Following the announcement of the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the country’s first joint law-and-order drill and exchange meeting aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election was held in Chattogram.
The joint drill and meeting took place in Raozan upazila of the district, where the administration and law-enforcement agencies reiterated their firm and neutral stance regarding the election.
Earlier, on Saturday (13 Dec ), after the election schedule was announced, Chattogram District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah sparked discussion by imposing a fine of Tk 50,000 on BNP candidate Nazmul Mostafa Amin of Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara) Constituency for violating the electoral code of conduct—the first such action in the country after the schedule announcement.
Speaking as the chief guest at Monday’s (15 Dec) event in Raozan, Deputy Commissioner, District Magistrate, and Returning Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said that not only the people of the country but also the global community are watching Bangladesh. “We will deliver a free, fair, neutral, and acceptable election,” he said.
He stated that this election is not merely a change of power or a change of seats; rather, it is about shaping the roadmap for Bangladesh for the next 100 years. “How Bangladesh will be governed over the next century, how safe the country and its citizens will be, whether our children can live here properly and have their rights ensured—this election is a part of that process,” he added.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that everyone has responsibilities in this regard. “Neither I alone nor the Superintendent of Police alone can make this election festive. Participation from everyone is necessary,” he said, adding that merely performing duties at polling centers or maintaining neutrality is not enough. As citizens, people also bear responsibility for shaping society and determining the environment in which their children will grow up.
He further said that they want a safe state where no one is forced to flee and where everyone can live peacefully. To ensure this, public opinion must be considered, which is why a form of public mandate is being sought. “We want a beautiful Bangladesh,” he said.
He questioned whether Bangladesh can present itself proudly on the world stage and asserted that the country must demonstrate its capability by delivering such an election. “We will not take responsibility for failure. We must not bow to any vested interest,” he warned, urging sincerity and integrity from all involved.
Issuing a caution, he said, “We do not want to be strict; do not force us to be strict.” He added that the administration would visit every upazila and deliver a clear message: the election desired by the people, the government, and the world must be ensured. “There is no scope for failure. This country is ours, and building it beautifully is our responsibility,” he said, stressing the need to build public trust in ensuring every citizen’s and voter’s rights.
Referring to the sacrifices of 1952, 1971, 1990, and 2024, the Deputy Commissioner said people want peace, not bloodshed. “We want to build a state governed by strong and neutral systems, not by individuals,” he said, urging election officials not to sell their conscience or sense of duty for any interest. He reiterated that while the administration does not wish to be strict, it will be compelled to be so if anyone attempts to destabilize the situation.
Speaking at the event, Chattogram Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan said that under no circumstances would disruption of the voting environment in Raozan be allowed. He noted that joint force operations are ongoing in connection with the election and that regular operations are being conducted against armed criminals, sand mafias, and other miscreants.
Additional District Magistrate Syed Mahbubul Haque, District Election Officer Bashir Ahmed, and Raozan UNO S. M. Rahatul Islam were also present.
