meeting was attended by divisional commissioners of eight divisions, eight DIGs of police, 64 district commissioners and police superintendents, and regional and district officials of the Election Commission, totaling 226 participants.

Officials stated that threats of violence and disorder around elections cannot be ignored. Last year’s mass looting of arms during public uprisings complicates election security. While some illegal arms have been recovered, many remain in circulation.

Field officers considered misinformation on social media a major threat for the upcoming elections. They suggested increased monitoring of border areas, tracking activities of criminals on bail, restricting mobile phone usage for prisoners, and strengthening joint force operations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Chief IGP Baharul Alam said that despite past challenges, the police are more prepared than ever to maintain law and order during elections and requested continued support for strict measures from the Election Commission.

CEC A. M. M. Nasir Uddin emphasized that restoring public trust in the Election Commission for conducting free and fair elections is the biggest challenge. Protection of minority communities, communal harmony, and ensuring voters’ uninterrupted voting rights are top priorities. Experts also highlighted that a coordinated effort by administration and law enforcement is essential, along with responsible behavior from political parties, to ensure a peaceful and acceptable election.