CEC tells security forces not to harass polling agents

CEC tells security forces not to harass polling agents

Dhaka, Dec 29 (Just News): Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K M Nurul Huda, on Saturday, instructed all law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of polling agents on duty during the general elections tomorrow (Sunday).

“Unless there are specific allegations against them [the polling agents], no member of law enforcement will arrest or harass them,” the CEC said during a pre-election press conference.

He was referring to news that emerged on Saturday, alleging that polling agents were being harassed in different ways.

Huda also instructed law enforcement to maintain strict law and order on election day.

"After all the votes have been cast, the presiding officer will start counting votes—inside the polling station—in the presence of polling agents, journalists, and other individuals concerned and provide a result sheet to every agent," said the CEC.

He urged them not to leave the polling station until they are handed the election result sheet.

Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Army have been deployed, since December 24, nationwide.

Since the election schedule was announced on November 8, the Election Commission has been the governing body for law enforcement, and other administrative duties, taking over from the current government.