CEC Nasir hopes law and order will 'stabilise before polls'

He says the situation has been gradually improving in recent weeks

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin expects the country’s law and order to stabilise before the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum, pointing to gradual improvements in recent weeks.

Speaking on Wednesday after observing an election drill at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Dhaka's Pilkhana, the CEC said the Election Commission (EC) would work with all stakeholders to prevent untoward incidents during the polls.

“We are not saying the law and order situation is ideal now. But if you compare it with the period after the 5th of August, it will stabilise by the time the election rolls around,” he said.

Nasir praised the mock exercise, which simulated responses to potential disruptions on polling day, saying it demonstrated the preparations being made by election officials and security forces.

“We will prevent any unwanted situation. I hope there will be no such incidents. People understand the situation, and political parties want a good election. With everyone’s cooperation, we will succeed.”

He added that the drill provided an example of the EC's plan for conducting a well-organised vote.

On the readiness of security agencies, the CEC said they were “committed” to ensuring a safe election environment and had been training personnel accordingly.

“This drill will have an impact on maintaining law and order. We have promised the nation that we will deliver a good election. With the [cooperation of] law-enforcing agencies and 130 million voters, we will achieve that.”